Holding the Light in a Season of Political Tension

As our nation moves through another season of political intensity, many people are feeling it — in conversations around the dinner table, on social media, in workplaces, and in places of worship. Public discourse often feels sharp. Differences can feel personal. The volume is high, and the space for careful listening sometimes feels small.

As Quakers, we are called to something different.

The Religious Society of Friends has long understood that there is “that of God in everyone.” This belief is not sentimental. It is demanding. It asks us to see the Divine Light even in those with whom we deeply disagree. It asks us to separate people from positions, humanity from ideology.

In times of political tension, our testimonies become especially relevant.

Peace calls us to reject not only physical violence, but also verbal violence, contempt, and dehumanization. We are reminded that anger may be understandable, but cruelty is not required. We can speak clearly and firmly without tearing others down.

Integrity asks us to be careful with our words. In a world of rapid headlines and viral posts, integrity invites us to slow down, verify information, and resist sharing content that fuels fear or division. Truthfulness is a spiritual discipline.

Equality challenges us to remember that every person — regardless of political affiliation — carries inherent worth. It does not mean we abandon our convictions. It means we refuse to treat others as less than human.

Community reminds us that democracy is not only about elections. It is about relationships. It is about neighbors learning to live together across differences. It is about staying in conversation when it would be easier to withdraw.

Holding the Light in a season of political tension does not mean disengaging from civic life. Quakers have a long history of active involvement in social reform, public policy, and justice movements. But our engagement has traditionally been grounded in worship, discernment, and a commitment to nonviolence.

In practical terms, holding the Light might look like:

• Listening more than reacting.

• Praying for leaders — all leaders.

• Refusing to mock or belittle those with differing views.

• Seeking credible information before forming strong conclusions.

• Supporting peaceful participation in democratic processes.

• Creating spaces in our meetings for worshipful reflection on civic responsibility.

It may also mean acknowledging our own fears and frustrations. Political seasons often surface deep concerns about safety, justice, and the future. Rather than denying those emotions, we can bring them into worship. Silence allows us to be shaped by the Spirit rather than by the news cycle.

George Fox spoke of living “in the virtue of that life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars.” That invitation still stands. The wars of our time may not always be fought with weapons; they are often fought with words, assumptions, and hardened hearts. The Quaker witness remains a quiet but steady alternative.

We do not hold the Light because the moment is easy.
We hold it because the moment is difficult.

In seasons of political tension, our faith is tested — not by which opinions we hold, but by how we hold them. May we continue to embody peace without passivity, conviction without contempt, and courage without hatred.

The world does not need louder voices.
It needs steadier ones.

And so we return to worship, to discernment, and to the simple, radical belief that the Light is present — in us, in our neighbors, and even in the midst of disagreement.

PHOTO CREDIT: AFSC 02.2024