The Peace and Social Concerns Committee works on many peace and justice issues of concern to Friends. The areas we work on are grounded in traditional Friends testimonies, especially the Peace Testimony and the Equality Testimony. Some issues that have been of particular interest to Berea Friends are:

• Dismantling racism within ourselves, our meeting, and our nation.
• Against militarism, and for diplomacy, development, and international cooperation.
• For a healthy environment, including sustainable energy generation and the reduction of atmospheric greenhouse gasses.
• For equal rights and treatment for all, regardless of race, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, or political beliefs.
• For a criminal justice system based in restorative justice, redemption, and healing, not retribution.

Everyone is invited to participate in our work. Join us at monthly letter writing to public officials – every second Sunday, following worship – or at our monthly committee meeting – each first Sunday after potluck. Our objective is to develop relationships with our elected officials, and move them – whoever and wherever they stand politically – in the direction of peace and human rights. The only process for joining the committee is to show up, and we hope you do.

To find out more, please contact our committee clerk.

National Issues

Much of our work is in cooperation with the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL), which lobbies Congress and the administration to advance peace, justice, opportunity, and environmental stewardship.

FCNL's policy positions on a wide range of issues can be found in The World We Seek.

You can take action right now by participating in an online action.

State Isssues

The Kentucky legislature meets for short time in the early part of the year – 60 session days in even-numbered years, and 30 session days during odd-numbered years – although standing committees meet throughout the year. We attempt to engage our local Senator and Representatives on state issues, including death penalty repeal, restoration of civil rights for former felons, civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ persons, protection of mountains and watersheds from the harm done by coal mining.

Kentucky's legislative districts can be very confusing, but it's very important to know who represents you in Frankfort. Find Your Legislators.