Issue 11-12-2015
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Thought for the Week: Combating fanaticism
The just and nonaggressive nature of Islam has often been highlighted by commentators. There is much that is true here and the interpretation of ‘jihad’ as the interior struggle against the self to force it into obedience to God accords with the nonviolent tradition of the Ahmadiyya Muslims.
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Complex simplicity
Some years ago our Friend Gay Pilgrim described the Quaker Way as an oxymoron. Recently I was introduced to the concept of complexity theory. I cannot claim to truly understand everything about it, and even the pundits say there is no unique definition of complexity theory. However, to help understanding,...
War and peace: no dilemma
Whilst the sabres rattle over Syria, it is worth considering the obvious question of whether war solves problems or contributes to them.
Courting rendition
Respect the laws of the state but let your first loyalty be to God’s purposes. If you feel impelled by strong conviction to break the law, search your conscience deeply. Ask your Meeting for the prayerful support which will give you strength as a right way becomes clear. Advices ...
‘Playing politics’ with white poppies?
An important part of Quakerism, for me, is doing things with your faith. Even though I am a nontheist Friend, I am driven by the phrase ‘God has no hands but ours’ and I don’t see any point in believing something if you don’t act on it. Sometimes...
Palestine accompanied, not alone
Remember your responsibilities as a citizen for the conduct of local, national and international affairs. Do not shrink from the time and effort your involvement may demand. Advices & queries 34 British voluntary organisations, in churches, towns and villages across the United Kingdom, have in recent years created links of friendship...
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Keswick Meeting House flooded
Friends in the north-west of England are tidying up in the wake of the most severe flooding in the area for many years. The main Quaker building affected by Storm Desmond was Keswick Meeting House. It was flooded on Saturday 5 December.
Meeting for Sufferings: Your Area, your Meeting
Meeting for Sufferings was held over the weekend of 4 to 6 December at the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham, a change from its normal Saturday meeting in London. Much time at Sufferings was devoted to considering the challenges and opportunities facing Area Meetings today. This was included in the agenda...
Meeting for Sufferings: Quaker faith & practice
Catherine James, convenor of the Church Government Advisory Group (CGAG), spoke to a paper of draft amendments to Quaker faith & practice. The paper was brought to Meeting for Sufferings for a decision. A number of small changes intended to improve accuracy were accepted immediately. Amendments reflecting changes in Quaker...
Meeting for Sufferings: Quaker Life Central Committee
The Quaker Life Central Committee (QLCC) has not been an entirely happy group, but has been better this year, assistant clerk Jocelyn Burnell told Sufferings. She spoke first of the positives. Friends House Library has lent books and other exhibits to several institutions this year, including a William Penn tract...
Meeting for Sufferings: Central Nominations Committee Review Group
Alison Breadon spoke to a report from the Central Nominations Committee Review Group. Alison admitted that it is ‘hard to explain what the Central Nominations Committee (CNC) does’. She explained that the recommended changes are intended to make the CNC’s processes more transparent, to allow more time for discernment,...
Meeting for Sufferings: Listed Informal Groups
Joycelin Dawes, of the Listed Informal Groups Review Group, reported on a review into Britain Yearly Meeting’s relationship with Listed Informal Groups. The review group made a number of recommendations. They proposed a new ‘Quaker Recognised Bodies’ system, that would see groups falling into one of three broad categories:...
Meeting for Sufferings: TTIP concern
Meeting for Sufferings received a minute from West Somerset Area Meeting regarding the proposed Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). It was suggested that it be forwarded to Quaker Peace & Social Witness Central Committee.
Meeting for Sufferings: The Book of Discipline
Lesley Richards, clerk, gave a verbal report on the work of the Book of Discipline Revision Preparation Group.
Meeting for Sufferings: News in Brief
European Yearly Meetings Reports were received from Friends who attended 2015 European Yearly Meetings as representatives of Britain Yearly Meeting. Yearly Meetings attended included Belgium and Luxembourg, France and Switzerland.
Eye - 11 December 2015
Watching the weather The last century has seen the start of rapid climate change. Eye wonders how many changes Oliver Ashford has observed in his years of weather watching. Oliver, former clerk of Geneva Meeting and currently worshipping at Wallingford Meeting, celebrated his hundredth birthday on 1 October.
Letters - 11 December 2015
Our faith in the future Ethel Livermore (4 December) is defending Our faith in the future as a visionary document whose aspirations will guide all our Meetings and committees in planning their work. A vision is not a long-term plan. I hope that Meeting for Sufferings will now use its vision...