For a religious group known for its silent worship, we’re a pretty outspoken bunch

Dear Mr. Trump,

Congratulations on being elected president. The teens of Friends Meeting of Washington welcome you to Washington, D.C.

We’re Quakers. For a religious group known for its silent worship, we’re a pretty outspoken bunch. We advocate, we organize, we vote, we speak the truth, and when necessary, we protest. We may worship in silence, but we live our values loudly. We want to share with you our hopes and fears for your presidency:

• We’re fearful that you will widen the wealth gap, making decisions that favor the one percent and hurt everyone else.
• We’re fearful that you’ll target certain ethnic and religious groups with unfair detainment and deportation.
• We’re fearful that you’ll destabilize our relations with other countries.
• We hope that you’ll keep the lives of citizens and immigrants in mind as you govern.
• We hope that you’ll treat all socioeconomic classes equally.
• We hope that you’ll work for the good of America and not just for your personal gain.

As you take on your new role as president, we will hold you in the Light and hope that, as president, you will recognize that of God in everyone.

Sincerely,

Greyson Acquaviva, Grade 11, The Howard Gardner School;

Anna Avanesyan, Grade 10, Sidwell Friends School;

Charlie Melchior-Fisher, Grade 9, School Without Walls;

and Preston Melchior-Fisher, Grade 9, School Without Walls