M&C would like to help ensure that all of our spaces are safe spaces for all race, ethnicities, sexualities and gender identities. In order to do so we find it necessary to reflect on the importance of language. Please use the following as a guideline for sharing in all NFM conversations.

In the words of Desmond Tutu, “Language is very powerful. Language does not just describe reality. Language creates the reality.”

As Quakers we honor that of God in every person. 

The Nashville Friends Meeting Ministry and Counsel asks that people participating in our community use words with care even when quoting, reading, or remembering. We ask that participants never speak words such as slurs related to race, ethnicity, gender, or sexuality. These words cause extraordinary harm. It is never necessary to repeat them verbatim to convey the power of their use.