{"id":1669,"date":"2024-06-12T14:58:57","date_gmt":"2024-06-12T19:58:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shareletter.milwaukeequakers.org\/?p=1669"},"modified":"2024-06-12T14:58:57","modified_gmt":"2024-06-12T19:58:57","slug":"a-guide-for-milwaukee-friends-meeting-during-political-turmoil","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shareletter.milwaukeequakers.org\/?p=1669","title":{"rendered":"A Guide for Milwaukee Friends Meeting During Political Turmoil"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

By Mike Soika<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We Quakers \u2013 in the absence of any official creed or dogma \u2013 are asked to discern our own sense of the Divine and how we are called to respond to it.  This calling is a holy and difficult path to follow, as we are provided few maps or guideposts and \u2013 at best – are graced with only a glimpse of the way forward at any given moment as we listen intently to our internal guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our country is embroiled in what some are calling a fight for the soul of democracy which will come to a head within the coming months leading up to the November 5th<\/sup> presidential election.  As a Quaker community, how are we called to respond when each \u201cside\u201d of this debate feels that it is doing the work of God and country in support of their chosen candidates and\/or party?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As we strive to navigate these turbulent times, it may be helpful to do so seeking guidance from the Spirit and with the mindset that whatever we do, we do in support of our unique Quaker community.  Perhaps we can look at the writing of Thomas Kelly for guidance.  In his book \u2013 A Testament of Devotion<\/em> \u2013 Kelly provides the following insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n