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JUNE 11: Quakers say a better world is possible

| June 24, 2022 1:00 AM

The Sandpoint Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) shares this statement of support and solidarity with all LGBTQIA+ people, following arrests of 31 people police labeled “white nationalists,” allegedly planning to disrupt the Pride in the Park event held by North Idaho Pride Alliance in Coeur d’Alene, June 11.

We affirm not just the legal and civil right of the CDA4Pride participants to assemble in mutual support, but also their moral right and their courage to do so, to raise up the struggle against injustice, discrimination and “othering.”

We deplore the intentions of the people arrested. We acknowledge the painful depth to which social media and politics are promoting racism and fear of difference over inclusion and equality. We affirm our belief that the divine and sacred is in every person and all have the ability to be led by that Spirit.

We encourage those arrested and their supporters to open themselves to the inner truth that we are all equal in Spirit, that messages of hate and oppression degrade our humanity, that we do have the Power within us to love one another.

We know that a better world is possible, that indeed we are blessed with the abilities to bring that world into being. Let us set aside all fear and hostility toward differences, attitudes that undermine what we could achieve together. Pride in the Park was a step in that direction and we value that work and thank those who do it.

DAVID BRITTON

Ponderay