Scottish Friends consider single charity
‘The process of change takes time to work through. Many Friends are only now appreciating the potential consequences of it and want to know more, but we are clear we want to go forward in unity.’
One hundred and eight Friends in Scotland gathered this month to take forward proposals to form a single Quaker organisation for the country. This would replace the current arrangement of six separate trustee bodies. The proposal mirrors similar changes being undertaken in Wales and the Marches, London, and Yorkshire, as Friends attempt to simplify Quaker structures.
Describing the meeting on 6 April as ‘pivotal’, Michael Hutchinson, clerk of General Meeting (GM) for Scotland, told the Friend: ‘The process of change takes time to work through. Many Friends are only now appreciating the potential consequences of it and want to know more, but we are clear we want to go forward in unity.’
‘We are making progress on the housekeeping,’ added Michael, ‘but how will that affect our existing Quaker communities and how can we safeguard what works well now? This meeting seemed to be pivotal on giving positive clarity to the process and the imperative of exploring how Quaker community in Scotland can be strengthened and sustained. The large numbers taking part emphasised that we already have much to build on as Scottish Quakers, but change must be rooted first. William Braithwaite said it all in 1905 (Quaker faith & practice 10.4) as was heard in the opening worship.’
The Quakers in Scotland co-ordinating group used the Celtic knot trefoil diagram, developed by South East Scotland AM, to explain how their structures can focus their witness and community development, through worship at the centre. The GM is steering the process on behalf of the four Area Meetings (AM), but has no authority to make decisions unless AMs confirm them.
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