National Quaker Organization Calls for Engagement with American Muslims

For Immediate Release
Washington, D.C.
November 16, 2009

The Friends Committee on National Legislation, a national Quaker lobby in the public interest, called in mid-November for Quakers to engage with American Muslims to work together on issues of mutual concern.

"Especially since September 11, 2011, American Muslims have been wrongly stereotyped as foreigners, unbelievers, and terrorist sympathizers," said Joe Volk, Executive Secretary. "If we stand together to practice equality and justice, we can enhance our understanding of American Muslims and theirs of us and raise American Muslim visibility in a positive way."

At its 66th Annual Meeting the Committee approved a letter stating its commitment to continue its work with American Muslim secular and religious organizations to address shared community and legislative concerns. It also called for other Quaker organizations, meetings and churches to consider similar bridge-building.

"We must work to go beyond tolerance to seek understanding, respect and sustained collaboration," said Volk. The full text of the epistle is available here (LINK!).

The Annual Meeting of FCNL's General Committee brings together Quakers appointed by 26 yearly meetings (regional bodies) and other national Friends' organizations, as well as several dozen individual Friends chosen because they are active on lobbying issues.

You can find excerpts from the speeches, talks, and workshops at Annual Meeting on our website (LINK!).