Letters - 16 January 2026
From the rubble of destruction to a money survey
On the rubble of destruction
I agree very much with Barbara Mark’s letter on power relations (19 & 26 December).
I was born in 1943 in India with the last world war raging. I survived the perilous sea journey back to London in 1944. I started growing up just before the United Nations Charter was signed and the post-war era established a new order that was meant to remove the causes of another world catastrophe. Yet wars in many countries around the world continued, often centred in power struggles.
Now we see that post-war order disintegrating at an ever more rapid pace. The greed to consolidate or extend national power – especially by the most powerful states – has intensified. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is the most striking example but Israel’s behaviour in Gaza and China’s threat to take Taiwan are others.
Now the latest US action at Donald Trump’s instigation in Venezuela is the most recent instance of the naked expression of national force in defiance of international law. The norms of human decency and humanity are increasingly cast aside. ‘Might means right’ is the order of the day.
As Quakers, one of our key tenets is to speak truth to power. As we do this there are, thank heavens, many others in all walks of life and of many faiths who do so also. Our only hope is that we may prevail.
But I fear that despite our efforts it may take another global catastrophe before humanity recreates a new, just, order on the rubble of destruction.
Let us hold the whole world in the Light.
David Hay-Edie
Money survey
Over the last few months some banks and building societies have changed their accounts, introducing charges and amending the way payments can be made. Questions have also been asked about the ethics of banks and building societies managing Quaker-related funds.
Could you spare a few minutes to answer the following questions that may be of help to other Quaker Recognised Bodies (QRB) in managing their banking arrangements?
What is the name of your QRB? Is your QRB a registered charity? Does your QRB have a bank or building society account? If your QRB does not have such an account, how do you manage your funds? Have you changed your banking arrangements in the last two years? How much are you charged each month to maintain your account? Have you considered the ethics of the bank or building society being used? Is there a bank or building society that you can recommend for a QRB?
Kindly send any responses to me by email (germ.buster@phonecoop.coop) or by post (12 Montagu Place, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS8 2RG).
Martin Schweiger
