Clear views: Pam Apted attends General Meeting for Scotland

‘Across the world there are good people doing good things.’

by Pam Apted 1st December 2023

It was a bright day as I boarded the train in Montrose, with clear views of the Angus hills and the sound of geese on the move. But the seventy Friends gathered for General Meeting, at the AK Bell library in Perth and online, did so with troubled hearts. Our thoughts were with all those caught up in the conflict in the Middle East.

In ministry we heard how Sharyn Lock, an attender from Argyll Meeting, had held a five-day fasting vigil outside the Scottish Parliament (see News, 24 November). Sharyn, a midwife, who had previously volunteered in Palestine, was calling for an immediate ceasefire. We were inspired by her courage and heartened to hear that she was upheld and supported.

Our worship strengthened us, reminding us that across the world there are good people doing good things. We reflected that, by allowing space for worship, we are moved to greater things. It was a day of hope, inspiration and looking forwards.

We were gladdened to hear of the activities of our children and young people, and the intergenerational joy of family events. We heard how all were moved by the brilliant performance of ‘Wangari’s Trees of Peace’, by Glasgow schoolchildren at the Scottish Parliament, wonderfully created by Mary Troup. With its core theme of ‘Never give up’ it was the perfect way to lay the foundation for our ‘Peace at the Heart of Scottish Schools’ exhibition. The exhibition attracted a good level of support and interest among MSPs and twenty one went on to sign a parliamentary motion calling for more support for peace education in Scottish schools.

We welcomed our new parliamentary engagement worker, Sarah Komashko, and caught up with the group’s impressive work, including a submission to the Scottish government’s consultation ahead of its Human Rights Bill, working with Stop Climate Chaos Scotland and liaising with the Quaker Truth and Integrity Group. We were encouraged to engage with our MSPs, and reminded of the importance of putting ourselves in their shoes – they are human too!

The Quakers in Scotland Coordinating Group is hard at work. The group has drawn up a draft governing document for the new single charity, with consultation sessions to be held in November. Our local development worker, Zoe Prosser, will continue to add her support to this group as part of her priorities for the year ahead. Zoe is supporting us in many and varied ways; her positive energy is just what is needed as we navigate our way forward.

We heard an update from the Scottish Quaker Community Justice Working Group. The group seeks small openings to help bring about a more just and compassionate society. Its work has included arranging a retreat for Scottish prison chaplains, which received positive feedback. The group is working to bring us consideration of prison abolition in November 2024.

It was a full and stimulating day, aided by the efficient, wise and at times humorous guidance of our clerks. ‘Arise and be doing’ was the theme.

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