Our Commitments

We strive to be a welcoming and affirming faith community. We believe that there is that of God in every person, and that diversity enriches our community. We are committed to pursuing peace, justice, and equality, and to treating everyone with love and respect. (Approved by business meeting on the 14th day of 2nd month 2020)

Calling for End of War in Iran and Southwest Asia

Durham Friends Meeting (Quakers) condemns the military attacks on Iran and ensuing attacks on other countries in Southwest Asia, also known as the Middle East. Attacks by the US and Israel on Iran have been followed by an expanding array of attacks on other countries including Lebanon, Kuwait, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia, and attacks by Israel on Palestine continue. Our commitment to peace requires us to call upon our elected officials to cease military action and instead turn to diplomacy and peaceful negotiations. We join the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) and other Quaker organizations in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent this conflict from spiraling into a catastrophic regional war.

We grieve the devastation and the loss of life that has already taken place. We hold in the Light all those impacted, praying for those in the region who now live in constant fear of further destruction and violence, and praying for wisdom and dedication to peace by our decision-makers.

We reaffirm the declaration of the first Quakers in 1660:

"Our principle is, and our practices have always been, to seek peace, and ensue it, and to follow after righteousness and the knowledge of God, seeking the good and welfare, and doing that which tends to the peace of all. All bloody principles and practices we do utterly deny, with all outward wars, and strife, and fightings with outward weapons, for any end, or under any pretence whatsoever, and this is our testimony to the whole world.” ~ Declaration to Charles II, 1660

This is a call for all to commit to peace and an end to war in Southwest Asia. There must be an immediate ceasefire in the region. Congress should act to prevent more military attacks and provision of weapons that support continued war. We call on elected officials and other decision-makers to restore diplomatic efforts to support peace in the area. Humanitarian aid should be restored and leaders ensure that international law is followed. Durham Friends Meeting advocates for peace and against violence, and we support the nonviolent advocacy toward peace by our members and attendees.

(Approved by Business Meeting First Day, Fifth Month, 2026, Durham Friends Meeting)

Opposing New ICE Centers and Offices

As members of Durham Friends Meeting, we feel compelled to speak out for the rights and dignity of our immigrant and refugee neighbors. As Quakers, we believe in that of God in everyone and that all deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. We make this public witness out of our sacred duty to work to protect all people, our community, and our neighbors.

We now speak out against the potential development of detention centers and offices by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in North Carolina and elsewhere. There have been news reports indicating that DHS has purchased, is in the process of purchasing, or is leasing property for three large detention centers and two office buildings in our state. These particular facilities are proposed in Concord, Greensboro, Winton, Cary, and Charlotte. Our concerns extend beyond just these locations. Potential locations change frequently, and other locations may be proposed in the future.

Many report that the conditions and operation of DHS detention centers are inhumane, violating standards of human decency. People are held without due process or access to legal support. People are subject to unsanitary conditions, inadequate/inedible food, violence, mistreatment, and withholding of medical care. As people of faith, we are obliged to speak out now and in the future in opposition to the wrongful and inhumane treatment of people in our communities. Given the lack of due process and the pattern of abuse and violence in the DHS detention centers, we oppose the construction and operation of any new facilities.

(Approved by Business Meeting Fifteenth Day, Third Month, 2026, Durham Friends Meeting)

In Support
of Families

Durham Friends Meeting has a mission to support all families, especially those with children with physical, intellectual, or emotional differences or disabilities, and/or behaviors that may pose challenges within the classroom or during youth program activities. As a Meeting, we value and respect diversity and strive to be inclusive in our programming.

We have a duty to provide a consistent, nurturing, and rich environment for all the children of our Meeting. We best support our young Friends with special needs or challenges through supporting their teachers, other adult volunteers in the meeting, parents and other involved family members. This support should include effective and open communication, and a willingness to work together to develop best approaches.

Parents, especially those new to DFM, should be made aware they are always welcome to join their child during FDS programs.

(See full version, as updated in 2018)

Minute of Support and Affirmation
for Transpersons and LGBTQ Communities

Durham Friends Meeting, in Durham, NC, is a community inclusive of persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. We welcome all people. We strive to be a place where everyone can be their authentic self and encounter others who are also seeking Truth to guide their lives.

In these times of anti-trans legislative actions, we especially want to be a place where trans persons feel welcomed and affirmed. We believe that everybody’s life is made richer when our community reflects a spectrum of gender identities and gender expressions.

For all trans youth who may feel isolated or alone, please know that your life matters. You are beautiful and the world needs your LIGHT and your TRUTH. Have faith. You will not feel isolated and alone forever. You will find communities (perhaps ours!) where you are welcome, and you are accepted. We hope that you will consider joining us in Worship or in one of the many ways we connect with each other virtually and in person.

(Approved by Business Meeting Third Day, Fourth Month, 2023)

Durham Friends Meeting

Our Commitments

Calling for End of War in Iran and Southwest Asia

Opposing New ICE Centers and Offices

In Support of Families

Minute of Support and Affirmation for Transpersons and LGBTQ Communities

See Also:

In Support
of Families

Minute of Support and Affirmation
for Transpersons and LGBTQ Communities