Chicago Quakers witness to US unrest
‘This is not just about our community. It's about the entire nation and the world. We need to stand together against any form of oppression and violence.’
US Friends gathered in Chicago to protest against rising authoritarianism and the increasing violence in US domestic and foreign policy.
The witness in Millennium Park on 21 March was part of a nationwide ‘Love as Action’ vigil. Friends stood in a silent line between Michigan Avenue and the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, holding signs and advocating for peace, justice, and equality.
The vigil was reported in the Chicago Tribune which said that local Friends were ‘feeling increasingly frustrated with the current state of affairs, including the war in Iran and the federal mass deportation campaign’.
Quakers came from Meetings in Chicago and the surrounding areas, including: Oak Park Meeting, Lake Forest Meeting, and Northside Meeting. Many were in their seventies and eighties.
‘We believe that love and compassion should guide our actions, especially in times of conflict and uncertainty,’ one participant told local media. ‘Our goal is to remind people that peace is possible, and that we must work together to achieve it.’
‘This is not just about our community,’ said another Friend, who organised the event. ‘It's about the entire nation and the world. We need to stand together against any form of oppression and violence.’
According to local reports, the event ‘drew attention from passersby, with many taking a moment to read the signs and reflect on the message’.
Comments
Thank you for bringing the ‘love as action’ vigil to our attention.
It is good to hear of events around the globe, as we prepare for our Quaker peace vigil on September 19 .
I am reminded of Rufus Jones and the power of small processes we can trust. Sweetie, can I bring you this
By bigbooks1963@gmail.com on 2nd April 2026 - 10:34
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