In this special interim episode of Quakers Today, Sweet Miche shares how Quakers strive to embody religious freedom and the sacred right to provide sanctuary. We feature excerpts from the Quaker Walk to Washington, a remarkable 300-mile trek from Flushing, Queens—a place steeped in the origins of religious freedom in America—to Washington, D.C. This journey of deep spiritual conviction and witness highlights the ongoing Quaker commitment to justice.

You'll hear from:

Max Goodman & Ross Brubeck: Attenders at Brooklyn Monthly Meeting who grew up at Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting, and two of the core organizers of the walk.

Diana Mejia and Stuart Sydenstricker: Quakers from Plainfield Monthly Meeting, who lead Wind of the Spirit, an immigration advocacy center. 

Imani Cruz: Global Policy Coordinator for Migrant Justice at the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).

A Journey of Faith and Action for Justice

This episode delves into the "Quaker Walk to Washington," a pilgrimage rooted in the historical fight for religious freedom and the Quaker testimony of peace and justice.

The walk draws direct inspiration from the 1657 Flushing Remonstrance, a courageous declaration written for Quakers facing persecution in New Netherland. This document, which asserts the right to religious liberty and the protection of all people, served as a foundational text for the walk's purpose. The episode also connects the walk to a recent lawsuit filed by Quaker meetings against the Department of Homeland Security, challenging policies that undermine the sanctity of worship spaces.

The 300-mile trek itself became a profound spiritual experience. The walkers reflect on the physical challenges and unexpected moments of deep connection, such as canoeing through dense fog—a powerful metaphor for walking forward in faith even when the path ahead is unclear. The walk fostered a sense of solidarity with migrants, mirroring their uncertain journeys, and demonstrated how Quaker meetings along the route extended radical hospitality and welcome, regardless of resources.

Beyond the symbolic act of walking, the episode explores the practical dimension of Quaker witness. Imani Cruz from AFSC outlines current legislative efforts to advocate for just immigration policies, including resisting increased funding for immigration enforcement and championing the Sensitive Locations Act, which aims to protect places like houses of worship from immigration intrusions legally.

The walkers brought their message of justice to Washington, D.C., culminating in a powerful symbolic act of nailing a contemporary remonstrance to a door on the National Mall.

Question for Next Season: What is your favorite Quaker term that is common among Friends, but strange to outsiders?

Share your response by emailing [email protected] or call/text 317-QUAKERS (317-782-5377). Please include your name and location. Your responses may be featured in our next season!

Resources

Quakers Today is the companion podcast to Friends Journal and other Friends Publishing Corporation content. It is written, hosted, and produced by Peterson Toscano and Sweet Miche.

Season Four of Quakers Today was sponsored by American Friends Service Committee and Friends Fiduciary.

American Friends Service Committee:

Vulnerable communities and the planet are counting on Quakers to take action for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. The American Friends Service Committee, or AFSC, works at the forefront of many social change movements to meet urgent humanitarian needs, challenge injustice, and build peace. Find out more about how you can get involved in their programs to protect migrant communities, establish an enduring peace in Palestine, de-militarize police forces worldwide, assert the right to food for all, and more. Visit AFSC.ORG.

Friends Fiduciary:

Since 1898, Friends Fiduciary has provided values-aligned investment services for fellow Quaker organizations.  Friends Fiduciary consistently achieves strong financial returns while witnessing to Quaker testimonies. They also help individuals support organizations they hold dear through giving strategies, including donor-advised funds, charitable gift annuities, and stock gifts. Learn more about FFC’s services at FriendsFiduciary.org.

Feel free to email us at [email protected] with​​ comments, questions, and requests for our show. Music from this episode comes from Epidemic Sound. 

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