Friends protest at Westminster Abbey
Quakers were among those who protested against a thanksgiving service for fifty years of constant patrols by nuclear submarines at Westminster Abbey
Quakers took part in the protests at Westminster Abbey this month against its thanksgiving service for fifty years of constant patrols by nuclear submarines.
Friends came from Meetings around the country to protest against the service on 3 May, which drew widespread criticism from faith and peace organisations.
Paul Parker, recording clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM), spoke at the demonstration outside the abbey. He said: ‘We are glad to stand here with others today who wish to declare to the world that nuclear weapons should be removed from the face of the planet.’
He added: ‘The Quaker understanding of the New Testament and the teachings of Jesus is that we are called to live in the life and the power that takes away occasion of war.’
Daniel Jakopovich, from Quaker Peace & Social Witness’s peace and disarmament programme, said at the demonstration: ‘The glorification of brute force will never lead to a safe, peaceful and civilised world.’
Last month Paul Parker wrote to John Hall, dean of Westminster, emphasising Quakers’ view on nuclear weapons.
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