
For the past 11 days, I’ve been overwhelmed by the relentless wave of frustrating policies and executive orders coming out of the White House.
Every time I think, this can't get worse, can it?
It can.
Every time I think, surely, this administration won't do THAT.
They do.
If you are one of those who are being affected, or you know someone who will be, then it has been a difficult time to keep up with all that's happening. Almost daily, it seems there's another executive order that comes out and hurts another minority group.
Amid the chaos, where can we find hope?
For centuries, the answer has remained the same—in the unwavering dedication of Quakers to justice and compassion.
Quakers are in the news again, suing to keep ICE agents out of houses of worship, which were formally deemed "sensitive" areas, along with schools. But President Trump announced ICE agents will now be allowed to make arrests in previously off-limits areas. You can read more about that here.
A band of five Quaker groups led the way in putting a stop, or at least a pause, to this action by suing to challenge the legality of this change.
"There have been more than a dozen lawsuits filed that challenge Trump policies, but the Quaker lawsuit appears to be the first by a faith-based organization." (Hals, 2025)
To find more information about those groups who filed the lawsuit, check out this article: Quakers sue to keep US immigration agents out of houses of worship
Quakers have a long history of fighting for social justice, and they are continuing that fight in 2025. It got me thinking, what else have Quakers done?
Here is a brief list of groups and individuals who have dedicated themselves to serving those in need, dating back to the 15th century. This is by no means an exhaustive account—rather, it’s just a glimpse into the profound impact Quakers have had in the fight for justice and equality.i
American Friends Service Committee – AFSC – Immigrant Right Advocacy
For many years, the American Friends Service Committee—a Quaker organization—has been involved in immigrant rights, providing legal representation and supporting movements of sanctuary from deportations to detention centers, while leading opposition to activities of deportation and detention centers. AFSC has, therefore, spent many years attempting to end immigrant detention, challenge misguided immigration policies, and promote legalization pathways for the undocumented.
The American Friends Service Committee is active in many areas of social justice, not just immigration. Their website can be found here. It shares their values, news, and how to support their work.
Lucretia Mott (1793–1880) – Women's Rights & Abolition
Lucretia Mott was a Quaker minister, abolitionist, and women's rights activist. She co-organized the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, the first women's rights convention in the U.S., to advocate for gender equality. She was also a key figure in the American Anti-Slavery Society and worked with the Underground Railroad.
Mott is someone we learn about in history books, so learning she was a Quaker is pretty cool!
John Woolman (1720–1772) – Abolitionist & Indigenous Peoples' Rights Activist
Woolman was a Quaker of the 18th century who actively opposed slavery and called upon other Quakers to release their slaves. He also worked for Native American rights and fair wages for workers. His Journal outlined his spiritual thoughts and social justice work.
I recall learning about Woolman in a college course. I was in awe of his work then, and his journal can still be a source of wisdom in social justice work.
Bayard Rustin (1912–1987) – Civil Rights & LGBTQ+ Rights
A key strategist of the Civil Rights Movement, Rustin organized the 1963 March on Washington and advised Martin Luther King Jr. on non-violent resistance. As an openly gay man he later spoke out for gay rights despite years of discrimination against him.
Martin Luther King Jr. was and is a cornerstone in the fight for racial equality. Rustin's influence on MLK and his involvement in the March on Washington is another prime example of Quakers' never-ending fight for equality for all.
Alice Paul (1885–1977) – Women's Suffrage & Equal Rights Amendment
Alice Paul was a radical suffragist and leader of the National Woman's Party. Her efforts contributed to securing the passage of the 19th Amendment to guarantee women's voting rights. She also drafted the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA).
If you've watched Mrs. America, you know how brutal the fight for women's equality was in the 70's and 80's. I had no idea the ERA was written by a Quaker, but it makes sense!
Benjamin Lay (1682–1759) – Early Abolitionist
Lay was one of the earliest and most radical of the Quaker abolitionists. He protested slavery by creating sensational demonstrations, which included pouring red juice on Quaker meetinghouse floors to show the blood of enslaved people.
Lay broke the usually reserved nature of Quakers to make his point. I can't imagine the reaction of others as he poured the red juice out.
Quakers will continue to step up when needed.
And let's be real, it's going to be needed.
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