By Ravenna Helson

I have recently been ambushed by three wonderful committees who seem to be wanting me to listen.

1. Friendly Sacred Scripture Group

What is the most relevant passage of sacred scripture you’ve encountered and why?

2. Friends of Peace and Justice

How do I engage with historical and current racial bias as a Quaker, in Milwaukee, and as a white American?

3. Friendly Nurture Group

How do I be a “good Quaker” today?

The clear answer to #1 is Galatians 3:38 –

“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ.”

I cannot define for you what is meant by “one in Christ” but what I understand is that we are all equally relevant, and worthy of living life to the fullest according to our individual natures. To view my life through this lens requires that I take a serious look at my bias to people whose life experience is other than my own: I cannot easily understand what it would mean to be punished for the rest of my life for the worst decision I ever made. Neither have I yet begun to explore the five points of true restorative racial justice as set out by early Quaker abolitionist Elias Hicks; emancipation, training, reparations, civil rights, and racism (“Beyond Abolition”, Friends Journal, January 1, 2023 by Paul Buckley).                     

 Enter #2 – our Friends of Peace and Justice. A wonderful group to delve into these massive undertakings with! There is so much to learn. We are starting by inviting Avis Wanda McClinton and Dennis Gregg to present to us what’s happening with the 339 Manumissions and Beyond Project on Thursday, June 19. Asking questions and learning something seems to be the surest way to #3’s query – How do I be a “good Quaker” today? It’s not obvious.