Friends General Conference will present its annual FGC Gathering of Friends from July 1 to 7 at the University of Toledo. The theme of this year’s Gathering is The Power of Truth – an invitation to explore the concept of truth in the era of “fake news.”

Thank you to everyone who made the 2018 FGC Gathering a week to remember! We will see you at FGC Gathering 2019: Peace in our Hearts, Justice in the World. Our original announcement and links for FGC Gathering 2018 appear below.

Friends General Conference will present its annual FGC Gathering of Friends from July 1 to 7 at the University of Toledo. The theme of this year’s Gathering is The Power of Truth – an invitation to explore the concept of truth in the era of “fake news.”

“Our goal is to help create bridges of healing,” said Barry Crossno, FGC’s General Secretary. “Quakers believe that every person is loved by and has direct access to the Divine. We also believe that personal integrity and honesty are foundational to the spiritual journey. The FGC Gathering is an opportunity to affirm these truths with Friends and friends of Friends through fellowship and spiritual reflection.”

This year’s Gathering will bring together almost 1,000 Quakers, as well as members of other spiritual traditions, for a week of eclectic workshop offerings, community worship opportunities, and a stellar line-up of speakers. Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, award-winning author of Braiding Sweetgrass, and the Reverend Dr. William J. Barber, II of the Poor People’s Campaign will make appearances for the afternoon Author Events series and deliver evening plenary addresses to Gathering attendees during the week. Baldemar Velásquez of the Farm Labor Organizing Committee and storyteller La’Ron Williams are also due to present as part of the evening programming. Friends and friends of Friends who wish to watch the evening plenaries from afar are invited to tune in to FGC’s Facebook page on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings beginning at 7:00pm Eastern Time.

In addition to the evening plenaries, Friends and community members are invited to visit the Gathering Store, featuring books and craft vendors from around the United States and Canada.

The 2018 FGC Gathering runs from July 1 to 7 at the University of Toledo campus. Evening plenary events will take place at 7:00pm each night Monday through Friday.

Look for the hashtag #FGCGathering2018 on social media to follow updates from FGC and F/friends at the Gathering!

Links to Explore

• Gathering 2018 Schedule at a Glance
• Schedule and Handouts for 2018 FGC Gathering
• Gathering 2018 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• On-Campus FAQs
• Evening Plenary Presenters
• Gathering 2018 Press Release
• FGC’s Facebook Page
• FGC’s Twitter Account
• NEW! FGC Gathering 2018 Recordings

Update 6/26/18: Artist Robert Shetterly of Americans Who Tell the Truth and his portraits will be joining us for the FGC Gathering in Toledo! A collection of Robert Shetterly’s portraits, including of evening speakers Robin Wall Kimmerer, Dr. William Barber, and Baldemar Velásquez will be on display all week in the Quaker Arts Center. F/friends are invited to attend a special unveiling of Baldemar Velásquez’s portrait prior to his plenary presentation on Friday, July 6th. 

Update 6/30/18: The University of Toledo will issue a city ticket if you are not parked in an approved lot. For Gathering Check-In on Saturday 6/30, or Sunday 7/1, you may temporarily park in the International House Parking Lot (Area 26) while you Check-In. Long term parking is in the Carter parking lot (Area 9) as well as Area 8 and Area 27B. If you are arriving late at night, you may temporarily park in the Ottawa West lot (Area 27A) to obtain your room key in Ottawa West. (view a downloadable PDF map of campus)

Update 7/2/18: Good news – F/friends can now park in lots 25S and 26.

Update 7/5/18: Rev. Barber’s Author Event at 1:30 PM today has been postponed, but it will be delivered after tonight’s plenary event. Pardon the short notice, we hope you will join us then!