York Friends hold vigil for peace
'We had the usual remarks thrown at us, like “Quakers are quackers”, but we smiled, as it is always the old jokes which are the funniest.'
York Quakers held a silent peace vigil last week in the middle of the city.
Sarah Allen, of Friargate Meeting, told the Friend that the vigil was well-attended with about forty people. ‘We handed out leaflets to passersby who asked for one, and we borrowed the banner from Friends House which helped make a statement.’
The event was organised as some York Quakers felt it was particularly important at this time to take a stand for peace. ‘We invited Friends from the three Quaker Meetings in York: Accomb, Friargate and New Earswick; the two Quaker Schools; and members of the York Interfaith group,’ said Sarah Allen. ‘I would say many of the public were bemused, especially the numerous stag and hen parties passing our group. We had the usual remarks thrown at us, like “Quakers are quackers”, but we smiled, as it is always the old jokes which are the funniest. We had created forty leaflets, of which thirty were given out to the public when asked, which we found encouraging. Sometimes it is difficult to know the impact one has, but if it is only a reminder that peace is valued and important in the world, this message seems worthwhile.’
The leaflet highlighted the more than 100 armed conflicts around the world, including in the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Latin America. ‘Lasting peace and reconciliation will be realised when both past and ongoing injustices are acknowledged and addressed, ensuring freedom, dignity, equal rights and justice for all people,’ it said.
