Music for change

When a Quaker Meeting or organization feels clear about a concern they have, they write it down to share with others.  Faith & Practice, a book detailing the beliefs and practices Quakers in the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, describes what is meant by the word “concern”.

“… [A] concern, which, as Friends use the word, is a quickening sense of the need to do something or to demonstrate sympathetic interest in an individual or group, as a result of what is felt to be a direct intimation of God’s will. A concern as an impetus to action arises out of Friends’ belief that the realm of God can be realized here and now, not just in another place or time. A concern may emerge as an unexpected insight from prayerful study of a problem or situation, such as a concern to support national policies which promote international peace. It may also grow from an anxious interest in the welfare of a person or group that may result in inquiries or practical support.”

Below are examples of minutes (written expressions) of concern from different Quaker groups.

* Gambling
* Torture
* Domestic Spying
* Iraq War
* Confederate Flag
* Iraq Sanctions
* Free Discussions in Schools
* Human Rights
* Slavery
* Death Penalty
* Abortion
* Homosexual Civil Rights
* Responding to September 11th