Good and ready: Andrew Backhouse reports from YMAC

‘There is so much out there to concern us.’

I went to my first Yearly Meeting Agenda Committee (YMAC) this last weekend, as a new member. I rather dreaded it – there were lots of papers and, like most Friends, I am rather busy doing other important things. But it was so nice to be there in person – real people in a real place.

Our first full day together was a chance to hear from lots of groups who have suggestions for topics. There is so much out there to concern us. A general election is due next year; how can we promote truth and integrity, peace work, and racial and climate justice? There is the World Plenary in South Africa too, just after Yearly Meeting (YM). Should we be picking up on the themes of ‘Ubuntu’ (‘I am because you are’)?

Groups were encouraged to remember that we want to be inclusive and all-age, sharing through metaphors, objects and pictures. A lovely Friend recited a poem starting ‘I stand tall, Tall in the shadows of ancestors, My head held high. Undaunted, Undiminished.’ We sometimes need to remember we have history and pride in who we each are. As ideas started to crystallise, a Junior Yearly Meeting representative shared another poem, ‘Tissue’, by Imtiaz Dharker: ‘Paper that lets the light/shine through, this/is what could alter things.’ It certainly hit a spot!

We were asked to consider what pronouns we wanted to use – I have only recently come across people who did not want to be called ‘he’ or ‘she’. It was a useful reminder that I stand tall myself but do not always consider others. Perhaps ‘thee’ and ‘thou’ will come back in, but maybe not this YM!

While preparing for the next YM, it is necessary to talk through the last one, to see where we can improve. July’s session was certainly something of a challenge for clerks. How do you find the right person to call when there are lots of people standing in the The Light and numerous others raising a hand on Zoom? Is it too easy to feel called when on your own on Zoom? Do you miss something of the corporate spiritual experience? How do we help Friends stay focussed? Can our internal processes stop us being a prophetic church? Sometimes YM is overwhelming, and it can be very difficult to feel the guidance of the Spirit.

Then a Friend shared a letter they had received from a newish attender, who had never been to YM before: ‘On Sunday I felt that unity was hopeless – this was not a ship slowly changing course but a ship with hundreds of engines and hundreds of pilots all steering simultaneously in different directions. But radical, gracious listening is happening. As we listen and allow the Spirit to move, earlier leadings about caution and slowness and another year of waiting give way, and Friend after Friend called to share ministry speaks of courage and clearness, time for change. And in an extraordinary and inspired morning, this massive body of listening Friends is able to pirouette on a penny, suddenly glistening and agile as a shoal, basking in the lances of sunlight that anoint us as we move through the gentle and sparkling shallows. Just wonderful. Thank you God.’

I came away uplifted and fired up. I hope you too will feel what I felt. Watch this space and be prepared for surprises.

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