The Inward Light
Molly Scott Cato writes about her witness for climate justice
The public realm has grown increasingly conflicted in recent years and, without a strong grounding in personal morality or spiritual belief, it is easy to become buffeted by the winds of disinformation and attacks from opponents.
When George Fox asked the congregation in Ulverston Church in 1652: ‘What canst thou say? Art thou a child of the Light and hast walked in the Light, and what thou speakest is it inwardly from God?’ he drew a contrast with those whose actions were guided by tendentious interpretation of the written word. It can become bewildering when religious authority can be used to justify conflicting political positions.
As a Friend, I am guided rather to seek the correct path through discernment. For me, this means trying to reflect on the motivations of my actions. Do I accept a media invitation because my ego is flattered by the thought of being on television, or because I have something important and valuable to say? Do I tailor my message away from sensation and conflict, although I know that will make it less likely that it will grab the attention of a journalist?
And what about taking action that is against the law? I have agreed to be part of the Extinction Rebellion, a campaign of nonviolent direct action to force a political response to climate breakdown and species extinction. In doing this, I’ve found the inspiration of the early Friends – who were forced to operate outside the law – to be very supportive.
‘Respect the laws of the state but let your first loyalty be to God’s purposes. If you feel impelled by strong conviction to break the law, search your conscience deeply’ (Advices & queries 35).
Unlawful action should not be undertaken lightly. But when vested interests and unaccountable wealth are destroying the chance of any sort of life for future generations and the beautiful creatures that are part of our life on this earth, the time has come to act.
George Fox made explicit our personal responsibility to study our own spiritual path and follow the guidance we receive from a power greater than ourselves, what we call the Inward Light. When the Inward Light prompts you to stand up to a fascist bully or to engage in civil disobedience to halt climate breakdown, you have no choice but to obey.
The great wisdom of the Quaker path emerged in the wake of the civil war, the last time our country was so fundamentally divided on questions of identity and values, as it is in the era of Brexit. This has left our community with some important understanding that could provide great benefit to the public realm.
We are called to ‘bring into God’s light those emotions, attitudes and prejudices in yourself which lie at the root of destructive conflict, acknowledging your need for forgiveness and grace’ (Advices & queries 32) – a suggestion that can provide a challenge to the violent and hate-fuelled public debate.
I’m astonished by how often people are deeply moved when I manage to agree with an opponent, or acknowledge a mistake. In political life, I find the advice ‘think it possible that you may be mistaken’ to be one of the most useful.
Not all Friends are called to act in the public realm, and many who are choose less exposed roles than that of electoral politics. But for those of us who are out there, on the hustings and in the TV studios, the guidance and care that we receive from the testimonies of our ancestors and the wisdom of our Meetings are a priceless bounty.
Molly is Green MEP for the South West of England and Gibraltar.
Comments
Thank you, Molly, for your example. See you at XR!
By suehampton@btinternet.com on 15th November 2018 - 12:36
Elected politicians who take public money to represent their constituents ought not indulge in extra-judicial frolics. It’s undemocratic and counterproductive.
By frankem51 on 15th November 2018 - 16:33
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