Minute on Violence in Iran
Lakeway Quaker Meeting (preparatory) presented the following Minute for Yearly Meeting consideration at our Spring Gathering on March 14, 2026.
Friends APPROVED this Minute and encourage all Yearly Meeting members to share this as the Spirit leads. To simplify sharing, you will find a link to the pdf of this Minute following the Minute’s text below:
Minute on Violence in Iran
As a community of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), we are disturbed and deeply concerned about the recent violence in the Middle East.
Our Quaker and Christian faith teaches us to affirm the dignity and sanctity of every human life and pursue peaceful solutions. While we hope and pray for the best outcomes of the current campaign, history shows that the gains from violence are not worth the losses, including civilian deaths, increased instability, generations of terror and trauma, and the creation of new resentments and hatreds.
We grieve the loss of life that has already taken place, including American service members, Iranian civilians, and the children in Minab. We hold in the Light all those impacted, praying for decision-makers, service-members, and civilians in the region who now live in constant fear of further destruction and violence.
As a spiritual community, we call for an immediate end to the bombing and a shift toward seeking alternative paths to peace:
● De-escalation and Ceasefire: We join the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) and other Quaker organizations in calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent this conflict from spiraling into a catastrophic regional war.
● Diplomatic Engagement: Lasting security cannot be won on the battlefield. We urge the U.S. government and international leaders to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy as the only sustainable way to address long-standing grievances and nuclear concerns.
● Congressional Accountability: We support the Khanna-Massie War Powers Resolution and other efforts to assert the constitutional role of Congress in matters of war, ensuring that no president can unilaterally lead the nation into an unauthorized conflict.
● Humanitarian Concern: We urge all parties to respect international law and protect civilian lives, ensuring that humanitarian aid can reach those in need.
Approved by Lakeway Quaker Meeting for Worship for Business
March 11, 2026
Approved by Wilmington Yearly Meeting of Friends
Meeting for Worship with Attention to Business – Spring Gathering
14 March (3rd Month) 2026
