Friends consider ‘hybrid Meetings’
Quakers are considering how 'hybrid Meetings' combining worship in person and online
Quakers have been exploring how best to move forward with Meeting for Worship (MfW) in future months. The increased discernment follows the government’s announcement on 7 June that from 15 June places of worship could open for individual prayer in England. This does not include communal worship.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for Britian Yearly Meeting (BYM), said: ‘I’ve been so impressed by the innovative ways Quakers across Britain have found to worship together during the pandemic. However, the government’s latest announcement doesn’t open the door to our usual way of worshipping together in a gathered stillness. Quakers do not seek sacred spaces, rather, worship is about finding an inward connection and seeking that of God in each other.’
BYM also published advice on the Quakers in Britain website, and links on its Quake! newsletter to highlight Woodbrooke’s focus on the issue.
One possible idea is the use of ‘hybrid’ Meetings, where small, limited numbers of socially distancing Friends gather at the Meeting house, with people still able to take part via Zoom.
Quaker Robert Keeble, warden of Leeds Carlton Hill Meeting, who has been hosting their Zoom Meetings on his own from the Meeting house, told the Friend he forsaw ‘a transitional period’ over the summer.
‘It’s all to do with social distancing,’ he said. ‘Normally our numbers are forty or fifty, but the room can only hold about sixteen in one room, eighteen in the other, if people are socially distancing two metres. The other thing is there may be a relaxation of rules but many people may still be unable to come due to health issues.
‘Another option is to hold Meetings outside… There are many unknowns ahead, but we do know that Zoom is meeting the needs of many people, but not everyone. We’ve had five people from overseas join, and if we stop Zoom, we prevent people who are shielding from coming.’
Comments
Dear Friends
I think the suggestion of a Hybrid future for Meetings for Worship has signifiant merit.
At Westminster Meeting we regularly have over 30 participants via Zoom, many of whom would/could not attend in person either due to frailty, sheilding or distance. (Cyprus and South Africa have been represented)
In the post-lockdown era I would strongly encourage the evolution of Hybrid attendance. Apart from other considerations it would mean I could still join in when away from home and don’t have access to a local Meeting.
The downside is, of course, the lack of human interaction and an inability to easily contribute to the weekly collection.
By BruceJJCadbury on 11th June 2020 - 18:18
I would also welcome continuation of Zoom meetings post lockdown. I think it offers opportunities to participate for those who live in remote areas of without a weekly meeting. It could also include friends who are disabled or ill.
By Joyce Guthrie on 12th June 2020 - 10:21
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