A person holding a plant, soil cupped in their hands, green shoots sprouting from the top. Photo: By Nikola Jovanovic on Unsplash.
Only connect: Gerry Winnall plans the Earth Care Gathering
‘My Quaker world had grown suddenly.’
About three years ago, a Friend in my Local Meeting ministered her concern about the climate crisis. Her tears led us to a series of worship-sharing sessions where we gently deepened our connection to our planet. Since then, Exmouth Meeting has held monthly Healthy Planet vigils in the town centre. Personally, I swam in the sea more, grew in gratitude for my deepening connection to the land, and involved myself in numerous community environmental projects, including co-facilitating a climate café in town.
To act in radical faith will always be interpreted through our own, and another’s, lens. What someone sees as radical might be tame for someone else. I went on the Unite To Survive demonstration and connected with activist Friends for the first time in years. Strengthened by my newly-invigorated Area Meeting climate group, and inspired by Quaker Support for Climate Action, I joined the QS4CA WhatsApp chat, and weekly Zoom meetings. These fellow travellers became as important to me as the Friends in my Meeting.
My Quaker world had grown suddenly. I have such respect for the Quaker climate crisis network. It has long-term environmentalists, Friends willing to give up their liberty, and Friends who offer court support, mystical radicalism, and Living Witness Meetings for Worship. I am excited to be part of this growing movement.
‘It is a Quaker path not without difficulty.’
I am still considering how I can meet this urgent cry of the Earth. But as I search for these answers, I know that I have put a foot forward and am involved. I am no longer indifferent. My love for this incredible planet needs me to be the best I can be – the most loving, truthful, peaceful and most active, and this is not easy work. But it is why I have joined the planning group for the Earth Care Gathering, 24-25 October. I want this gathering to grow in momentum and be spirit led. Friends supporting each other in personal discernment. What does love ask of us?
This has led me to wonder on a spectrum of light. We can each offer ourselves in this time of crisis. I have heard ‘I don’t know how to respond’, and ‘We are doomed’, or, more usually, people carrying on with business as usual. But I have found a different path. It is a Quaker path, not without difficulty. The fact that our planet is on a trajectory that is now irreversible, happening within my lifetime, is full of pain. Yet, I am not facing this alone, thank God. I have more Friends. Friends who realise how we must work together to bring about change. Their open hearts listen to the cries and joys of the world. Quakers who are building loving spaces where we can bring our whole selves and discern our personal and collective ways of responding. At the centre, we ask what are our gifts that we can bring to this time of climate crisis?
Email info@livingwitness.org.uk to find out more about the Earth Care Gathering.
