ROAMING WITH QUAKERS: A 300-MILE PROTEST AGAINST IMMIGRATION POLICIES
Anti-Trump marches led by Quakers, upholding their centuries-old religious principles, against the president's immigration policy.
WASHINGTON, D.C. (All That's Left) - A band of dedicated Quakers is embarking on an arduous journey, marching over 300 miles from New York City to the heart of Washington, D.C., in a powerful demonstration against the Trump administration's hard-line immigration policies.
This noble endeavor echoes Quaker's time-honored tradition of peaceful activism. Throughout history, Quakers have fought against oppressive forces, striving for peace, justice, and equality in war-torn battles and social injustice movements. In more recent years, Quakers have sued the federal government over immigration agents' ability to make arrests at houses of worship, illustrating their unwavering stand for human rights[2].
"The struggle feels overwhelming faced with such potent and existential threats," said Jess Hobbs Pifer, a 25-year-old Quaker and march organizer, who senses a deep connection to Quaker activism's storied past. "Yet, I vow to take one step at a time toward something more authentic, something more true to the Quaker philosophy that has inspired generations."
The group will commence their southbound journey from the Flushing Quaker Meeting House and traverse New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Pennsylvania before reaching the U.S. Capitol[1]. Their mission is to deliver a copy of the "Flushing Remonstrance" - a 17th-century document advocating for religious freedom and protesting against a ban on Quaker worship. This symbolic gesture showcases their commitment to preserving the principles enshrined in the original document, asserting, "All are welcome."
Quakers argue that the current administration's immigration policies violate the spirit of equality and justice that underpin the nation's founding ideals[3]. Max Goodman, a 28-year-old Quaker, articulates this sentiment, noting that while the administration may not explicitly break laws, its actions undermine the pluralism, tolerance, and respect for human dignity inherent in American constitutional law.
Quaker Resistance: A Legacy of Protest
The Religious Society of Friends, famously known as the Quakers, originated in 17th-century England[4]. George Fox, an Englishman who objected to Anglicanism's emphasis on ceremony, founded the group that emphasizes a personal relationship with Christ, commonly referred to as the Inner Light. Fox's teachings emphasize that the Inner Light frees believers from adherence to formal religious rituals or dogma.
Following Fox's example, Quakers have been steadfast in their opposition to unjust authority. They have demonstrated tirelessly for the abolition of slavery, women's suffrage, and against both World Wars, as well as the U.S.'s involvement in the Vietnam and Afghanistan conflicts. Quakers were also vocal protesters during the Seattle World Trade Organization protests and Black Lives Matter demonstrations following the 2020 killing of George Floyd[4].
When the Quaker delegation reached downtown Princeton, they were warmly received by local Quaker members. Casey Oware, a member of the Princeton Friends Meeting, presented an emotional response to the marchers' efforts, stating, "Their journey has inspired me, recognizing that we are both fighting for a shared cause."
Her friend, Marae McGhee, a retired teacher and member of the Princeton Friends Meeting, echoed Oware's sentiment: "These times are troubling, and many feel helpless. But with people like these marchers, taking action and demonstrating their commitment, there's still hope for change."
Southeast Asians Take to the Streets to Demand Justice
JOIN US IN THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY AND JUSTICE. EVERY VOICE MAKES A DIFFERENCE. FOLLOW US ON OUR JOURNEY AND SPREAD THE WORD. LET'S MAKE A Difference TOGETHER.
- In 2025, a group of Quakers will commence a 300-mile march from the Flushing Quaker Meeting House, using social media to document their journey against the Trump administration's immigration policies.
- The Quaker-led movement has agreed to deliver a copy of the "Flushing Remonstrance" to the U.S. Capitol, symbolizing their commitment to preserving principles of religious freedom and equality.
- The Quakers argue that the current administration's immigration policies are in conflict with the nation's founding ideals, and their resistance is rooted in a rich history of peaceful activism dating back to the 17th century.
- In Seattle, enthotened by the Quaker resistance, members of the Princeton Friends Meeting expressed solidarity with the movement, speaking of the Quakers' continued impact on social-media platforms, general news, and political discussions.
- The Quaker tradition of pacifism and resistance stretches back to their origin in 17th-century England, with widespread activism against slavery, women's suffrage, both World Wars, the Vietnam War, Afghanistan conflict, the Seattle World Trade Organization protests, and Black Lives Matter demonstrations.
- In stark contrast to the administration's actions, the Quakers' unwavering commitment to human rights and social justice, as observed in their 2025 protest, serves as a beacon of hope for those seeking equality and justice in politics, government, and society.
