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NYC Quakers

Who are NYC Quakers?

NYC Quakers share their answers to the questions "Why are you a Quaker?" and "what do you like about Quakerism?"

Tanya Farmer NYQM retreat Nov 2024 800 Square
Tanya Farmer, Brooklyn Meeting: In Quaker worship, we sit in silence, listening for God. This practice deeply resonates with my experience as a yoga practitioner and meditator. In that stillness, I find the same "peace that surpasses all understanding" that has drawn me to my yoga mat for over 20 years!
Dianne de la Veaux and child Dec 2023 800 Square
Dianne de la Veaux, Brooklyn Meeting: I grew up practicing Quakerism — as a child, I found the Quaker community in my hometown to be warm, welcoming and infinitely patient. Now, as an adult, my Quaker practice is a constant reminder to me to slow down and listen, which provides grounding and direction, especially in uncertain times.
An older white man (John Maynard) wearing a red flannel shirt is smiling and pointing to a sign on the front of the 15 Rutherford Place building that he has just touched up with paint. From November 2023.
John Maynard, 15th Street Meeting: I stay away from most kinds of ritual, including ritual language. Many other Friends do too. Friends have been very interesting and kind and have tried to bring me into their social circles here and in meetings in other places.
Head and shoulders of a smiling Black woman with glasses and short grey hair is looking off to the right. It's Ernie Buscemi from Morningside Meeting.
Ernie Buscemi, Morningside Meeting: As a Friend, I can be in direct relationship with God. No matter the mistakes I made the day before, I am able to start all over again. I can be myself and be in relationship with the Divine. That’s why I’m a Quaker.
Sophie Gonick and Sander Hicks 800 Square
Sophie Gonick & Sander Hicks, 15th Street Meeting: As a couple, we represent the diverse backgrounds of contemporary Quakers: we're an ex-Catholic/Zen Buddhist and a secular Jew. We are on the left politically and value community connection, which we found in spades when we married in a meeting for worship in 2023. We relate to the inclusivity and the universality of Quakerism, and the love we Friends share for all people. As strong believers in peace and non-violence, we have found a home at 15th Street. Here we offer sanctuary to migrants, educational events for all, and serenity in an agitated world.