Here is information about the American Friends Service Committee’s (AFSC) call for public, silent witness with attention to rising authoritarianism in this country.
On December 6, Friends in five cities across the country joined together in local action for national change. These were the first “Love as Action” Quaker public witness events, held in Atlanta, Chicago, Des Moines, New York and Philadelphia.
At AFSC, we have been deeply disturbed by the authoritarian actions taking place in our country. We see fascism rising before us. Like you, we feel compelled to regularly take public action—with clarity, without compromise, and with love leading us. We wanted to show our community that even a simple act of public witness can make a difference. That is why AFSC has committed to supporting monthly Love as Action public witness, starting January 17, 2026. This is one step of the many that we are all taking to stand in resistance and to build beloved community.
Love as Action: Bearing witness, choosing resistance, building hope
On February 21-22 we invite you to organize and host your community for one hour of silent public worship with attention to the rising authoritarianism in our country.
American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
Love as Action: Quaker Public Witness
Love as Action: Resisting Authoritarianism
Bearing Witness, Building Hope
Quaker public witness has stood in opposition to cruel and authoritarian actions in our country before. It is time for us to show this love in action again.
Please join the American Friends Service Committee to bear witness and show resistance to authoritarian actions in our country.
On February 21-22 we invite you to organize and host your community for one hour of silent public worship with attention to the rising authoritarianism in our country.
AFSC will provide coordination and resources to help you make each community gathering a success. Join with people of conscience all over the country to show collective love as action.
Our hope is that our presence will give hope to all who see us – to show that we can choose resistance – and remind everyone of our moral obligations to one another.
https://www.mobilize.us/afscfriendsengagement/c/love-as-action-quaker-witness-/event/create/
