From March 23-26 2023 Friends from the Section of Americas came together for their first
ever Section meeting in hybrid form. More than 100 Friends from throughout the Americas
gathered in Greensboro, North Carolina, joined by an equal number online.
Exploring the theme Becoming the Quakers the World Needs, keynote speaker Noah Baker
Merrill proposed that perhaps what the world needs from Friends is not so much the fruits of
our Quaker faith, but rather the roots of it. In her contributions Executive Secretary, Robin
Mohr, expressed the belief that it is what we will do in our churches and meetings, families
and local communities that will demonstrate whether and how we are becoming the Quakers
the world needs.
Following shared discernment, the Meeting agreed the formation of a new program group for
consultation and intervisitation. The event also served as the launch for the Americas' part of
the Global Fundraising Campaign, which will enable Friends to be deeper rooted, connected
and visible in their communities, interpreters’ training, and better digital tools for finding
Friends and Meetings. Part of these funds will also support the 2024 World Plenary.
Reflecting the diversity of Quakerism in the Americas, the event included programmed and
unprogrammed worship led by Friends of varying traditions, and was conducted in both
Spanish and English throughout. Contemplating the invitation to joyfully accept our places in the covenant community, the concluding minute referenced Isaiah 6:8: “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!””.
