Update

After the Dobbs decision, FCNL’s Policy Committee heard from Friends around the country that they overwhelmingly wanted FCNL to take a position on the issue. Here’s where we landed.

As we look toward the next eight decades—or even the next five years—we wonder how to remain brave and constant amid deep partisan divides, ongoing horrors of war, racism, xenophobia, and an environment in crisis. Being still during some of our most trying times has enabled us to hear, recalibrate, and think deeply, instead of being strictly reactionary.

Since 1943, FCNL has been at the forefront of many important social movements, faithfully lobbying Congress and 15 successive presidential administrations to advance peace, justice, and environmental stewardship. Today, it is one of the most effective change agents in Washington, D.C.  

Quakers are particularly known for a testimony to peace. But what does a peace testimony mean for individuals and Quaker communities and organizations like FCNL?

In all of these conversations, we heard one clear message: People want members of Congress to work across partisan divides on behalf of their constituents.

In many ways, 2023 was a challenging year. Through this, FCNL’s lobbyists and advocates have remained steadfast in their work to advance peace and justice through public policy. We refused to be distracted, and as a result, our advocacy marked real progress. As we look towards a new year and Congress enters the second half of its 118th session, we see the potential for significant legislative victories at the beginning of 2024.

Since the Israel-Palestine war began following the deadly attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, we have witnessed a dramatic rise in Islamophobic and antisemitic rhetoric and violence throughout the United States. Hadiya and Odeliya are colleagues and friends at the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Hadiya is a Muslim American and Odeliya is an Israeli Jew. This rising tide of hate is something that they can’t ignore—as individuals or as advocates for peace.

As the year winds down, lawmakers are racing to reach an agreement to deliver emergency military aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. As negotiations progress, we are seeing a concerning willingness by the White House and members of Congress to trade permanent, harmful changes in immigration policy for more money for weapons and war.

On this 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it’s important to take account of the ways in which the United States is failing to adhere to its commitments under the declaration.