Letters - 05 October 2012
From change to cholera
Time for a change?
I think David Holmes has touched on a key point when he reminded us (7 September) that our changed structure has become one that is related to geographical identity. It has become a horizontal structure rather than a vertical one. For new growth our nurturing must be of our roots in our Local Meetings. Let Local Meetings become our focus.
Let us free our Local Meetings from their multiple Area Meeting responsibilities. Let our Area Meetings become places of sharing and of extended friendships between neighbouring Meetings. When a Local Meeting is looking for support or guidance this will then readily be forthcoming from the nearby Meetings.
Let us become less exclusive and self-contained, seeking rather to become one with those of goodwill in our local communities, near and far. Hopefully every community, large or small, will come to know where the Quaker flag is flying. Is it time for us to lay down the formalities of membership? Might we even consider dropping our charitable status, with the commissioners’ uncomfortable hierarchical view of organisations and their heavy demands on our treasurers and trustees?
Friends, we are full of potential and promise, ready to be released and to burst into new life!
Chris Hall
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