The term “Friends of the Truth” was the original name used by members of The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers). To Quakers, the Truth is related to the inner light of God’s presence within each and every one of us. Seeking and speaking Truth motivates us to create the following page to provide statements and actions that we believe are important to shine light on this Truth.
We Quakers believe in the inherent value of every person, in fostering peaceful and supportive community relationships, and in equal rights for all.
Given that we see that of God and the Light in every human, we speak out against no one person, but must speak out against actions of people in power that violate these beliefs.
Contents:
Statements We Support
Anti-apartheid statement
We’re joining @afsc_org and dozens of faith communities and organizations to support freedom, justice, and equality for the #Palestinian people and all people, and oppose #Israeli apartheid.
We are #ApartheidFree.
Learn more: https://apartheid-free.org
Genocide Discernment
The Frederick Friends Meeting has discerned and signed up to the following statement:
“As Quaker signatories, we commit to:
Advocate relentlessly for the end of the Israeli genocide in Gaza and the deliberate starvation campaign, a permanent ceasefire and accountability for atrocities committed in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Boycott settlement goods and divest from companies profiting from occupation, apartheid, or genocide (e.g., arms manufacturers, settlement financiers).
Reach out in love to Jewish, Muslim and Palestinian communities, confronting antisemitism, anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian hate while refusing to be silent in the face of oppression.
Highlight the voices of Palestinians, which have still been all-too-absent from media narratives.
Support humanitarian relief for Gaza and communities suffering under occupation in the West Bank.
Advocate for the universal human rights of all people in Palestine and Israel—
ensuring they can live in freedom and dignity, without fear, and with lasting peace
and security.”
Link for complete statement.
Shepherdstown Harms Minute
The Shepherdstown Harms Minute
Frederick Friends Harms Minute
Inspired by the Shepherdstown Harms Minute – An Alternate Harms Minute
Organizations We Support
- Friends Committee on National Legisliation (FCNL) – www.fcnl.org
- American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) – www.afsc.org
- Quaker Voice of Maryland – www.quakervoicemd.org
- Quaker Earthcare Witness (QEW) – www.quakerearthcare.org
- Braver Angels – https://centralmaryland.braverangels.org/
- Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake – https://www.interfaithchesapeake.org/
- Interfaith Power and Light – https://ipldmv.org/
- Beyond Shelter – https://bsfred.org/
- ACLU – https://www.aclu.org/
Actions
Stay tuned
Equality Action
Stay tuned
Climate Action
- FFM submitted testimony in support of the MD Bottle Bill. It proposed a refundable deposit on beverage containers. Similar programs worldwide result in 75 to 98% return rates.
- FFM submitted testimony in support of the Cherish Act. This bill would require Maryland agencies to evaluate cumulative community pollution rather than the single source of a permit applicant.
- FFM successfully applied for inclusion in QEW’s Global map of environmentally, active meetings worldwide.
Legislative Priorities
- Just immigration and the end to the human rights abuses of enforcement agencies such as ICE.
- Defense of the rights of nature for its own sake, beyond its usefulness to humanity, and the mitigation of human caused climate change.
- End all wars and genocides, especially those perpetrated by the US and its allies. End the production and distribution of weapons of war, especially nuclear weapons.
- Support institutions of democracy and voting rights. Curb the concentration of power in the hands of the wealthy/corporations. Reclaim Constitutional powers of Congress. Curb growing fascism and Christian Nationalism.
- Provide for the basic human needs of all. Uphold community rights, and the rights of all of our neighbors to dignity and the safety to build a life.