A Plea and a Prayer

Editorial by Don Badgley
Poughkeepsie Meeting

One of the distinctives of the Religious Society of Friends is that our decisions and actions, that we sometimes share in the world, arise in corporate discernment. The fundamental and foundational principle that guides this process is that we are led, led only by the Divine Guide and Light. Such leadings may arise with individuals, with committees and within meetings. These leadings are then brought and tested by the entire body. We have no hierarchy to make official pronouncements or to endorse the writings of others outside of that process. We are called to act only when in unity, unity that has been discerned by our clerks as the “sense of the meeting” — and then approved, by the entire body.

It is essential to understand that true unity cannot occur without first achieving the higher Unity and Oneness with our Eternal Source. Absent that, all else is compromise, concession, consensus, and worldly advocacy. And there, we are ever deceived. This does not mean that Friends or committees who feel led to offer concerns and public witnesses for meeting discernment should hesitate to bring such concerns. To bring a concern to the body is a demonstration of faith, faith in the Source, and faith in the gathered body to discern the Truth.

As we Friends continue our journey through the 21st Century may we once again return to the simplicity of waiting in the Light to discern our way forward. May we find patience with one another in the spiritual certainty that arises in that which is eternal and unchangeable. May we avoid the seductive distractions of transient causes that arise in the world of separation — be it a worldly “urgent call” or other momentary political cause.

May we also avoid divisive accusations, indictments and confessions, and rather, may we simply and humbly point toward the Light that Guides us with Love. May we demonstrate this Love — not with ineffectual challenges to the powers and principalities of the world but by revealing the power of the One Love that includes all of creation. May our ministries reflect our Unity with the Divine, and may we have the courage to share joyfully over the world the Love that unites us — as we strive to answer that of God in everyone we encounter.