Quakers from the U.S and Canada came together in March 2009 for the conference Weaving Sacred Wholeness: Exploring our Diversity as Friends. It was such a powerful experience to be on the grounds of the Penn Center worshiping, singing, playing and listening to Friends of all ages tell their stories of struggle and celebration within their Quaker communities.

Although there may always be times when Friends intentionally or unintentionally hurt or offend one another, it is in how we respond in these instances that we have an opportunity to truly be vessels for God’s love. If we commit to holding each other accountable for our actions, being witnesses, advocates, listeners, and confronting one another in loving ways, then we move a little closer to weaving sacred, whole communities that support and nurture the diversity among us.

~Emily Stewart