Friends Center in Barnesville, Ohio is the retreat and conference center of Ohio Yearly Meeting
Rediscovering the Quaker Way of Gospel Nonviolence
Facilitated by John Humphries and Noah Baker Merrill
April 26-28, 2013
The recent Occupy movement has evoked comparisons with previous nonviolent movements for social and economic reform, including those led by Martin Luther King, Jr., and Mohandas Gandhi. King and Gandhi – like the early Quakers – drew inspiration for nonviolent witness from the provocative words and deeds of Jesus, as recorded in the Gospels. During this weekend we will explore the integration of Quaker spirituality and nonviolent witness. What is the resonance among the Lamb’s War, as pursued by first-generation Friends, and modern nonviolent movements? What wisdom and inspiration can we draw from that resonance as we seek to heed God’s call to transformation in our own lives and communities? How do we nourish, guide and support Friends (individuals and groups) who are feeling called to lead lives marked by more vigorous outward witness? How can we ground our social witness in Christian principles and Christ’s immediate guidance?
