Family |
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It is important to live in the sense of assurance that all are children of God. In the eyes of our children, in the loving expression among adults, in the concern we have for the well-being of all in the Meeting family, we feel God’s love at work on earth. Ideally, family is an expression of deep emotional and spiritual unity. Whatever its composition, it is a precious and sometimes tenuous bonding of people, and may bring anguish as well as joy. We usually think of family as including parents and children. But family may also include aging parents in increasing need of care, persons not related by blood who are intimately connected with one’s household, and persons joined together to satisfy a common need. Families also include single parents and their children, couples without children, and couples, heterosexual or homosexual, living in committed relationships. For those without families, including those made single after years of marriage or other, life commitment, the Meeting may provide some sense of family. The Meeting may be a source of love and care for all those associated with it. The Meeting can support, yet does not replace, the family in the care of children. At the same time, every member of Meeting is responsible in some measure for the care of families and their members, including children. Given this sense of common concern, our families may gain a sense of belonging and commitment to the expanded family of Quakers, and to our heritage. |
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