When the federal government rescinded a decades-old policy protecting houses of worship from immigration raids, a group of Quakers filed a lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security.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?
In times of political upheaval, when institutions feel unreliable and the future uncertain, how do we resist authoritarianism without becoming what we oppose? Daniel Hunter, co-founder of “Choose Democracy” and seasoned organizer, shares how Trump’s second election unexpectedly led him to claim his Quaker identity and discover how ancient Quaker principles provide a roadmap for modern resistance.
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?
Professor and activist Chloe Schwenke shares her journey as a transgender woman finding acceptance within her Quaker community while navigating increasing political attacks on trans rights. She explores the concept of “Quaker anger” as a spiritual response to injustice and calls for authentic action beyond just feeling stricken by current events. This conversation examines how faith communities can move from witnessing suffering to actively defending human dignity in times of crisis.
As DEI Initiatives come under attack, we must move beyond surface-level diversity and allyship to embrace our fundamental interconnectedness and mutual thriving. Quakers, according to our guest Niyonu Spann, are uniquely situated to speak profound truth into this pivotal moment. Niyonu is a teacher, singer/songwriter, community activator, and the founder of Beyond Diversity 101. In this episode, she invites us to confront uncomfortable truths about power, to find harmony in dissonance like a jazz musician, and to embrace the profound Quaker practice of discernment in a world crying out for genuine connection and “fiery love.”
Doug Gwyn is a well-known Quaker author and retired minister whose work has been influential for many Quakers in their understanding of who they are as Friends, and where they come from.
As our democracy faces an existential threat, it’s important for us to look to other countries whose people have resisted autocrats and won, according to Quaker activist George Lakey.
Using both the pulpit and the page, Quaker pastor Philip Gulley has been a bold voice that challenges the church’s stance on heaven and hell, LGBTQ issues, and more.
Spanning more than 150 years, Black Fire brings together the words of Friends who spoke truth to power in some of America’s most tumultuous times.
There were so many memorable moments in Season 2 of the podcast that we had to revisit a few for our final episode of 2024.
‘Tis the season to answer one of the Internet’s most burning questions…Do Quakers celebrate Christmas? We called up Friends from around the globe to find the answer(s), and you might be surprised at what they say.
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)?
On the eve of a major U.S. presidential election, we’re exploring what it means to be a politically engaged Friend.
We’re exploring the impact of Quaker nonprofits, from the AFSC’s chocolate soup for German children during World War I to our own Thee Quaker Project reaching Friends and seekers in the Internet age.
Pastor Bob Henry shares a message that explores the life of outspoken feminist, pacifist, and abolitionist Lucretia Mott.
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.
Brent Bill shares his thoughts on the Christian life, his self-proclaimed status as a “bad Quaker,” and lots more. Join us for this thoughtful and hope-filled conversation.
In 1967, Jocelyn Bell Burnell made an astronomical discovery, only to have the Nobel Prize in Physics for that discovery go to her male colleagues. Instead of becoming jaded, she has become a beacon for women in the sciences.
It is easy to be hard on ourselves and hard on other people, but what if we practiced gentleness? And what if we believed that God’s posture toward us is also gentle?
We’re going on a trip along the Quaker Scenic Byway in Ohio to encounter the remarkable tales of daring rescues, an outspoken minister who prophesied war, and so much more.
You've reached the end! (or is it the beginning?)
You've reached the end! (or is it the beginning?)
