Culture Articles
The Quakers
I didn’t join the Quakers; After Mass I attended their Sunday service. ‘Isn’t Mass enough for you?’ I understood Colleen’s question.
The most good you can do
The intent behind The Most Good You Can Do: How Effective Altruism Is Changing Ideas About Living Ethically, by the controversial philosopher Peter Singer, is deeply constructive. It is arguing for a new ethical ideal: that people do the most good they can. The book is directed particularly at giving,...
Making darkness visible
Setting the world to rights over plates of pasta, Emma, Pat and I decided that it would be a very good idea if someone found a cure for depression. I nearly said that there was a cure, but I didn’t, because it seems to me (having struggled with the...
Words for Doris Pigeon
I’ve no idea, dear Doris, what love required of you. Though your name this morn was mentioned in Meeting. Like a light, blown skyward. The ash of a woman on her way.
Active hope
‘Since 1950, we have used up more resources and fuel than in all human history before this.’ I cannot vouch for the accuracy of this statement in the book Active Hope: How to face the mess we’re in without going crazy, by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone. However, we know...
Turning faith into fiction
Mike: How does it feel to have your first novel published? I understand it’s been a long time in the making. Peter: I’m very excited. Yes, I began writing the book over twenty years ago while still at school, but I’ve changed a lot in the intervening...
Refugee
We cross deserts, we walk the line, cross oceans to find our way from where we were crushed and conquered,
Modernise or bust
The powers of the West, the greatest and the best, agreed to make a plan for no more war. After days and nights of labour, each resolved to love his neighbour by spending more on weapons than before.
Treasury of Blessings
Brian Bridge, a member of the Russian Orthodox church and an attender at Epping Meeting, has written a fascinating history of an Anglican group with strong Quaker connections and affinities: Treasury of Blessings: The Servants of Christ the King, 1943-2014 (SCK) was formed in England during the second world war,...
Echo Chamber
Echo Chamber is a new artwork inspired by the stories of world war one conscientious objectors. At its core are their voices, speaking directly to us. Their stories may shock our modern ear (sharing prison with men about to be executed), are often sad (a family rift never healed), and...