Spiritual State of the Baltimore Yearly Meeting Peace & Social Concerns Committee
Submitted by BYM's Peace & Concerns Committee
Our committee has been wrestling with how we live faithfully in a time marked by war, genocide, inequality, political polarization, particularly regarding race, and immigration. The discernment for this report is grounded by two guiding queries: how our actions align with our deepest beliefs, and what faithful non-cooperation with injustice looks like in our communities.
We affirm that our Quaker testimonies are not abstract ideals, but living commitments meant to be embodied in daily practice. This year we have been challenged to examine whether our outward actions fully reflect these inward convictions.
We have witnessed moments of faithfulness; like participation in local peace vigils and peaceful protests, support for marginalized neighbors, and efforts to educate ourselves on systemic injustice. In addition we have endorsed the “8 Quaker organizations discern Genocide is occurring in Gaza” Minute, the Shepherdstown “Harms” Minute, and the Apartheid Free Communities Pledge. The committee encourages monthly meetings and Baltimore Yearly Meeting to consider embracing these.
These actions reflect a sincere desire to live in truth and compassion. At the same time, we recognize areas where fear, convenience, or uncertainty may have limited our responsiveness. As a committee and as individuals there may have been times when we have remained silent rather than speaking truth, or chosen comfort over courageous witness.
This tension invites us into deeper spiritual grounding. Alignment requires ongoing discernment, humility, and accountability. It asks us to listen inwardly for guidance, and outwardly to those most impacted by injustice. We are reminded that faithfulness is not measured by perfection, but by our willingness to return, again and again, to the Light that guides us.
Our tradition calls us not only to oppose injustice in principle, but to withdraw our participation from systems and practices that perpetuate harm. We recognize that this can be extremely difficult. Faithful non-cooperation is both a spiritual discipline and a public witness. We acknowledge that non-cooperation is not always clear or easy. It requires discernment to understand where our complicity lies, and courage to act in ways that may be uncomfortable or countercultural. It also calls us to remain tender toward one another, recognizing that each Friend may be led differently in how they respond.
We feel called to deepen our practices of reflection, education, and action. This includes:
- Creating spaces for honest conversation about the challenges we face in living out our testimonies
- Building relationships with local organizations engaged in justice work
- Supporting our Monthly Meetings, and one another in acts of faithful witness, both large and small
In humility and hope, we offer this report as a reflection of our present condition and a commitment to continued faithfulness.