“There is a principle which is pure, placed in the human mind, which in different places and ages hath had different names. It is, however, pure and proceeds from God. It is deep and inward, confined to no forms of religion nor excluded from any, where the heart stands in perfect sincerity. In whomsoever this takes root and grows, of what nation soever, they become brethren.” – John Woolman (1746)
As Quakers, and as Americans, we are saddened by the spate of violence and hostility being directed toward our brothers and sisters in the American Muslim community. During the past several months, they have experienced the burning of a mosque, attacks on religious schools, attacks on graves, violence and hostility directed at both children and adults, libelous and untrue charges, and intensifying abuse and discrimination.
Our testimonies of peace lead us to pursue measures to end the pain and suffering experienced by our friends and neighbors who have done us no harm. We believe that attacks on American Muslims are attacks upon all of us.
We call upon all Friends, all members of meetings, churches, synagogues, community organizations, and people of goodwill everywhere to stand alongside our Muslim brothers and sisters to pursue peace, answering that of God in all of us. We call upon our community to replace “tolerance” with understanding and respect, and sustained collaboration on issues of mutual concern.
We commit ourselves to renewed efforts to engage and embrace the difficult work of reconciliation, to help heal the wounds inflicted by ongoing trauma, and to stand in support of the Muslim community against this violence.