Judy Brutz (Judith L. Brutz, 1940-2023, she/her) was a pioneer in researching Quaker family violence which led to a lifelong public ministry. Judy Brutz held dual monthly meeting membership in Cleveland Meeting (Lake Erie Yearly Meeting and Ohio Conservative) and Des Moines First Friends Church (Iowa FUM). As an educator and therapist, she founded the Friends Family Service of Iowa Yearly Meeting.
In remembrance, Friend Joan Liversidge wrote “Honoring an Elder in Our Work Against Interpersonal Violence: A Friend’s Recollection of Judy Brutz”
Her initial 1984 research compared a national study on family violence with responses from Quakers (130 males and 158 females). In general, there were no significant differences, though differences were found in patterns of violence.
In her later life she wrote many spiritual books including biblical exploration and poetry. She wrote much original poetry using form and themes from the Lord’s Prayer.
God of Courage We call upon your Name and we commit to living your Love every day.
Through the tough times of being persecuted, continue giving us the strength to follow you.
Forgive us when we just want to give up as we forgive others for wanting to quit also.
Help us to bless and pray for those who persecute and to let go of our anger.
You are God in Christ, the Redeemer and the Sustainer. Thank you.
Peace, peace
By Judy Brutz, Praying the Lord’s Prayer p.89
Other writings (incomplete list)
- “How Precious Is Our Testimony?” Friends Journal, October 1984 (text with audio, PDF)
- “How to Live Faithfully at Home and in the Meeting: Becoming a Beatitude-People” Friends Consultation on Doing the Truth, December 11-14, 1986
Research:
- Brutz, Judith L., and Bron B. Ingoldsby. “Conflict Resolution in Quaker Families.” Journal of Marriage and Family 46, no. 1 (1984): 21–26. https://doi.org/10.2307/351859.
- Brutz, Judith L., and Craig M. Allen. “Religious Commitment, Peace Activism, and Marital Violence in Quaker Families.” Journal of Marriage and Family 48, no. 3 (1986): 491–502. https://doi.org/10.2307/352035.
- Brutz, Judith L. 1988. "Development of Pacifism in Quakers." Iowa State University