New York Yearly Meeting

New York Yearly Meeting is a Quaker organization that was established in 1696, with its roots in the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox in England in the 17th century. The organization is part of the larger Quaker movement, which also includes other yearly meetings such as the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting and the New England Yearly Meeting. New York Yearly Meeting is composed of Monthly Meetings from New York (state), New Jersey, and Connecticut, and is affiliated with the Friends General Conference and the Friends World Committee for Consultation. The organization is also connected to other Quaker institutions, including Swarthmore College and Haverford College.

● History

The history of New York Yearly Meeting dates back to the late 17th century, when Quaker settlers arrived in New York (state) and established the first Monthly Meetings in the region. The organization played a significant role in the American Revolution, with many Quakers, including John Woolman and Anthony Benezet, advocating for abolition and pacifism. New York Yearly Meeting was also involved in the Underground Railroad, with many Quakers, such as Levi Coffin and William Still, helping African American slaves escape to freedom in Canada. The organization has also been influenced by other Quaker leaders, including Elizabeth Fry and Lucretia Mott, who were involved in various social justice causes, including women's suffrage and abolition.

● Organization

New York Yearly Meeting is a decentralized organization, with decision-making authority resting with the Monthly Meetings and the Yearly Meeting itself. The organization is governed by a clerk and a committee structure, with various committees responsible for different aspects of the organization's work, including Ministry and Counsel, Finance, and Social Concerns. The organization is also affiliated with other Quaker organizations, including the American Friends Service Committee and the Quaker United Nations Office. New York Yearly Meeting has also been involved in various Quaker conferences and gatherings, including the Friends General Conference and the Friends World Committee for Consultation.

● Beliefs and Practices

New York Yearly Meeting is a Quaker organization that is guided by the principles of the Religious Society of Friends, including the belief in the Inner Light and the importance of Silent worship. The organization also emphasizes the importance of Community and Social justice, and has been involved in various social justice causes, including abolition, women's suffrage, and civil rights. The organization's beliefs and practices are also influenced by other Quaker traditions, including the Evangelical Friends Church and the Conservative Friends. New York Yearly Meeting has also been influenced by the writings of Quaker authors, including George Fox, William Penn, and John Woolman.

● Meetings and Worship

New York Yearly Meeting holds regular Meeting for Worships, which are characterized by Silent worship and the sharing of Vocal ministry. The organization also holds Meeting for Businesses, which are used to make decisions and conduct the business of the organization. The Yearly Meeting itself is a gathering of representatives from the Monthly Meetings, and is used to make decisions and set the direction for the organization. New York Yearly Meeting has also been involved in various Quaker worship and fellowship events, including the Friends General Conference and the Friends World Committee for Consultation. The organization has also been influenced by other Quaker worship traditions, including the unprogrammed and programmed traditions.

● Social Justice and Activism

New York Yearly Meeting has a long history of social justice and activism, dating back to the American Revolution and the abolition movement. The organization has been involved in various social justice causes, including women's suffrage, civil rights, and anti-war activism. The organization has also been involved in various Quaker social justice organizations, including the American Friends Service Committee and the Quaker United Nations Office. New York Yearly Meeting has also been influenced by other social justice movements, including the labor movement and the environmental movement. The organization has also been involved in various social justice events, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and the Selma to Montgomery marches.

● Notable Members and Events

New York Yearly Meeting has been home to many notable Quakers, including John Woolman, Anthony Benezet, and Lucretia Mott. The organization has also been involved in various notable events, including the Underground Railroad and the Women's Loyal National League. New York Yearly Meeting has also been influenced by other notable Quakers, including George Fox, William Penn, and Elizabeth Fry. The organization has also been involved in various notable Quaker conferences and gatherings, including the Friends General Conference and the Friends World Committee for Consultation. New York Yearly Meeting has also been recognized for its social justice work, including its involvement in the American Friends Service Committee and the Quaker United Nations Office.

Category:Quaker organizations