An offering from the Brooklyn Quaker Meeting, who have been graciously hosting the New Sanctuary Coalition community meetings:

In May of 2025, Quakers from Brooklyn and Queens are partnering with faith, interfaith, and other groups to organize a 265 mile solidarity walk from Flushing, Queens to Washington, DC. In a time where our democracy and first amendment freedoms are under attack, the goal is to invite faith communities and concerned neighbors across the country to stand in unity with migrants and all individuals who are being unfairly and unconstitutionally targeted by this administration as well as send a message about our shared humanity. The three week walk will be punctuated by events and demonstrations building energy and momentum towards the arrival in Washington D.C. as well as motivating communities to stand up for our basic freedoms. When the walkers arrive in D.C., they will deliver a historical petition called the Flushing Remonstrance and a series of demands to members of congress. 

The starting point was chosen to draw attention to the 1657 Flushing Remonstrance, a plea from the earliest European settlers of Flushing, Queens to the then Governor Peter Stuyvesant saying in the strongest language that their Quaker neighbors did not deserve the persecution they were subject to under Stuyvesant’s administration. This document is considered the direct precursor to the Bill of Rights, but is distinguished by the fact that it was sent by a group of 30 freeholders, many of whom were illiterate, who were simply moved by compassion for their Quaker neighbors. Our wish is to bring it forward as an example of how much everyone –but particularly Quakers– owe our first neighbors in the New World for this early declaration of compassion and tolerance, and the perennial importance of delivering this message to those in power.

As we march together, we are sounding a call to spiritual arms for the faithful, and for all those who still believe in genuine freedom and equality.  We will not betray the persecuted.  We will not be the tools of a hostile government and let today’s regime steamroll our nation’s founding principles while cloaking themselves in false patriotism. We are letting those in power know that we see them and reminding them that the American government is of, by, and for the people.

RSVP to walk or volunteer here.