be present with and learn from our MidEastern and Islamic neighbors, who are under particular jeopardy.
a. We may offer to participate in nonviolent vigilance and community watches to protect their safety.
b. We urge patronizing local businesses that are at risk of racist attack.  Opportunities abound to get to know these neighbors better.
c. We advocate maintenance of a tolerant, peaceful community which values the richness of diversity in Columbia.
d. We shall explore opportunities for mutual study and, if possible, worship.  We wish to find or create educational events for  better understanding Islam and also those societies into which our nation may be drawn in violent action.
6. There may be opportunities for publicizing our witness, and we should appropriate funds and lines of responsibility for this.  Our Peace and Justice Committee may bring us further specific recommendations, and may prudently act on our behalf consistent with our historic witness and stated declarations.  They also welcome additional Friends to their work.
7. We encourage individual letter writing to support those who speak out for peace -- sent to government representatives, to the media, to those imprisoned suffering for Truth -- and on issues
8. We encourage use of and support for the timely resources of the Friends Committee on National Legislation.

Minute of Response and Intention, Columbia Friends Meeting, Approved 9/30/01

We grieve for the suffering and loss stemming

from the tragic events of September 11, 2001. We grieve for the alienation and despair which led individuals to perform such acts. We acknowledge the oneness of all creation and pray to God that the present calamity may open our hearts to the travails of our human family and guide us in finding ways we may be called to witness to justice for all. We acknowledge that only through our relationship with the one God will we be changed and enabled to bring peace to our world.

Let us prayerfully consider how we are being asked by our Creator to respond to the events of September 11. We are drawn to the foundations of our faith; to our continual experience of the one God who is revealed to all people. We are given a commandment by God to love one another as we are loved by God. Out of this love, we are led to lay down our fears and consider the welfare of all in the same way we do our own. We are called to be compassionate -- to not only be deeply aware of suffering, but also to address suffering in all its guises. We continually ask for guidance, confident that our Divine Source will hear and be with us in this endeavor.

We would counsel our larger society and governments that contributing to the cycle of violence and retaliation has never achieved true peace; rather we need to seek new ways to address conflict and injustice. Our righteous anger can blind us to the root causes of strife which must be addressed. The peace we are searching for is not simply the absence of war but an inner experience of oneness that is reflected outwardly in loving justice. As we act on the measure of truth that is given us by God, we open ourselves to further revelation.

Let us strive for understanding, patience, acts of mercy, and love. May each of us be an instrument of peace, embracing all in our human family, and embodying God's love and wisdom as we seek a justice that leads to reconciliation, not revenge.