Friends General Conference

Invitation, hospitality, and open hearts: Have you had a deep and surprising conversation lately? This post is part of our reflective series on the poem by LVM Shelton, "A Window and a Door: A Prayer." LVM's poem explores ways of interacting that are spiritual and transformative. Her poem is the inspiration behind the 2026 Gathering theme.

If you're registered for the Gathering, we hope that your Gathering experience brings moments when Spirit flings the door wide open for you -- new realizations, new growth, and new balance in your life.

Explore the Gathering here:
https://www.fgcquaker.org/fgcprograms/the-gathering/explore-the-gathering/

Happy Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Today we honor Fred T. Korematsu, a man who practiced nonviolent resistance at the age of 19. In 1942, Korematsu resisted a racist executive order by refusing to leave home for a Japanese internment camp.

Executive Order 9066, signed by President Roosevelt, was in effect with its racist logic. The Lieutenant General at the time argued that “the very fact that no sabotage has taken place” from Japanese Americans proved that soon it would.

Korematsu's case reached the Supreme Court, which ruled against him. More than 30 years later, though, this court ruling was overturned. Toward he end of his life, he earned the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his courage.

This is just a brief snippet. Read more about Korematsu's life here:
https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/fred-korematsu-battle-against-internment-of-japanese-americans/

Photo credit: Gary Fong/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images

The Gathering is a spiritual community of people from diverse households, counties, time zones, and nations. A past attender said: "It was so nourishing just to be there in person, and have many opportunities for spontaneous conversations." A Friend in high school shared: "I feel more connected to Quakerism and more confident and validated in identifying as Quaker." Fees go up on June 1 - Register today!

The Gathering is July 7-12, 2026 in Burlington, Vermont. June 1 is the last day to register children and youth, and it's the last day for the Pre-Gathering Retreat for Friends of Color. Registration closes at midnight on June 19.

https://www.fgcquaker.org/fgcprograms/the-gathering/registration-and-logistics/