Issue 03-03-2017
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Thought for the Week: Encountering Robert Barclay
Robert Barclay’s An Apology for the True Christian Divinity (1676) is a classic statement of Quaker faith. A copy will be found in the libraries of most Meeting houses, but I doubt that it is often read.
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The long shadow of war
Every Remembrance Day Quakers mourn for those who have suffered and died in wars, soldiers and civilians alike. We pledge ourselves to resist war and its consequences, whether or not our peace testimony has led us towards a stance of absolute pacifism. Commemoration of the first world war centenary has...
Refuge in St Davids
St Davids Quakers have taken advantage of the surroundings in which they live to set up weekends for asylum seekers and refugees in this west Wales holiday centre.
A London plane tree
For many years, I have never particularly enjoyed Christmas and birthdays. So, when I came to Quakerism, it suited me that the Quaker tradition dislikes distinguishing ‘high days’ and holidays from other days. Alas, making no distinction was not going to be so simple. I quickly learnt that many Quakers...
Wellsprings
Come to the wellsprings. Bring only the real, authentic you. No qualifications needed. No imperfections excluded. No aptitude or personality test. No interview or selection day.
Reflections on the ‘Red Book’: Tender sympathy
‘As we enter with tender sympathy into the joys and sorrows of each other’s lives, ready to give help and to receive it, our Meeting can be a channel for God’s love and forgiveness.’ From Quaker faith & practice, Advices & queries 18
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Northumbria University hosts Quakers and business event
The legacy and lessons to be learnt from the business practices of Friends in the past was the subject of a lively event held recently at Northumbria University.
Christian Aid launch sustainability initiative
A new group for business leaders who are committed to working in sustainable ways, both in the UK and globally, has been launched by Christian Aid.
George Fox and Fenny Drayton
A new information board has been made for the George Fox birthplace monument at Fenny Drayton in Leicestershire.
CND challenges spending on Trident
CND is inviting Friends to join a march in London on Saturday 4 March to promote spending on the NHS rather than Trident missiles.
Ireland YM public lecturer announced
This year’s Public Lecture at Ireland Yearly Meeting (IYM) will be given by Rachel Bewley-Bateman, former clerk of IYM and of the Friends World Committee for Consultation Europe and Middle East Section, on 21 April.
Scottish GM focus on God
Gretchen Castle, general secretary of the Friends World Committee for Consultation, will lead a discussion on the nature of God at the General Meeting for Scotland in Edinburgh on 11 March.
CO event at National Memorial Arboretum
The work of conscientious objectors in the second world war will be highlighted at an event in March at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) in Alrewas in Staffordshire. The event is part of the NMA’s ‘Spotlight On’ series and will be held on Saturday 25 March.
Green spirituality retreat
The Bamford Quaker Community is hosting a retreat on Green Spirituality in late March.
Quakers & Business Spring Gathering
The Quakers & Business Spring Gathering this year will explore the Quaker Business Method – but with a twist.
The Green Belt
The need to review Green Belt policies has been in the news and recently prompted two letters in the Friend. One was from Jonathan Riddell (3 February), which refers to a previous correspondence by Barry Barber (20 January).
Beyond group allegiances
The United States of America has a new president. There are huge differences between Donald Trump (2016) and other Time magazine ‘Persons of the Year’ like Mohandas Gandhi (1930), Adolf Hitler (1938), or Angela Merkel (2015). But what commonality is there in the attraction people felt or feel towards them? Motivations are numerous and...
Eye - 03 March 2017
Appreciating life A visit to a friend prompted Brenda Claxton, of Bath Meeting, and her husband Ted to take to heart an uplifting suggestion. Brenda shared with Eye that: ‘Each evening before bed we sit and describe three things that have uplifted us during the day.
Letters - 03 March 2017
The cause of peace I must confess to a rising sense of despair whenever I turn to the letters page of the Friend and see the words ‘Israel/Palestine’. Regrettably, we too often hear viewpoints which clearly favour one side, and push that side’s agenda (I do not refer...