Letters - 15 May 2015
From Britain Yearly Meeting to the European Union
Britain Yearly Meeting
The sessions on ‘living out our faith in the world’ at Yearly Meeting produced some important insights that were well captured in the minute on this subject.
Both heart and head are needed in taking this forward, but I felt there was less emphasis in the contributions on the head – thinking about how we can be more effective in our corporate witness. The divestment from fossil fuels campaign is a good example of a focused and well thought-out campaign, which has now been taken up by other bodies, including the Guardian.
Clearly, there is a desire to campaign more on the issue of inequality. How should we do this? What kind of alliances are needed? How can the centre and Local Meetings work together? Should we rethink some of our traditional methods of protest, such as vigils?
We have a lot of experience in the Religious Society of Friends and resources such as Turning the Tide can help us be more strategic. Can we unite around a few specific campaigns and bring together the centre, Local Meetings and young people? I am sure we can rise to the challenge and it is all the more important following the general election result.
Gerald Conyngham
Britain Yearly Meeting epistle
What a disappointment is the epistle (8 May). We are called to action to change the world, but we do not know why or how and will not find out for several years. It calls to mind politicians who recently warned of cuts, but would not say where, or who promised bonanzas but could not say how.
Were there no prophetic voices at Yearly Meeting? Where are we to look for inspiration and guidance? There was no reference to God or the Spirit. Even the ‘light’ has lost its capital letter. What, then, makes it distinctive? Or has that privilege been reserved for a new architectural feature which so excites some Friends? Forty-nine years ago I knew why I had signed up to this organisation. I am not so sure now.
Christopher Thomas
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