Friends Responses to 09-11-01 Events

Statement from Rex Jones...

The text of the statement made by Rex Jones on September 11, 2001, as distributed on the Phonetree system:

"In view of this morning's devastating attacks in our country, we ask you to pray for the victims, their families, and all those affected by these events, including the response teams who are reacting to this tragedy.

We also ask that you pray for our leaders that they may have wisdom in knowing how to respond to these incidents. There may be real pressure to retaliate in untimely and in appropriate ways that may worsen the situation.

We all feel sorrow and anger at these attacks. Yet, as Quakers who believe in reconciliation before retaliation, and love before hate, let us pray that our leaders will be led to seek ways that will bring peace out of a horrible situation.

And let us also pray for those who are responsible for these attacks. After all, Jesus said, "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). For those interested, the chapel in the Meetinghouse is, of course, open during office hours (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) for those who wish to gather to pray for this situation."

Statement from FCNL...

"Our hearts go out today to the victims of Tuesday's terrible attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the people in the four civilian aircraft. We call on Friends and others across the U.S. to offer prayers, solace, friendship, and aid to the survivors, families, and friends of the victims. We commend the heroic efforts of public safety personnel and the many others who, at great personal risk, are working to rescue and treat the victims of these tragedies.

We join with people across the country and around the world in expressing the hope that those who planned and orchestrated these terrible acts will soon be brought to justice under the rule of law.

We are concerned, however, about how the U.S. government responds now. First, we are concerned that the U.S. not avenge these attacks with attacks upon other innocent people who may happen to be of the same nationality, faith, or ethnic group as the alleged perpetrators. This concern extends to protecting the safety and rights of people here at home. Many in this country of the Islamic faith or of Middle Eastern descent are worried that they may now become the unwarranted focus of suspicion in their communities or, worse, the subjects of unjust persecution.

Second, many in the administration and Congress have declared that a state of war now exists. We are concerned that these public statements may be stirring the popular will and expectation for war. We wonder: War against whom? Cooler heads must prevail in the U.S. government during this time of crisis. War will only compound the tremendous assault on humanity that has already occurred. War is not the answer. The people who committed these acts struck with hatred. They saw the people in the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the aircraft as faceless enemies. They denied the humanity of their victims. The U.S. must not commit the same sin by compounding the hatred, violence, and injustice of these attacks with its own acts of terror and war against another people, most of whom are innocent of these crimes.

Finally, the people who planned these suicide attacks were able to draw volunteers from a growing number of people around the world who harbor deep resentment and anger toward the U.S. It is important that we in the U.S. try to hear and understand the sources of this anger. If we in the U.S. do not seek to understand and address the roots of this anger--poverty, injustice, and hopelessness--then the violence may well continue, no matter what the U.S. does to try to prevent it. As members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) we witness to that spirit of love which takes away the occasion of war. Out of darkness and tragedy, may God show us the path of true and lasting peace."

Statement from FWCC...

A Statement of Quakers in Response to the Terrorist Attacks of September 11, 2001

From Friends World Committee for Consultation Section of the Americas, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, Friends General Conference, and the American Friends Service Committee

"As organizations of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and as members of the human family and children of God, we are profoundly grieved at the loss of life, suffering, and the sorrow that result from today's tragic events. The God of love and mercy whom we worship and serve surely grieves, too, in the face of these acts of anger and hatred and the suffering they cause. We pray earnestly for comfort and strength for those who are injured and grieving. So, too, we hope with all our hearts that in responding to today's tragic events all persons will find ways to end the violence that is consuming our world.

We offer our gratitude and prayers to those who are responding to this tragedy, rescuing and caring for those who are injured, comforting those who are grieving, and working for peace and reconciliation.

The Religious Society of Friends has, since its inception in the 1650s, been led to eschew war and violence for any end whatsoever. For centuries, Friends have opposed war and all forms of violence. Time and again we have ministered to the victims. We believe that the challenge before us all is to break the cycle of violence and retribution.

Seeking God's love and light at this time, we will be holding a public Meeting for Worship at Arch Street Meetinghouse, 4th and Arch Streets, in Philadelphia on Thursday, September 13 (2001) at 7:30 p.m. All are welcome."