Letters - 18 & 25 December 2015
From 'Our faith in the future' to ex-offenders
Our faith in the future
What is going to happen to Our faith in the future? I have recently read that leaflet, but was left concerned. Advices & queries 4 says: ‘The Religious Society of Friends is rooted in Christianity and has always found inspiration in the life and teachings of Jesus.’
It appears we are no longer going to be ‘rooted’ in those teachings and their example to us. This beautiful coloured leaflet mentions God once, and that was in an over-used quote. It never mentioned Christianity or Jesus by name.
Today, I can see why Jesus is being left out in the cold. In the Friend (27 November) the editor writes that, compared to the seventeenth century, the Bible ‘is less important on the shelves and in the minds of Friends’.
Friends, we can only follow the life example of Jesus and be inspired by His teachings if we read His book. He gave it to us for a reason, so we can make a difference in society. The Queries I have known have made a difference. The ones I read about have made a difference because they were rooted in Christ. You and I can make a difference: read your Bible (and other texts), be grounded by His example.
A prisoner at HMP Wayland
White poppies
Carla Denyer’s article (11 December) includes a curious statement attributed to the Royal British Legion: ‘We do ask that the items [red and white poppies] are not offered alongside each other… as this would confuse the public.’
Here, in a Quaker retirement home, we had both red and while poppies available on the same table, with a little notice: Red poppies for remembering the past.White poppies our hope for the future
Residents and staff were seen wearing both and no one seemed confused.
Harry Underhill
You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.