Dear Friend,
On October 4, we will celebrate World Quaker Day. This year’s theme is “Let Peace Be Among Us”, with the supporting Bible passage Hebrews 12:14: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy.” On this day, Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) will host an extended Global Online Worship to bring Friends together across borders, languages, and Quaker traditions.
Speaking about the Quaker peace testimony on Thee Quaker Podcast, Tim Gee, FWCC General Secretary, said: “I think the peace testimony is about identifying what the seeds of war are...I also believe that if people see that of God in their neighbor, then they won’t be able to harm them.”
To mark World Quaker Day and make our peace testimony visible, I encourage Friends to utilize AFSC’s Love as Action resources to plan a silent vigil for peace. By coming together in public witness, we hope to remind each other that there is that of God in everyone. It will take more than just public witness to uproot the seeds of war and violence, but when we work together, we can plant new seeds. And with the seeds of peace and justice, we can cultivate a better world for everyone.
Here are some more ways to engage with AFSC, plus a few updates on our work:
25 years after 9/11, a new vision for peace: This month marks 25 years since Sept. 11, 2001. We remember those killed on that day, and in the global “war on terror” waged by the U.S. ever since. This ceaseless military campaign has resulted in thousands of lives lost, millions displaced, expanded surveillance, rising Islamophobia, and deepened conflicts around the world. This year’s anniversary asks us to look beyond Afghanistan, Iraq, and U.S. foreign policy to a broader global question: How has the war on terror reshaped global peace and security—and what does that mean for international peacebuilders today and in the future? Read more.
Restorative justice toolkit: When someone causes harm, restorative justice offers an alternative to punishment—one centered in accountability and repair. AFSC’s California Healing Justice Program has long worked to make restorative modalities the default method of addressing harm. They have created a new Restorative Justice Toolkit with resources to support communities practicing restorative justice. Access the toolkit.
Order a “QUAKERS SAY RESIST” T-shirt! As part of our Commit to Resist campaign, AFSC has developed t-shirts with the message “Quakers say resist”. We invite Friends to order a shirt as a visible witness to Quaker resistance against rising authoritarianism. Order a shirt today!
2025 Annual Report: AFSC is grateful to the many Friends and communities who make our programs possible. Together, our efforts demonstrate the power of nonviolence. We invite you to read our most recent Annual Report. In it, you can learn more about our work in 2025, and how your support makes a difference. Read the report here.
QUAKER COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: In August, a delegation of Friends from New York Yearly Meeting traveled to Palestine on a witness trip. As part of their visit, they met with AFSC staff in the West Bank to learn more about the realities on the ground. AFSC staff report that one of the most inspiring moments was visiting the Al-Amari Refugee Camp with the group, where they spent time with the children of the camp and joined them in play.
Meeting for Worship with attention to peace: Please join us every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT as we worship with Friends from across the U.S.
Protect, Resist, and Build with AFSC: This monthly webinar series brings together AFSC supporters to learn about how to protect our communities, resist authoritarianism, and build peace with justice. Join us on the third Tuesday of every month at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.
You are also invited to attend our weekly Action Hour for Palestine, every Friday at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT. Hear updates from AFSC staff and take collective action by contacting our elected officials.
Thank you for your continued support of AFSC and all you do to create a more just and peaceful world!
With care,
Ainsley Bruton (they/them)
Quaker Engagement Coordinator
P.S. You're always welcome to contact the Quaker Engagement team at friends@afsc.org with any questions, comments, or concerns.
And stay up to date on upcoming events and ways to take action by joining us on Facebook, Bluesky, and Instagram.