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Many of us who have participated in Friends Couple Enrichment (FCE) for decades have reflected on how these practices and skills are relevant in many relationships and communities. Some of us have offered these practices to individuals and groups. Participation in Couple Enrichment fosters growth and deepens bonds in a committed relationship while honoring equality, integrity, compassion, and attention to that of God in each person. Of course, these same practices and skills could do the same for all Friends in relationship and community, both Quaker and non-Quakers!!
In the last decade, our country has been immersed in political, cultural, and spiritual polarization. As Friends we would like to think we are immune to the effects of this on our own relationships and communities. However, our experiences tell us something different.
In Baltimore Yearly Meeting (BYM) we heard many Friends describe their desires to be able to repair, resolve and move forward in a loving, caring community, seeking the will of the Divine when experiencing hurt and disconnection from unresolved conflict. Friends described feeling stuck, not knowing what to do or where to turn.
In response to that desire, a working group was formed under the Ministry and Pastoral Care Committee in 2020 to assist Friends who are seeking spiritual healing of the community when unresolved conflicts, differences and tensions occur in BYM. By 2022 Friends Supporting Friends had brought together those with experience and skills in spirit-led conflict resolution to serve in this ministry. Consultation with several yearly meetings (Philadelphia and New York) provided assistance as we prepared ourselves.
The goals of Friends Supporting Friends are to provide support, education, facilitation, mediation and deep listening to individuals, committees, and monthly meetings to address the deep desires of Friends seeking spiritual healing. Similar to Couple Enrichment, there are guiding principles for this ministry. Quaker beliefs and practices are foundational; and all are held in prayer and Light. Others are voluntary participation; confidentiality and privacy honored; awareness of gender age, ethnicity and race considered to the extent possible; and deep listening and speaking in love.
Since 2022 the working group has provided consultation to individuals, committees, and monthly meetings. Workshops have been developed and conducted with monthly meetings and the yearly meeting. Deep listening is a first step to discern what assistance may be helpful. We have gathered resources to provide guidance and further assistance. Friends Supporting Friends continues to grow and learn as we address this moment in the Religious Society of Friends and in our world!
We are all building peaceful, healthy and spirit-led communities - together - in the Spirit!!
kBy Joan Dyer Liversidge, Emeritus Friends Couple Enrichment Leader with Rich Liversidge,
member of the BYM Friends Supporting Friends, and Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting, Sandy
Spring, Maryland, Baltimore Yearly Meeting
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