Letters - 15 April 2016

From hope and light to conscientious objectors

Hope and Light

I echo the sentiments expressed by Stephen, an ex-prisoner, who contributed a recent ‘Thought for the Week’ (1 April).

Over the years I have also come to appreciate the invaluable service undertaken by Quaker prison chaplains and visitors.

Following their vocation to show unconditional acceptance and affirm the worth of every person, they bring light into places of darkness.

I am part of a worshipping group established by Quaker chaplains in a high security prison. Last week one of the men was welcomed into Quaker membership.

It was a moving occasion and a chance for him and his fellow worshippers to voice how they rely on the weekly support of the group.

As part of their duties, Quaker chaplains also visit prisoners in the segregation unit and in the health wing, showing their unique brand of caring.

Let us uphold them in their daily work in a frustrating, depressing and difficult environment.

Melanie Jameson

Tax havens

If the ‘Panama Papers’ have told us anything we did not already know, it is about the huge scale of these operations and the damage it inflicts on societies worldwide (although many of us also knew that already, too).

Will our Yearly Meeting trustees now take seriously the concerns expressed by some Friends over the choices made about where to invest Quaker money? The official position seems to be a combination of things: our brokers are looking into it; there can be legitimate reasons for using tax havens; and it is up to governments to change the system.

When will we follow the lead given by the Methodists, and examine the tax-avoiding activities of the companies in which our funds are invested?

If anything is going to drive me away from the Society, it will be the constant blocking and refusal even to acknowledge the validity of this and similar concerns about the apparently secular attitudes that are driving our organisation.

Barbara Forbes

You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.