From the archive: Home and abroad

Janet Scott continues her series looking at how the Friend reflected the life and witness of Quakers during world war one. This week she considers the work of Meetings and committees.

Throughout the war the Society kept its regular meetings and committees, though all the work was affected by wartime conditions. In April 1915 committees were preparing and publishing their reports ready for Yearly Meeting at the end of May.

Friends’ Home Mission and Extension Committee

‘The meeting of the General Committee… was of an exceptionally interesting character, much thought being devoted to the many problems arising from the war, and special attention being devoted to the needs and anxieties of the workers.

‘Robert J. Long, secretary of the Northern Friends’ Peace Board, attended by invitation to introduce the subject of the work of Friends during the crisis occasioned by the war. Among other methods of influencing public opinion he advocated that sympathetic assistance be given to “seekers” both within and without the churches; that our regular meetings be so vitalised that the anxious and the weary may find in them inspiration and refreshment; and that special addresses on peace problems be always associated with times of quiet waiting upon God…

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