An Outsider's Perspective

By Christina Soo Lee To be honest, I was a little nervous and a bit anxious when stepping through the doors of Arch Street Meetinghouse. As someone who does not identify as a Quaker, I only had a vague idea of what to expect during the first worship session of the Peace Gathering. My mind was occupied with little formalities as I tried to remember when I was supposed shake peoples' hands and what I should say while doing so. All my anxious thoughts were almost immediately put to rest and my soul was calmed as a sweet voice sang “Come by here Ama”. With this invitation to worship, it became evident to me that it didn't matter that I wasn't Quaker. This was reinforced as one of the presiders introduced the different faiths that were represented in the meetinghouse. I was surprised, impressed and delighted as he called forth people of the Muslim faith, Jewish faith, Baptists, members of the Church of the Brethren, Quakers, Presbyterians, and many more, to stand and be welcomed by their fellow believers in peace. And it was obviously the inspiring message of peace that united this diverse group of people. Heads nodded and various 'Amens' rung throughout the meetinghouse when Michael Kinnamon from the National Council of Churches passionately declared that “War is contrary to the will of God”. Even more “Amens” were heard when he spoke about the unity that is needed among the people of God, despite denominational differences, in order to work for peace in this broken world ridden with violence. Surrounded by people who have committed themselves to learn from one another in order to further the work for peace in the world, and hearing all their voices raised up in song together, I could not help but feel an overwhelming sense of hope. The theme of hope resonated throughout the rest of the worship as Reverend James Forbes convinced us that this is “the year of God's favor.” As Reverend Forbes spoke about how to use God's favor for the cause of peace, while occasionally giving us previews of a praise song he's been working on, his words rung true with the overall mission of the Peace Gathering. He urged us to offer ourselves and the gifts we have been blessed with, so that God may use them to aid those who so desperately need it. And who more in need then those without peace in their hearts or in their daily lives? Reverend Forbes' message left not only a sense of hope but also a sense of purpose as the choir asked “Do you believe in freedom? Do you believe in justice?”, and the congregation shouted back “Yes, we do Lord! Justice for all”! And before I knew it, I was shaking the hands of my neighbors, quietly saying to them “Peace be with you.”

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