‘It’s a bit more complicated than that’
Paul Parker discusses the decision to revise the Book of Discipline
Just before Yearly Meeting, a colleague made me, as a joke, a badge which says: ‘I think you’ll find it’s a bit more complicated than that.’ I’d wanted one for ages; it’s a phrase I use a lot.
The periodic revision of our Book of Discipline is something which distinguishes the Religious Society of Friends. It marks us out as a community open to new light and continuing revelation; God still speaks to us today. The revision process recognises the fundamental uncertainty we find in articulating our relationship with the divine. What is it to be faithful today? What words can describe our inward spiritual experience? How can we connect that inward experience with the outward expressions of witness that mark a faithful life?
‘You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove’ (The Message: MSG Bible). Our Quaker experience, and our Books of Discipline from quite early on, are about not just the inner life but also its outward manifestation in our organisation and the world: faith and practice.
So, this year, a particularly gathered Yearly Meeting has taken the ever-bold step of commissioning a revision: our once-a-generation opportunity for a long hard look at our faith, who we are, what it all means.
Another thing that marks us out is the genuine participation of all in our decision-making. Few faith groups’ structures allow this. The minutes and contributions of our young people and children (some of them with the paint still wet!) played a crucial part in helping us reach unity. They showed us that the world is a different place from the 1990s, when Quaker faith & practice was last revised. We have new things to say about sexuality and gender; sustainability and climate justice; the internet and social media. The truth may be ‘one and the same always’, but the world around us is not the same and ever changes.
I’m encouraged, rather than dismayed, by the media coverage our decision has attracted. Whilst we certainly didn’t ‘cut out God in faith update’, as The Times’ headline had it, we’re committed to a more exciting and nuanced challenge. Out came the badge. It’s a precious moment for us to speak out, to invite seekers in to our Meetings to reach out to their inner guide and experience the Spirit for themselves.
So, what happens next? First of all, Yearly Meeting’s minute will go to Meeting for Sufferings, which will appoint a Revision Committee, decide how big it should be, how it will work and report, and what authority it has. Meeting for Sufferings will instruct Central Nominations Committee (CNC) to search for names. It will be a large committee; Yearly Meeting has asked for a diverse membership. Friends can suggest names to help CNC discern who to bring forward for appointment. That will probably take until the end of the year. That means it’s likely a Revision Committee will be in place and ready to start work by early 2019. It’s best not to rush these things.
Only then can the real work begin. It’s exciting and daunting. There will be joy and pain, listening and learning, creativity alongside care for our heritage. The words of the present will meld with the insights of the past. I’m looking forward to it. But we would be wrong to think it will be straightforward, quick or obvious how to go about it.
I think we’ll find it’s a bit more complicated than that.
Paul is recording clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting.
