Observer Online | Viewpoints | Letters to the Editor

Posted Sept. 21, 2001

Quakers Urge Peaceful Resolution to Nation's Crisis

To the editor:

As part of our worship this past Sunday, Herndon Friends Meeting united behind a statement issued jointly by the following Quaker organizations: Friends World Committee for Consultation, Friends General Conference of the Religious Society of Friends, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends and American Friends Service Committee.

In our sincere hope that a "third way" will be found to avoid further bloodshed and suffering, we offer the text of the statement for the community to consider:

"As organizations of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), and as members of the human family and children of God, we are profoundly grieved at the loss of life, the suffering, and the sorrow that result from the tragic events of Sept. 11. The God of love and mercy whom we worship and serve surely grieves, too, in the face of these acts of anger and hatred and the suffering they cause. We pray earnestly for comfort and strength for those who are injured and grieving.

"So, too, we hope with all our hearts that in responding to these tragic events, all persons will find ways to end the violence that is consuming our world. We offer our gratitude and prayers to those who are responding to this tragedy, rescuing and caring for those who are injured, comforting those who are grieving, and working for peace and reconciliation.

"The Religious Society of Friends, since its inception in the 1650s, has been led to eschew war and all forms of violence for any end whatsoever. Time and again we have ministered to the victims of war and violence. We believe that the challenge before us all is to break the cycle of violence and retribution."

Ting-Yi Oei

Clerk, Herndon Friends Meeting