Statements and Activities

Eugene, Oregon, Friends Meeting

The Eugene Friends Meeting reaffirms its strong support for Eugene's Islamic community, as well as others who may be harassed as scapegoats following the Sept. 11 destruction in New York City and Washington, D.C. We recognize our Muslim neighbors as vital, spiritual, productive and cooperative members of our larger community. We as Quakers seek peace within as we work with others who strive for a world community of justice and peace.

The minute was sent with a cover letter to the Islamic Cultural Center with the intent to pursue concrete ways we may actively support this community of friends.

Also at that meeting there was worship sharing in response to the query "As a peace church, what is our community response to those who come in this climate of war?"

Every Tuesday evening a time of worship and worship sharing is being held in the meetinghouse.

The Women's Group, using a draft by one member as a base, created the following letter-to-editors on Sept. 18 and sent it to several papers.

We extend compassion to the victims of the attacks on September 11, their loved ones, the leaders of our country, and everyone world-wide affected by this tragedy. We trust in our system of justice to find and try the perpetrators and their conspirators. On September 11 and 12, we heard President Bush say, 'This is war.' We plead that our leaders and community urge the bush Administration and Congress to remember what we as a country have urged the Irish, the Mideast people, the Africans and others to acknowledge when they have suffered from terrorists: that vengeance is an endless cycle of hatred, that violence does not stop more violence, and that escalation of violence destroys credibility as well as lives and states. It is important that the United States not act rashly out of grief. It is important that we in the U.S. try to hear and understand the sources of anger toward our country -- poverty, injustice, and hopelessness. As members of the Religious Society of Friends, we witness to that spirit of love which takes away the occasion of war.

Members are working on a comprehensive minute of concern.

Individuals have planned and participated in local vigils and teach-ins, phoned and written letters to government officials, and, of course, prayed.