Martin Kelley

As part of a plea agreement, Robert “Jacob” Hoopes, a 25-year-old Portland, Oregon man with ties to Newtown (Pa.) Meeting, pleaded guilty at a February 18 hearing to “aggravated assault on a federal employee with a dangerous weapon,” according to the court transcript. He faces a minimum of 24 months in prison, with a possible maximum sentence of 20 years of incarceration and a maximum fine of $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for May 12, 2026.

A Quaker author chat. Becky Jones’s “The Intimacy of Prayer” appears in the December 2025 issue of Friends Journal. Becky Jones discusses her journey from growing up in a nominally Presbyterian household to becoming a chaplain. She shares her experiences with prayer, emphasizing its broad definition and personal significance. Becky reflects on moments of spiritual connection, both in nature and through her work as a chaplain, highlighting the importance of being present and holding space for others.

A Quaker author chat. Thomas Gates’s “Beyond What Words Can Utter: Moving Past the Question of Belief” appears in the December 2025 issue of Friends Journal. In this conversation, Martin Kelley and Thomas Gates delve into the complexities of Quaker beliefs, exploring the diversity of perspectives within the Quaker community. They discuss the challenges of articulating a unified belief system, the significance of personal experience in faith, and the importance of outreach to newcomers.