Details
Sometimes we witness seemingly small patterns of oppression in our community interactions, which provide opportunities to actively practice our peace testimony with each other. Approaching difficult communications with love can open doors to transformation.
In modern times, we understand abuse as not just physical violence, rather as a pattern of behavior that is used in an intimate relationship to gain or maintain power and control over another, including threats of actions and other patterns of coercive behavior.
Research has shown that Quakers are not immune to family violence, and in fact, our testimonies and practices of peacemaking at home and within our communities are much less well-developed than our testimonies against weapons and war.
George Fox said, “let your lives speak.” What do we want our lives to say?
Workshop Details
We will begin with worship and grounding practices to be present in our bodies and connected to Spirit as we explore this tender topic. We will share early research on Quaker family violence by Judy Brutz with some readings from her 1984 Friends Journal article “How Precious Is Our Testimony?” There will be time for reflections on what was shared, and opportunity for gathered Friends to share responses to queries.
We do not plan for sharing details of trauma stories; however, strong feelings may be stirred by even a general discussion of this deep concern. Friends are encouraged to seek accompaniment from an elder or bring a trusted friend for spiritual support in preparation for, during and after this session.
We invite you to reflect on the following queries in preparation for our time together:
- How do we face the reality of abuse, past and present, in community? What boundaries are important when engaging in this work?
- How do we support each other in practicing our peace testimony in our communities and our homes, interrupting harmful behavior as well as supporting healing and repair?
Schedule
1:00 Opening worship, grounding, creating space for mutual accompaniment
2-ish Break for lunch, dinner, snack (optional fellowship)
2:30-ish Centering words and readings, shared reflections, discussion
4:30 Closing
Led by Sarah Allen of Cambridge Friends Meeting and Three Rivers Meeting and Leo Bray of Cambridge Friends Meeting.