Letters - 19 June 2026
From NEETs to Friends House Moscow
NEETs
The current concerns about NEETS (people Not in Education, Employment, or Training )reminds me of growing up in a Quaker Meeting, and also bringing up our children in the Society of Friends.
One of the concerns regarding NEETS is their difficulty in communicating. In Quaker Meeting our children (now grown up) were used to talking to adults as equals, using their first names. Likewise the grown ups in the Meeting talked to them as equals.
I think this is very significant, and promoted loving, healthy relationships. How lucky we were!
Christine Hayes
Taking pride
During Pride month, I was struck by an unexpected connection between the 5 June articles on Magda Kelber (‘Being different’) and Edward Burrough (‘A son of thunder and consolation’).
Separated by centuries, both tell stories of Friends who refused to conform to the expectations placed upon them. Instead, they followed their convictions, despite the personal cost.
I particularly appreciated Angela Ashwin’s portrait of Magda. Here was a lesbian woman in the 1930s and 1940s who pursued higher education, built an independent life, found a spiritual home among Friends, and remained committed to her own path, despite rejection from parts of her family. It is an inspiring story, and one especially worth celebrating during Pride month.
Both articles reminded us that Quaker history is rich with people who have chosen authenticity over conformity, and conscience over approval. Those seem like Quaker qualities worth honouring. Happy Pride to all Friends!
Nick Little
