gemini season // another Church is possible // the kin-dom is at hand! Brought to you by Friendly Fire Collective May Day happened! And other updates... An update from the collective We had every intention to put out a May newsletter. We also had every intention to patch together a report-back that reflected the experience of the 30 or so retreat attendees. But here we are in June, with no such report-back. We're sorry.



I'll give a brief report-back here, and you can also listen to us talk about it on the Magnificast episode about the retreat. A few days prior to the retreat, some organizers came together for prayer and preparation. Various small disasters, including sickness and cars breaking down, threw us for some loops but we made it through. This was a theme for the retreat.

The night before the retreat, some people arrived early. We made dozens of peanut butter jelly sandwiches - some with only jelly, some with only peanut butter. These, along with bananas, chips, and water bottles, were fed to folks during the May Day demonstration.

On the morning of May 1st, we gathered together for registration, sign-making, and prayer at a church in Center City, Philadelphia. After, we made a short march towards City Hall with a banner that read All Cops Are Apostates while chanting Eat the Rich / Feed the Poor.

The demonstration was a rally at City Hall, organized by the Liberation Project. Other organizations present included the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW), Philly for Real Justice, and the Radical Education Department. This was an all-day occupation. We hung out, ate together, and had various teach-ins, which included one of our retreat's very own speaking about faith communities divesting from the police.

After the occupation, a number of participants left to get to the cabins we reserved outside of Philadelphia. Others stayed in Center CiIty a few hours longer and participated in other marches/demonstrations.

Our way back to the cabins included several logistical disasters, from bad directions being given to being locked out of the cabins. The joy of being safe and together mostly dissipated the heaviness from hours of confusion and chaos. As soon as we got in, people started cooking and food was served sometime past 9PM. Many stayed up late, talking, laughing, and getting to know each other.

The next morning we had a time of silent worship, and in small groups we read Mao's "Combat Liberalism." We had interesting conversations about spiritual and communal discipline, how Mao's words felt in tune with Paul's, and the need for self-crit. Soon after there was an incredible presentation from some members of Second Acts, a radical Christian direct action group, on liturgical direct action.

After lunch, we had optional workshops on consensus decision-making, transformative justice and accountability, body-work and healing, and an open conversation that was very tender, encouraging, and honest. Much of this conversation was about our struggles as followers of Christ and people of faith who hold revolutionary convictions. There was a powerful sense of solidarity.

After dinner, we worshipped, had an awesome sermon on the apocalypse, and were led to a time of open prayer. For over two hours, participants prayed, held Light, wept, laughed, and experienced the presence of God. At around two hours, Hye Sung was exhausted and prematurely asked, “Are all hearts clear?” There was a resounding no.

The next day after breakfast we had a communion service with bread and wine. A participant led us through. There was a sense of Spirit moving as she read: We join our voices with Angels, Archangels, all the Company of Heaven, and with the voice of all slaves, all outcasts, all the downtrodden who are your prophets who will not be silenced but rise up in insurrection to sing with gladness, all who choose not to be ashamed but who dance with joy before the throne as we praise you with one voice. We responded, confidently: Holy, Holy, Holy Lord, God of Power and Might, Heaven and Earth are full of your glory. Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is the One who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest. We then passed the cup and bread to one another. For some Quakers present, this was their first time taking part in the Eucharist, or any sacrament.

After communion, we had lunch and folks started leaving. Some participants stayed at the cabins an extra night. Post-retreat reflections The organizers regret that we did not recognize that the ancestral land we met on is Lenape territory. We would like to recognize this now, and express gratitude to be able to organize towards liberation on their soil.

We also apologize for providing little information on the campgrounds, how to get there, as well as on the actions. For next year, we are committing to organizing rides and providing more information - including for travel, the actions, and lodging - at least two weeks prior to the retreat.

We were blessed to have an intergenerational retreat, including the presence of a participant’s baby. This child was a source of much joy among participants. We were also blessed to have been a majority-queer space - one participant even said, “I spend a lot (most) of my time in queer space but this was by far the queerest space of all time.” Several people noted that there was a very nurturing, tender presence all throughout the retreat. That said, most participants were white.

We loved the political and theological diversity - wobblies, Marxist-Leninists, DSA members, pan-leftists, Catholic Workers, Quakers, tongue-talkers, holy laughers, contemplatives. It broadened our sense of revolutionary vision, opening up our imagination(s) to the movement of the Spirit.

We organized a conference call post-retreat to discuss the future of the Friendly Fire Collective. We named our vision as being a network of cells, communities, and individuals committed to the apocalyptic work. We named that we desired to be a pastoral presence to the Revolutionary Left. We named the three areas of work for the collective as 1) providing spiritual care, 2) creating agitation and propaganda, and 3) action-mobilization. We committed to meeting weekly for prayer and once a month to business. We will soon be creating a new process for people to become Friendly Fire co-conspirators.

We celebrate the friendships made, the wisdom shared, and the brewing that is occurring post-retreat. A group in Philadelphia, inspired by the retreat, have committed to forming a covenant community. We pray others groups committed to worship and providing support and care for liberatory work begin forming. As previously mentioned, will be deciding the process for becoming a member. If you have any interest in getting involved, or are in the Philadelphia area and would like to connect to the forming community, you can reach out to us at friendlyfireinfo@protonmail.com.



If you feel led to give, we are also still raising money to pay off the retreat. You can donate on our GoFundMe.

Christians of the Left, unite!

Another Church is possible! x o x o ,

Friendly Fire “Revolution is not only permissible it is obligatory for Christians who see in it the only effective way to express their love for all.”

– Camilo Torres Restrepo Make Quakerism Militant Again Martin Luther King, Jr. argued that nonviolence “is an imperative to action.” That’s why King’s Poor People’s Campaign was envisioned as a “new and unsettling force.” It was to be disruptive. It was intended to make the issue of poverty impossible to avoid. King was assassinated before seeing that campaign unfold, but his words proved true again and again and again. Throughout the Civil Rights Movement, disruptive action created results. Protests – riots even – made people pay attention. But the work remains unfinished. And being a liberal, progressive Christian just isn’t enough. Especially if you’re comfortable in the tension between Empire and Kingdom. You cannot serve two masters. If you’ve chosen the Kingdom, you must refuse and resist Empire. If you’ve chosen Christ, you must refuse and resist Caesar. Early Friends knew this. They broke laws. Caused public disruption. They ran toward trouble and defied the “justice” of the unjust. Refused to pay taxes and tithes, criticized Empire, and made enemies. They were fined, beaten, and jailed. And they grew. I don’t want to romanticize the past, what Friends used to be, but there is a militant strain in the thinking, speaking, and acting of early Friends. Somehow, this bent toward a do-something faith faded. Quakerism is designed for disruption. Actively stirring up trouble, causing a scene, shedding Light on oppression. Following Christ calls us to be outlaws, to defy the powers of this world. To simultaneously break into and out of the state and extend the Kingdom. We are called to create and live into a new society. I know many who are hungry for a prophetic movement that undoes the powers of this world, and they aren’t finding this movement in the Church. Some have found prophetic action more possible in non-Christian anarchist and anti-fascist (Antifa) organizing than in their faith communities. Even in more progressive Christians circles, direct action often doesn’t go much farther than picket signs and petitions. This is a shame. Because it’s not enough. It’s time for prophetic action. It’s time to create the world we want to live in. The Kingdom of God calls not for reform, but for insurrection. If we intend to be a transformative Religious Society, we must take seriously the call to the Kingdom. We must face into the ways in which we are complicit with empire and the powers of this world. We must be willing to lose what little we have in order that the oppressed might be ushered into God’s Kingdom. Love wins, but love does not always look friendly. As Che Guevara put it, “The true revolutionary is guided by a great feeling of love.” And your love for others will lead you to act. We are fighting actual systems, not just ideas. It’s time to turn over tables. Support Friend Sharon Smith

Sharon Smith is an Indigenous (Saponi/Mohawk) and Black woman. She is a life-long, front-line warrior against settler colonialism and white supremacy in America. She is an educator, artist, poet, abolitionist and a grandmother. Raised as a Quaker, Sharon is well known for her anti-racism ministry among Quakers from New England to the Southern Appalachia. She has been affiliated with Asheville Friends Meeting (Quakers) and Asheville Black Lives Matter since she arrived in Asheville almost four years ago

On March 16th, 2018, Sharon was arrested, in a Racial Equity Institute training on systemic racism—for speaking. She was arrested and criminally charged for not obeying a questionable Racial Equity Institute policy that, alumni are not allowed to speak during training sessions. She said she did not obey the policy, because, as an elder woman of color, and the only Native person in the room, with more knowledge and experience than the trainers in the room, she should have been allowed to speak from her experience. However, when she opened her mouth to answer a question posed by one of the trainers, she was told to be quiet or leave. When she said she would not leave, another REI alumna called security who in turn called the police. Thus enacting a perfect textbook scenario of what NOT to do, in a racially charged situation. Since then, REI has doubled down on their defenses by trying to discredit and defame Sharon Smith’s character.



As a result of her arrest and subsequent political and legal issues, Sharon Smith was asked to vacate her current living situation, where she has lived for the past three and a half years--within 30 days. Not only have these events triggered physical and mental trauma for her, but financial hardship as well. Who can find affordable housing in Asheville NC within 30 days?



Until now, Sharon has not had to pay rent, as she was hosted by a Quaker, but now this Quaker wants her house back. Because this is an emergency situation, Asheville Black Lives Matter is asking for $6000 in this GoFundMe appeal to help Sharon Smith with moving and legal expenses.



Sharon Smith has shown up for racial justice every single day of her 60 plus years, and now we need to show her what community support looks like. We are thankful for any and all donations and look forward to seeing you on the lines showing up for truth, justice and liberation.



Sincerely,



Asheville Black Lives Matter



GoFundMe: On March 16th, 2018, Sharon was arrested, in a Racial Equity Institute training on systemic racism—for speaking. She was arrested and criminally charged for not obeying a questionable Racial Equity Institute policy that, alumni are not allowed to speak during training sessions. She said she did not obey the policy, because, as an elder woman of color, and the only Native person in the room, with more knowledge and experience than the trainers in the room, she should have been allowed to speak from her experience. However, when she opened her mouth to answer a question posed by one of the trainers, she was told to be quiet or leave. When she said she would not leave, another REI alumna called security who in turn called the police. Thus enacting a perfect textbook scenario of what NOT to do, in a racially charged situation. Since then, REI has doubled down on their defenses by trying to discredit and defame Sharon Smith’s character.As a result of her arrest and subsequent political and legal issues, Sharon Smith was asked to vacate her current living situation, where she has lived for the past three and a half years--within 30 days. Not only have these events triggered physical and mental trauma for her, but financial hardship as well. Who can find affordable housing in Asheville NC within 30 days?Until now, Sharon has not had to pay rent, as she was hosted by a Quaker, but now this Quaker wants her house back. Because this is an emergency situation, Asheville Black Lives Matter is asking for $6000 in this GoFundMe appeal to help Sharon Smith with moving and legal expenses.Sharon Smith has shown up for racial justice every single day of her 60 plus years, and now we need to show her what community support looks like. We are thankful for any and all donations and look forward to seeing you on the lines showing up for truth, justice and liberation.Sincerely,Asheville Black Lives MatterGoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/emergency-legal-and-housing-fund Sharon Smith is an Indigenous (Saponi/Mohawk) and Black woman. She is a life-long, front-line warrior against settler colonialism and white supremacy in America. She is an educator, artist, poet, abolitionist and a grandmother. Raised as a Quaker, Sharon is well known for her anti-racism ministry among Quakers from New England to the Southern Appalachia. She has been affiliated with Asheville Friends Meeting (Quakers) and Asheville Black Lives Matter since she arrived in Asheville almost four years ago Hold in the Light Holding in the Light is a Quaker practice. This form is intercession is grounded in silence and uses one's imagination. We visualize the Light wrapping around those we have in mind, not pushing for an outcome but placing our trust in this all-consuming Love, believing that she will hold and carry them through.



We ask that you hold these people and conflicts in the Light. Pray as you feel led.

The liberation of the Palestinian people

Rebuilding in Puerto Rico

Rojava and the Kurdish struggle

A continued sense of unity on the Korean peninsula

The growing Christian Left in the so-called United States

The formation of a radical Christian community in Philadelphia

FF member Matti's cousin Rita passed away - for her daughter and the rest of Matti's family "If you find yourself about to call the police, I ask you to recognize that you are at a powerful crossroads. Take a moment to think about the many people who are actually endangered by the police. Remember that many people who believed the police would help them have ended up dead, or with dead loved ones. Think about what kind of world you want to live in. Then join with others to build it."



#everydayabolition #worldwewant #refuge #communitynotcops #worldwithoutpolice #wecandoit [image description: watercolor and black pen create a simple image of a large gnarled oak tree in a forest. The tree creates a canopy over two paths that cross. Woodpeckers sit in the tree, along with the words “Refuge in community not cops.”] Gratitude to Max Airborne for both art and text "At Holy Cross College and in the seminary, I learned that we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves. But no one ever encouraged me to examine my own racism. I was a racist when I arrived at St. Augustine’s, because to live in America is to be a racist, either by commission or omission. Our government’s domestic and foreign policies are determined, to a large extent, by racist assumptions. Racism influences where we live, whom we choose to have for friends, whom we marry, where our children go to school, where we work and worship. Racism fills our morgues, every day, with murdered black children. It jams our prisons with black men and women, crowds our death rows, and keeps the executioners busy. It poisons the hopes and kills the dreams of poor, disempowered Americans. I didn’t know these things when my superiors transferred me to New Orleans. I just wanted to be a good priest and a good teacher, to serve God, and to help where and when I could. The students of St. Augustine continued my education. Gently, but firmly, healing my blindness. And the more I learned from my black friends and students, the more outrage I felt. Outrage and a deep sense of betrayal. I was brought up to respect authority."

– Phil Berrigan What's going on? Friendly Anarchism: Two weeks ago the 40th episode of Friendly Anarchism came out called



Friendly Fire Collective: In celebration of Pentecost, we put up a post about the gift and spiritual discipline of speaking in tongues.



The Magnificast: Hye Sung gave a reportback of the May Day retreat on the newest episode of the Magnificast. He also talked a bit about the work of the Friendly Fire Collective and a vision of the Christian Left as doulas of the end times.



Radical Discipleship: Rianna Isaak-Krauß new post



Jesus Radicals: Jesus Radicals' journal "Rock! Paper! Scissors!" first issue came out, titled "



Plowshares Movement: Solidarity with and gratitude for the Plowshares movement! Two weeks ago the 40th episode of Friendly Anarchism came out called "Syndicalism, Witchcraft, and Mutual Aid with Sophia Weber." In celebration of Pentecost, we put up a post about the gift and spiritual discipline of speaking in tongues. Read "Speaking in Tongues" by Dylan Morrison here Hye Sung gave a reportback of the May Day retreat on the newest episode of the Magnificast. He also talked a bit about the work of the Friendly Fire Collective and a vision of the Christian Left as doulas of the end times. Listen on SoundCloud! Rianna Isaak-Krauß new post "Why Would I Do This?" on getting arrested during the Poor People's Campaign.Jesus Radicals' journal "Rock! Paper! Scissors!" first issue came out, titled " The Movement Makes Us Human ." Martha, Patrick, and Carmen of the Kings Bay Plowshares were bailed on May 24th. Solidarity with and gratitude for the Plowshares movement! The People's Devotional On Faith as a Weapon

Marx said, “Force is the midwife of every old society pregnant with a new one.” I think of force as more than actions of violence, but a spirit of militancy. It does not require violence, but instead a willingness to do whatever love demands, even if it is to betray one’s ethics. This is out of an intoxicating commitment to the collective, and therefore the revolutionary vision. Without force, without militancy, without a relentless faith, simply building up dual power is not enough. We will be torn down before we can create a mass-movement. To walk in such authority is in itself a weapon. We need to host within ourselves this spirit of passionate love, in its intoxication, making a commitment daily. We need to accept that love may lead us to martyrdom. To live is Christ, to die is gain.



What a gift it is to lay ourselves down for the birth of a new movement - and better yet, a new world. What a gift is to know that resurrection can only be collective.