The hurt behind appointments

Michael Wright reflects on his experiences with the Quaker appointments process.

by Michael Wright 12th November 2009

I was pleased to read Roy Stephenson’s guidance to Friends on how to deal with a situation where a nominated name is not accepted by the appointing Meeting (6 November).  My name was brought forward five years ago, with another Friend, for a position as a facilitator of the Hearts and Minds study programme. As I used to be a professional trainer, I felt I had something to offer in that role. My name was not found acceptable. The clerk of Monthly Meeting phoned me with the decision: thereafter no one mentioned it. The effect on me was profound. I had not known it happen to anyone else. I was mystified and hurt.