Chicago, IL Daniel Lakemacher/AFSC
On December 6, Friends in five cities across the country joined together in local action for national change. These were the first "Love as Action" Quaker public witness events, held in Atlanta, Chicago, Des Moines, New York and Philadelphia.
At AFSC, we have been deeply disturbed by the authoritarian actions taking place in our country. We see fascism rising before us. Like you, we feel compelled to regularly take public action—with clarity, without compromise, and with love leading us. We wanted to show our community that even a simple act of public witness can make a difference. That is why AFSC has committed to supporting monthly Love as Action public witness, starting January 17, 2026. This is one step of the many that we are all taking to stand in resistance and to build beloved community.
As we gathered across the country, many noted the power of quiet public witness. Friends gathered in public parks and squares, in front of meeting houses, and on the sites of detention centers. We stood in silent opposition but with a message of love and support while the sounds of the world passed by.
New York City Amy Gottlieb/AFSC
Des Moines, IA Jon Krieg/AFSC
Philadelphia, PA Jesse Saunders/AFSC
Atlanta, GA Chadé Walker
I sat outside Love Park in Philadelphia with about 40 participants. Hundreds of families passed by, pursuing their holiday plans. Many passed without noticing us standing in worship. But I was privileged enough to overhear a child ask his parents: why were all these people sitting in the center of the city with signs, in silence?
After a beat, his father explained. Some people in this country want all our neighbors to look the same. They want anyone different to leave forever. But all of us out in the cold were standing up for our neighbors. We were standing up for all who had come from different cultures and countries and all it took for them to get here.
Satisfied with his dad’s answer, the child let out a simple “That’s good!” He waved as he continued on his way. It was a small moment that reaffirmed why we were all out here, in five cities across the country, holding these vigils.
Philadelphia participants took part in a debrief at Friends Center, hosted by Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. Many shared their thoughts, ideas, and admiration for being able to witness in this way. One attendee shared that this was her first action of this kind. She told us how inspiring it had been for her. She wrapped up our debrief with a sentiment that carried through the whole group: “I felt as if I was able to raise my voice in silence, and make myself heard.”
Love as Action was borne from a calling to bear witness to the inhumanity and cruelty of the Trump administration. We gathered in quiet witness to bring light to these injustices: the violence taken against migrants, the militarization of our communities, and the harms inflicted on the families and loved ones of people detained and deported.
This month, more than a hundred Friends joined our vigils to show love, support and solidarity for immigrant communities. Next month, we will come together in silent witness again. We will do the same in February and March. Our commitment an invitation to the community to join with us in quiet resistance. We hope that it also gives courage to the thousands who pass by as we wait for the Spirit to move us—and those in power—toward peace, justice and love.
If even a few of the thousands who see us are called to greater action, we can overcome the rising tide. If one can warn their neighbors of ICE agents in their neighborhoods, that matters. If a few can speak up at their city council meeting in support of measures to protect immigrant community members, that matters. If a community can come together, we are building the beloved community needed to protect and resist in this current moment.
This is how we build for the future we are all waiting for. Freedom and liberation in our lifetime.