See How They Love One Another
Referring to the Romans’ view of early Christians, Tertullian wrote, “It is mainly the deeds of a love so noble that lead many to put a brand upon us. See how they love one another, they say.” This idea that our QEW community is rooted in addressing climate change through love was the theme of our fall Steering Committee Meeting, where we met in person for the first time in three years.
QEW is guided by a 50-person steering committee comprised of at-large members and nominated representatives from Quaker yearly meetings (regional groups) in North America. Our fall meeting served as a vital opportunity for us to connect/ re-connect at a deep level. Some Friends had never met one another, and others have been members of our community for decades.
This occasion to connect came at a turning point for QEW. Our beloved General Secretary, Shelley Tanenbaum, is retiring after more than 13 years of service to QEW; serving as a member and clerk of our Steering Committee before stepping up to be our General Secretary.
Keith Runyan, our incoming General Secretary and newest member of QEW, shared in his talk A Movement Worthy of our Times on Saturday evening, “As QEW turns the corner on seeding new leadership, may we offer this moment as an opportunity for new eyes and fresh perspectives brimming with fierce resolve, determination, and hope. We are the ones we have been waiting for. It is time we sparked the radical fire within Friends.”
Our Steering Committee Meetings result in concrete plans for the future, but they also give us time to renew our collective commitment to Earthcare, expand our sense of belonging, and to share ministry with one another. We asked Friends why they are involved with QEW. Elaine Emmi, one of our co-clerks, said it best; Earthcare is her “raision d’etre!”
We hope to see you at our next in-person Steering Committee meeting!
All are welcome to join and explore future leadings of QEW. We will be gathering at the Norbertine Spirituality Center at Santa Maria de la Vid Abbey in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on October 3rd-6th, 2024.
