Latest News
Quaker midwife on five-day peace fast
A Quaker healthcare professional held a five-day fasting vigil outside the Scottish Parliament last month, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Israel/Gaza.
Demand for white poppies surges
There was a sharp rise in demand for white poppies ahead of Remembrance Day this month, following increased interest from those calling for a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza.
Meeting houses offer sanctuary during protests
Quaker Meeting houses have been opening near protest routes to provide a quiet safe space during marches. Others have been hired out to groups wishing to plan events or discuss what’s happening in Palestine and Israel, says Clare Wood, head of Peacebuilding Projects for Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM).
Britain Yearly Meeting finances in good shape
According to Britain Yearly Meeting’s (BYM) most recent accounts, more money was spent on Quaker work in 2022 than in 2021, with 2023 looking like another strong year. BYM says that this means it ‘will be able to maintain its momentum’.
Friends in Wales host ecocide event
Friends in Wales hosted a public event exploring the campaign to make ecocide an international crime last month.
Leighton Park wins national award
Leighton Park, a Quaker Recognised Body, has won ‘Senior School of the Year’ in the Independent Schools Association (ISA) Awards 2023. The ISA is the largest independent schools’ body in the UK. This success comes on the back of Leighton Park also being acknowledged as one of the country’s best...
FWCC hears ‘tough and painful’ testimonies
The Friends World Committee for Consultation Europe and Middle East (FWCC EMES) Peace and Service Network heard firsthand accounts from friends in Ukraine, Georgia, and Palestine last month.
BYM disappointed by king’s speech
The king’s speech, setting out the government agenda for the coming year, has ‘left Quakers deeply disappointed and concerned about the UK’s commitment to protecting human rights and to taking urgent action in response to climate breakdown’, Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) said last week.
Manchester Friends highlight inequality
Manchester Quakers held a garden party on the theme of wealth inequality last month. Jonathan Dale, who co-organised the event, said the party included: a talk on John Woolman’s prophetic stance on wealth inequality; a petition; and a closing Meeting for Worship. There were also children’s activities and...
Art the Arms Fair hosts successful auction
Art the Arms Fair (AAF), the partly-Quaker-founded arts exhibition, has been hailed a success, amassing £15,000 in total sales. The award-winning event, hosted every two years to coincide with Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), culminated with a private view party featuring a performance piece by artist Sharon Rose and attracting...