How Community Consensus Has Shaped Friends’ Views on Racial Justice and LGBTQ Issues

This essay is by Marina McPhail. With a newcomer’s perspective, Marina shares about the value she sees and values in Quaker decision-making processes.

Marina is a Georgetown student who served as an intern to FGC in 2024.

This essay shows the opinions of the author only. It does not represent view of FGC or Georgetown University.

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Quaker decision-making processes have long been revered for their emphasis on consensus-building, equality, and spiritual discernment. Quaker communities value the process as much as the product of their decision-making, and strive to make all members feel included in consensus. Thorough discussion and mindful reflection are cornerstones of both Quaker faith practice and consensus-reaching on social issues.

One of the earliest examples of the Quaker decision-making paradigm serving social justice ends occurred during the 1700s, a time of high national tension surrounding the issue of slavery and abolition. The Quaker consensus model may have been the foundation for an eventual decision to adopt abolitionist views as a faith community almost 100 years prior to nationally mandated abolition. A few brave Quaker voices, coupled with a receptive and self-reflective faith community, were eventually powerful enough to produce a decisive stance on the issue for the entire sect. Today, Friends continue to prioritize issues of racial justice through the lens of faith and shared humanity. The unquestioned strength of faith values is shared among all Quakers, and even in the midst of disagreement, debate is characteristically respectful and accepting of alternative, sometimes controversial, perspectives.

In today’s rapidly changing world, Quakers are confronted with a host of social issues to wrestle with. Rooted in the principles of peace, justice, and inclusivity, Quakers continue to navigate social and ethical dilemmas, including issues related to racial justice and LGBTQ rights. Recently, Black Lives Matter demonstrations reinvigorated the American racial justice movement, highlighting violence, corruption, and abuse within policing and legal systems.

Quakers largely stood with the movement, and the Friends Committee on National Legislation issued a statement calling out the United States for its “legacy of slavery, white supremacy, institutional racism, and oppression”¹ and imploring legislators to “establish policies that acknowledge our history and create genuine equality of opportunity.”² In the past half century, LGBTQ issues have also taken a spotlight in Western consciousness, and inspired impassioned discussion within the Quaker faith communities. This essay explores how Quaker decision-making shapes faith community stances on racial justice and LGBTQ issues, highlighting the interconnectedness of Quaker values and social justice advocacy.

At the heart of Quaker decision making is the practice of discernment through expectant waiting worship and communal reflection. Silent reflection is integral to Quaker faith practice, and is just as important to community consensus on contemporary issues. Faith is not isolated to active worship, and Friends use the guiding values of their spirituality to color how they navigate the world in all its complexity. Quakers gather in a spirit of equality, believing that each individual possesses inherent worth and the capacity to connect with the divine. This egalitarian ethos extends to their decision-making processes, where consensus is sought through open dialogue and active listening. Friends prioritize the equal dignity of their fellow man, and strive to make the world kinder, gentler, and more fair through their faith.

The Quaker approach to decision making emphasizes inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives. Rather than relying on hierarchical structures or authoritarian leadership, Quakers prioritize the principle of “unity in diversity.” This means that decisions are made collectively, with the goal of achieving unity without uniformity. Quaker meetings provide a space for individuals to express their beliefs freely while also fostering a sense of community and mutual accountability. The Quaker discernment process is not hasty; it involves careful consideration and reflection, often spanning multiple meetings or sessions. Quakers believe in the importance of waiting upon the divine for guidance, trusting that through collective discernment, clarity will emerge. This patient and prayerful approach to decision making fosters a sense of spiritual grounding and communal responsibility. Furthermore, each congregation is entitled to reach its own consensus. This means that even within the Quaker block, contemporary issues are met with varying degrees of social progressivism.

Quaker decision-making processes have had profound implications for establishing views on racial equality. Central to Quakerism today is the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, irrespective of race or ethnicity. This fundamental principle underpins Quaker advocacy for racial justice, guiding their efforts to dismantle systems of oppression and inequality. However, the Quaker approach to issues of race and racism has not always been unanimous. In early Quaker settlements in Pennsylvania and beyond, it was not uncommon for Quaker elites to own slaves. While the contradiction of this practice was disturbing for many practitioners of the faith, slavery was not outlawed within the Quaker faith community until the advocacy and action of several brave Quaker abolitionists petitioning their communities to act out against injustice. The anti-slavery decision was made through unified consensus, and laid out a model for similar contentious decisions in the future.

It’s important to recognize that Quaker decision-making bodies were delayed in their outright condemnation of enslavement. That part of the Quaker abolition narrative is essential to consider in understanding the complete story of Quaker social activism, community consensus, and decision making. Drawn out, thoughtful, nuanced debates have long been part of the Quaker ethos, and led to the delay of a decisive abolition opinion. However, while Quakers were not banned outright from enslaving people until 1776, this date still far preceded the national abolition mandate in 1865. After more than a century of Quaker divide on the issue slavery, the Friends firmly asserted their stance against racial injustice and systemic exploitation of their black brothers and sisters.

Today, the practice of communal discernment enables Quakers to confront issues of racial injustice with compassion and humility. Quaker meetings provide a platform for honest dialogue and self-reflection, challenging individuals to confront their own biases and privileges. Through shared discernment, Quakers seek to cultivate empathy and solidarity across racial divides, recognizing the interconnectedness of all humanity. If used faithfully, Quaker decision-making processes can empower marginalized voices within their communities, amplifying the perspectives of People of Color. Quaker meetings exist all over the world, from Europe to Africa. Regardless of their geographic base, many Quaker meetings prioritize inclusivity and representation, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued. This commitment to equitable participation fosters a culture of empowerment and affirmation, inspiring collective action for racial equality.

Throughout history, Quaker decision-making processes have helped develop the advocacy efforts of Friends congregations around the world, including those involving issues of racial equality. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Quakers played a leading role in the abolitionist movement, challenging the institution of slavery through grassroots activism and moral persuasion. Quaker meetings served as hubs for organizing anti-slavery campaigns and providing refuge for escaped slaves, embodying the principles of solidarity and resistance. In the 20th century, Quakers continued their commitment to racial justice by actively supporting the civil rights movement. Quaker organizations such as the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) provided vital support to civil rights leaders, offering logistical assistance, legal aid, and nonviolent training. The Quaker decision-making process was imperative in these efforts, guiding their fight for desegregation, voting rights, and racial reconciliation. Friends approach this kind of work as an extension of their faith practice–not an exogenous undertaking, but a logical and necessary part of spiritual life.

Today, Quakers remain engaged in the struggle for racial equality, addressing contemporary issues such as police brutality, mass incarceration, and structural racism. Quaker lobbying organizations continue to appeal to American lawmakers to promote legislation aligned with faith values. At a smaller scale, Friends meetings engage in regular discussion about how best to promote equality and racial justice within their local communities. Quaker meetings across the globe have issued statements condemning racial violence and systemic injustice, calling for transformative change. These statements are crafted through the decision-making practices described above, in community and by community. Through collective discernment and action, Quakers continue to work towards a society where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race or ethnicity.

Quaker decision-making processes also have profound implications for their stances on LGBTQ issues. Central to Quakerism is the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. This foundational principle compels Quakers to advocate for LGBTQ rights and affirm the full inclusion of LGBTQ individuals within their communities. The practice of discernment in Quaker decision making encourages deep reflection on moral and ethical questions, including those related to LGBTQ equality. Quaker meetings often engage in ongoing dialogue and discernment processes to discern how best to support LGBTQ individuals and promote justice and equality within their communities and society at large. Furthermore, the Quaker commitment to peace and social justice compels Friends to confront systems of oppression and discrimination, including those that marginalize LGBTQ individuals. Quakers have a long history of activism on behalf of marginalized communities, including LGBTQ individuals, and their decision-making processes provide a framework for collective action and advocacy.

Numerous Quaker organizations and meetings have taken proactive stances in support of LGBTQ rights. For example, many Quaker meetings have adopted statements affirming the full inclusion of LGBTQ individuals and supporting marriage equality. Quaker organizations such as the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) have advocated for LGBTQ-inclusive policies at the national level, including nondiscrimination protections and the repeal of discriminatory laws. Additionally, Quaker decision-making processes have facilitated dialogue and reconciliation within Quaker communities grappling with LGBTQ issues. Many meetings that have faced internal disagreements or conflicts related to LGBTQ inclusion have often turned to discernment processes to seek unity and understanding.

For instance, in the 1980s, the Religious Society of Friends in the United States witnessed significant internal discussions regarding LGBTQ inclusion. Many meetings engaged in discernment processes to discern how best to support LGBTQ members and affirm their relationships. While there were varying perspectives within the Quaker community, the commitment to inclusivity and equality ultimately led to a widespread embrace of LGBTQ individuals and couples. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, Quaker meetings have played a prominent role in advocating for LGBTQ rights, including the legalization of same-sex marriage. Quaker organizations such as Quaker Equality have been at the forefront of campaigns for LGBTQ equality, drawing upon Quaker values of equality and justice to inform their advocacy efforts.

Quaker decision-making processes play a crucial role in shaping Quakers’ stances on LGBTQ issues. Grounded in principles of equality, inclusivity, and social justice, Quakerism provides a framework for advocating for LGBTQ rights and affirming the dignity and worth of all individuals. Through collective discernment and action, Quakers continue to work towards a more just and inclusive society for LGBTQ individuals and all marginalized communities. The Quaker commitment to unity in diversity ensures that LGBTQ voices are heard and respected within Quaker communities, fostering a culture of inclusion and acceptance. As Quakers strive to live out their faith in the world, their decision-making processes serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for social change and transformation.

In conclusion, the Quaker collective decision-making process stands as a testament to the enduring commitment of Quakers to principles of equality, justice, and spiritual discernment.

Through this inclusive and egalitarian approach, Quakers have forged stances on both racial justice and LGBTQ issues that reflect their deeply-held values. In the realm of racial justice, Quaker decision-making has empowered communities to confront systemic oppression, amplify marginalized voices, and advocate for transformative change. Similarly, in the realm of LGBTQ rights, Quaker discernment processes have fostered dialogue, reconciliation, and a commitment to affirming the inherent worth of all individuals. As Quakers continue to navigate these complex and interconnected issues, their dedication to collective discernment serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards a more inclusive and equitable world for all.

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Sources

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Accessed January 15, 2024. https://www.quakerracialjustice.org

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“Quaker Activism | History Detectives.” PBS, Public Broadcasting Service, www.pbs.org/opb/historydetectives/feature/quaker-activism/#:~:text=The%20Quaker%20 campaign%20to%20end,for%20the%20abolition%20of%20slavery. Accessed 24 Feb.

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Footnotes

1. “Quaker Statements on Police Violence and Racism.” Friends Committee On National Legislation, Friends Committee on National Legislation, www.fcnl.org/resources/quaker-statements-police-violence-and-racism. Accessed 24 Feb. 2024. ↩︎
2. ibid. ↩︎