*For wide distribution–please disseminate. For a PDF version of the below open letter, click here.

**This is re-posted from theliberalquaker.wordpress.com. 

23 October 2013

Open Letter To

The Next General Secretary

Philadelphia Yearly Meeting

1515 Cherry Street

Philadelphia, PA…

I recently wrote this for my blog The Liberal Quaker.

Preface

In Liberal Quaker community I came to know myself. I was fully accepted and encouraged to become who I am. My elders were patient with me. They asked hard questions and at times made tough observations, but let me do the work to answer and respond. I have sifted through a great deal of…

This is re-posted on QuakerQuaker from my blog The Liberal Quaker.

I have a tendency to make friends with underdogs and critics—those who for one reason or another put themselves (or who are put) in opposition to a greater community.  When I lived at Pendle Hill, I worked in the community garden.  The young woman in charge, when considering the possible death of a plant, would often say, “Well,…