Statement Regarding the Tragic Events of September 11

As organizations of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and as
members of the human family and children of God, we are
profoundly grieved at the loss of life, the suffering, and the sorrow that
result from today's tragic events. The God of love and mercy

whom we worship and serve surely grieves too in the face of these acts of
anger and hatred and the suffering they cause. We pray
earnestly for comfort and strength for those who are injured and grieving.
So too we hope with all our hearts that, in responding to
today's tragic events, all persons will find ways to end the violence that
is consuming our world.

We offer our gratitude and prayer to those who are responding to this
tragedy, rescuing and caring for those who are injured,
comforting those who are grieving, and working for peace and reconciliation.

The Religious Society of Friends, since its inception in the 1650's has
been led to eschew war and violence for any end whatsoever.
Time and again we have ministered to the victims of war and violence. We
believe that the challenge before us all is to break the cycle
of violence and retribution.

Seeking God's love and light at this time, we will be holding a public
Meeting for Worship at Arch Street Meetinghouse, 4th and Arch
Streets, in Philadelphia, PA, on Thursday, September 13th, at 7:30 p.m. All
are welcome.

In God''s Love,

Bruce Birchard, Friends General Conference
Cilde Grover, Friends World Committee on Consultation Thomas Jeavons,
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting
Mary Ellen McNish, American Friends Service Committee

Bruce Birchard
General Secretary
Friends General Conference
1216 Arch Street, 2-B
Philadelphia, PA 19107
215-561-1700
http://www.fgcquaker.org