The right to vote in the United States was originally only for white male property owners 21 years old and older, then extended to males of all races in 1870, to women in 1920, to eliminate racial discrimination in 1965, and to lowering the voting age to eighteen in 1971. I was one of thousands personally campaigning for the last two efforts. As a Quaker, I got involved by being active in protests for civil rights and against the Vietnam War in the ’60s. I was a full-time activist and campaign manager for candidates of both parties at every level of government. I then spent the ’70s in Pennsylvania state government as Special Assistant to the Governor and Secretary of Commerce.
Read MoreEditor’s note: During this election season, when our political life in the United States seems especially contentious, Friends United Meeting has invited a variety of Friends to share their thoughts on how to navigate as a Quaker through these divided times. Our ninth installment is by Jennie Isbell Shinn, of New England Yearly Meeting. Living Expectantly in Politically Charged Times, or Any Time This election season, a familiar unrest and uncertainty are settling in my bones, again. I feel on edge and vigilant, even against my siblings who have different political affiliations. I remind myself that even the most faithful person cannot see into another’s heart, or fully know how God is at work in the other.
Read MoreJob 24:13 There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not abide in its paths. This scripture comes from Job as he complains about the violence on the earth. Most, if not all, of us complain about the violence on the earth, too. As we read Jesus’ words about being peacemakers, we Friends take them seriously. If we believe in the peace testimony, we seek ways to accomplish peace in all circumstances. To do that, we must abide with God to know how to handle situations where violence, in word or action, attacks the souls of its victims.
Read MoreObeying Jesus’ command to go and make disciples is a wonderful adventure in faith. I experienced this while working in the mission hospital in Kaimosi, Kenya many years ago. It began with God nudging me to go out into the villages and do small group studies. He revealed the way when Meshack came to pray with me at the hospital...
Read MoreThroughout our history, the people known as Friends (or Quakers) keep rediscovering an essential and enduring truth: There is one who speaks to our most basic needs and most significant hopes—Christ Jesus the Lord. Both individually and communally, we are learning to know and follow the Voice that guides us in the way we should go. Together, we seek to understand and obey that truth which sets us free. As a people, we share in the experience of that powerful life which makes all things new. Maybe you are searching for an authentic and transforming faith and community to call home—if so, come in and join us as we seek to know and follow Christ.
Friends United Meeting commits itself to energize and equip Friends through the power of the Holy Spirit to gather people into fellowships where Jesus Christ is known, loved, and obeyed as Teacher and Lord.