Issue 22-10-2021
Featured story
A common good? Reg Naulty’s Thought for the Week
In the 1960s the Harvard sociologist Daniel Bell gave a succinct explanation of how society contributes to our picture of reality. The part played by society, he wrote, is fairly straightforward: reality is confirmation by significant others.
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Yorkshire Quakers respond to climate crisis
Craven & Keighley Area Meeting has been busy raising awareness of how to respond to the climate crisis. Friends started the month with an exhibition on ‘Militarism and Climate Justice’, supported by other organisations in the town.
Talking out of your assumptions: Tony D’Souza on overcoming prejudice
In this famous story from the middle east, a father and son saddle their donkey and set out from their village to the local city of Konya.
Animal instinct, part two: Nim Njuguna offers further polemic on the wolves at COP26
If I were a delegate at the twenty-sixth UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26), there are six types of wolves I would be looking out for. Capitalist wolves In the absence of a level playing field, countries with the most power and wealth will send the most delegates...
My Life Story: A Child Of The Windrush Generation, by Xystus Sestus Marcell
This small book tells the story, in his own words, of a man who came to the east end of London from St Lucia, in 1972. Xystus Sestus Marcel’s name refers to the book of Exodus, a reminder of enslaved people coming into emancipation. He was fourteen when he arrived,...
Oh my darlin’
Witness this my turgid blossom pearl warbler O my darlin’ witness how we ache in ivory – billed heart break
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Friends welcome Syrian refugee puppet
Quakers were among those who welcomed a 3.5-metre puppet of a young Syrian refugee to the UK, as part of a travelling festival. ‘Little Amal’ has journeyed over 8,000 kilometres to represent all displaced children, many separated from their families.
Friends take part in climate justice banner drop
Wandsworth Meeting was one of the first groups to display its climate justice banner as part of an international multi-faith day of action. The ‘Faiths 4 Climate Justice’ initiative officially began on 17 October, with a banner unfurled in front of St John’s Church in Waterloo as part of a coordinated...
Friends House refurbishes library
Friends House Library in Euston is being refurbished to create a welcoming space with the potential for more outreach. The refurbishment includes removing some of the larger furniture pieces to make room for future events, and restoring the wooden floor.
Peace Museum shortlisted for award
The Peace Museum has been shortlisted for an award for a project that works with local LGBTQ+ artists and campaigners.
QVA to resume working retreats
Quaker Voluntary Action (QVA) has announced the return of its working retreats which, it says, are ‘just around the corner’. After a prolonged halt caused by the pandemic, working retreats next year will include Horton Community Farm in Bradford; the next encounter-based retreats in Israel and Palestine will run in...
Hear hear: Malcolm Allum and Lesley Thomson have an invite
In the depths of lockdown, physically apart but with growing confidence in our use of online meeting platforms, two Manchester and Warrington elders came up with a home-based plan to encourage Friends to deepen their spiritual awareness through active listening. Originally called ‘Zooming in the Spirit’ the sessions proved popular...
The Deepening Stream, by Dorothy Canfield Fisher
Dorothy Canfield Fisher’s 1930 novel will soon be available in a new edition from Persephone Books, and has a particular interest for Friends. Fisher was not, so far as I can make out, a Quaker herself, but her vigorous involvement in pacifism, war relief in the first world war, child...
Oh my darlin’
Witness this my turgid blossom pearl warbler O my darlin’ witness how we ache in ivory – billed heart break
Letters - 22 October 2021
Good policies I have been very grateful to find a recurring focus on climate policy in the Friend. However, I would like to correct some errors in the article on by Oliver Penrose (3 September) about Carbon Fee and Dividend (also known as Climate Income), the policy that adds a gradually...