Modern Quaker Stories

When the federal government rescinded a decades-old policy protecting houses of worship from immigration raids, a group of Quakers filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security. Their argument is uniquely Quaker: the threat of armed agents in their meeting houses creates a “chilling effect” that doesn’t just lower attendance, it fundamentally obstructs their ability to worship, a practice which requires the presence of a diverse community to hear the full expression of God.

What happens when Quakers sue the government? What might be the unexpected ripple effects? And what does it mean for the future of religious freedom when standing by your principles lands you on the radar of a congressional committee?

A few months ago, twenty police officers smashed down the door of Westminster Quaker meetinghouse and arrested a handful of young activists as they sat eating hummus and breadsticks. This dramatic raid triggered a profound response from a faith community that hasn’t been the target of a similar action since the 17th century.
When the very act of dissent is being criminalized, how do we stand up for what is right? How do we demand justice while leaving the door open for reconciliation? Can silence, solidarity, and a simple cup of tea challenge the aggression of the state?

James Varner shares his passion to promote equality and love in Quaker circles and beyond.

Why would a virtually unknown Quaker entrepreneur attempt the impossible and run for president of the United States (in 2024)?

Friends schools are known for their holistic approach to education, and Friends Center for Children in New Haven, Connecticut, is no different. But this early childhood program has gone a few steps further.

What can we learn from Black Friends?

Take a peek behind the curtain of Thee Quaker Project.

Cultivating a farm and a spiritual awakening.

How do you trust a divine calling that seems to go against your community’s most cherished value: peace?