ince September 2001, University Friends Meeting in Seattle has been holding monthly anti-racism meetings. Programs have ranged from a UFM member presenting her Masters thesis on end of life issues in African-American churches to a presentation on reparations by the African-American Jewish Coalition for Justice to a talk by Reverend David Billings on "Why the 'war on terrorism' and police brutality must be addressed in the white community." A core group has attended each meeting, with a significant number of occasional attenders.

In Fall 2001, a large number of UFM members participated in "Watchful Eyes," a response by the Church Council of Greater Seattle (CCGS) to threats and attacks against local Muslims and mosques. CCGS organized a round-the-clock watch at Idriss Mosque that continued from October through December, when it was laid down in accordance with mosque members' wishes.

In collaboration with several other Seattle-area anti-racism groups, UFM sponsored a workshop in March that explored after-effects of 9/11 on people of color and civil liberties.

The meeting approved my appointment as a representative to CCGS' Commission on Racial Justice (CRJ) at our March business meeting. The CRJ has undertaken a "Year of Action Against Racism and White Privilege" from September 2001 to September 2002. Among other activities, CRJ has held dialogs with youth, adults, and faith leaders, including Quaker representatives. CRJ is sponsoring a meeting of active anti-racist groups in early April that will foster further collaboration and effective work.

Personally, I'm in the midst of a discernment process with UFM concerning leadings to challenge racism and white privilege at UFM, through UFM, and with the support of Friends. This may lead to "released Friend" or similar status.

The process of undertaking anti-racism work on an on-going basis at UFM has begun. With human and divine guidance and support, I trust that UFM will grow in its capacity and ability to be actively anti-racist, both internally and in our community.

FGConnections Spring 2002 Home