As Northampton Meeting and Holguin Meeting consider a sister meeting relationship, it might be helpful for you to see our most recent State of Society report, which gives you a pretty good idea of what we are enthusiastic about.
Since New England Yearly Meeting is a member of both Friends United Meeting and Friends General Conference, we are well acquainted with the controversies and feelings that may arise between meetings that are very different in theology and lifestyle. Our Monthly Meeting (Mt. Toby) has been very clear that it wishes to maintain relations with a wide diversity of meetings. It was clearly opposed to the proposal two years ago to divide FUM on theological and lifestyle grounds. Northampton Meeting very likely feels the same way, although it has never taken formal action on the matter. We would like to know whether the differences between us that may exist would trouble you in a sister meeting relationship.
The enclosed report has more to say about activities than about theology. Some of our members would describe themselves as Christ centered, others would not. Some would say that they follow Jesus but abhor the way most branches of the Christian Church have deviated from his teachings. That behavior of the church makes it difficult for some to describe themselves as Christian. Nonetheless, I feel a firm conviction that we and you are guided by the same Spirit.
We welcome your reply, knowing that the unfortunate political differences between our two governments will make it difficult for the reply to reach us promptly.
Yours in the Light,