The history of Friends as a persecuted movement ought to make us sensitive to the feelings of those who suffer from prejudice. Anti-Semitism, racism, the denial of rights to those who espouse unpopular causes and to groups who have alternative manners of living, and any other insult to human dignity demand that we speak out and work for a society that is just.
Much misunderstanding, fear, and hatred throughout the world stem from a common tendency to stereotype people, to speak of groups as solid blocs, and to lose sight of the varied and precious individuals who compose them. Friends are committed to accept individuals as God’s creatures and to look for the working of the divine Spirit in their lives.
NYYM Faith & Practice, 2018
At the core of the Equality testimony is the notion that all people are equal in relation to the Spirit. It therefore demands that we recognize oppression and work for justice and equity.
In 2026, Hudson Friends chose to focus on racism in the United States first by exploring what it means to become an anti-racist faith community in the spring. In the fall, members of our community will form a book group to read Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents (2020).
Becoming an Anti-Racist Meeting
After vigorous discernment, on April 12, 2026 Hudson Friends Meeting enthusiastically adopted a Statement on Becoming and Anti-Racist Fatih Community and an accompanying poster. HFM community members had strong leadings that the statement, drafted by a working group and presented to the Meeting in March of 2026 was a necessary and timely action to take. Of course there is recognition that coming to unity on this statement is only the first step in our process of becoming an Anti-Racist Meeting, we will continue to have discussions, get involved in local and national actions and support one anther in developing in disrupting our own biased beliefs and actions. For other meetings or individuals who may be interested in our process of arriving at this place, feel free to contact us at info@hudsonquakers.org.
Hudson Friends Meeting
Statement on Becoming an Anti-Racist Faith Community
Adopted April 12, 2026
Hudson Friends Meeting commits to becoming an Anti-Racist Meeting. As Friends we embrace an anti-racist faith, taking a conscious position to stand against the harm perpetuated by the legacy of systemic racism and inequality of access to resources in our country.
The Religious Society of Friends possesses no blueprint for social order. However, since its founding, our Society has labored for the ordering of a community life in which all may have free and full opportunity to express and develop that divine potential with which everyone is endowed.
The history of racism in the United States is rooted in denial and is pervasive to our current political and social systems. While race has no scientific or genetic basis, it permeates our society, our communities, and our individual thinking in ways that justify and uphold the notion of white supremacy. White supremacy is defined as the belief that the white race is superior and should therefore dominate society to the exclusion or detriment of other racial and ethnic groups. It has the power to turn people against one another, undermining our faith that there is that of God in everyone equally.
The prejudice, dishonesty, and racism prevalent in U.S. society historically led to and still leads to unfair and unnecessary acts of brutality. Insults to human dignity demand that we speak out and work for a society that is just. Throughout history, members of our faith have had, and continue to have revelations to change these unjust systems. Friends are advised to work toward removing the causes of misery and suffering. They are urged to support efforts to overcome racial, social, economic, and educational discrimination; to bear testimony against all forms of oppression.
As an anti-racist faith community, we aim to work and grow together. In our quest for truth, training our minds is one way to improve our understanding. We expect each Friend to live each day in holy obedience, secure in the faith that the Light illumines all relationships. Accordingly, Friends are enjoined to have a deep concern for the welfare of the whole community. This involves intelligent care for the dignity and welfare of all.
As an anti-racist meeting, we work together to support our community in moving from spaces of fear to places of action, as illustrated in the diagram below. Actions we may take include (but are not limited to):
- Educating ourselves to understand causes of misery and suffering.
- Being mindful of our conduct and conversation, such that we do not assume a “color blind” stance that erases the racialized experiences of people of color. Instead, we strive to see how our differences serve to remind us of the infinite number of ways the Spirit presents itself.
- Actively participating in the political life of our local community and our country.
- Working to make opportunities available equally for schooling, justice, medical care, employment, income, and housing.
We believe that truth and love have the potential to overcome ignorance and hate. We aim to face the pain of the world, and match it with forgiveness. To take on this vision requires changes in us, to search our own hearts in order to recognize and face the prejudice and criticisms that may come from each of us. We recognize the Oneness of humanity and strive to foster a loving spirit toward all people. The temptation of prejudice and bigotry threatens to carry us away into the tempest.
Sensitive to the realities of those who suffer from prejudice, we are reminded that words and actions can become a means of knowing God, a form of prayer. As an anti-racist meeting we strive to take up social concerns by which we try to manifest God’s purpose in the world. This faith draws us into a community that emphasizes the integration of worship and work, faith and practice.
As a community, we commit to work towards unity with one another as an actively anti-racist Meeting. As an actively anti-racist Meeting we recognize that this statement is only the beginning of our work, and as a group we support individuals to embrace what they can do to take action. By strengthening and challenging one another, we meet each other in harmony and love.
Diagram 1. Becoming an Anti-Racist Quaker Meeting
