Profound connections: Kate McNally attends a European all-age gathering of Friends

‘It felt like a family reunion.’

by Kate McNally 28th August 2026

One hundred and eighty Quakers gathered over 8-15 August in Haus Altenberg, Germany, for an all-age gathering of Friends, hosted by the Europe and Middle East Section (EMES) of the Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC). We met to explore the theme of ‘The river of life’. Each day was focused on one stage of life: childhood, youth, early adulthood, adulthood, later years, and, finally, preparing for death and loss. Friends had the chance each day to visit future ages or re-live past stages of their lives.