Thought for the Week: A simple message
Chris Newsam reflects on Quakerism in times of tumult and uncertainty
Quakers were born and began in times of much greater crisis than we are experiencing right now.
When George Fox, founder of the Quaker movement, preached in Malton in North Yorkshire in 1651, resulting in what could be argued was the first organised Quaker group, it was just two years after Charles 1 had been beheaded and very shortly after the English civil war, in which 3.6 per cent of the population were killed. Yes, one in twenty-five died in the conflict, not to mention the countless numbers injured. The monarchy, and the divine right of kings, had come to an abrupt and bloody end and people were living through our own version of the French Revolution, which was to follow over one hundred years later.
Can we, exercised by what happens next following the Brexit vote, just imagine what uncertainty and fear existed as this young and rather strange itinerant preacher arrived in Malton and addressed a large and, no doubt, very perplexed and fearful crowd in 1651?
What George Fox said was, in itself, not just radical, but revolutionary. No, he wasn’t preaching more calamity or doom, but a simple message that is still held and followed by Quakers today: that within each person was what he called ‘God’ and that anyone, no matter from what background or circumstance, could listen to and receive wisdom and direction anywhere, anytime, without reference to, or with the need of, a priesthood or sacraments. Not only that, but everyone was equal. Everyone was ‘a child of God’.
Was he successful in his mission? Judging by the numbers of people from very diverse backgrounds who joined the nascent Quaker movement, he was phenomenally successful, for thousands flocked together and were radically changed even though at great personal cost to themselves and their families. In Malton alone, within a year, a group of over 200 Quakers were demonstrating against inequality by burning their silks, fine garments and ribbons in the market place. It was an event that gained them notoriety in places far from Malton and one that was written about in London pamphlets.
Quakers have seen and lived through tumultuous and deeply uncertain times before, and they have thrived in times of crisis. Why? I believe it is because their message gives reassurance, and their communities are open, quiet and welcoming places that help people regain a sense of balance and perspective. The tested and lived testimonies of Quakers – not only to equality but also to truthfulness and integrity, simplicity and, most importantly, peace – have persisted for over 350 years.
Together, in quiet, still Meetings, Friends support and comfort one another, and continue in the search for a better, more certain, just and peaceful world for all. If you haven’t already, why not experience a Quaker Meeting, too?
You need to login to read subscriber-only content and/or comment on articles.