Issue 19-04-2013
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Thought for the Week: What is Quakerism for?
One of the ways that early Friends differed most from modern Quakers is that they were able to say with great clarity and conviction just what the purpose of the Quaker Way is: The main thing in religion is to keep the conscience pure to the Lord, to know...
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The China Convoy: A great leveller
I never associated with chaps who have more mental vigour or spiritual dynamic. There are one or two among them, strange to say, who are not even Christian in their views. They are all vigorous pacifists and it is very interesting to see them trying to get things in order...
The journey is the destination
Over thirty-five years ago, in a Meeting for Worship in Wilmslow, I was led to say the words: ‘The journey is the destination’. I did not know then that they were to be an important mantra for me in my life and none more so than recently. For, I am...
Meeting for Sufferings: Behind the words
The conflict in Israel/Palestine and the effect of government welfare cuts, the two key subjects on the agenda, produced strong, thoughtful, contributions at Meeting for Sufferings held at Friends House on Saturday 13 April. In April 2011, Meeting for Sufferings made a decision to support the boycott of goods from...
Meeting for Sufferings: Government cuts
The subject of government cuts and welfare reform produced a very lively afternoon session, with many contributors drawing on individual experience. A Friend reflected on his experience of working in a Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) in London. He talked of the experiences of those people who were now, increasingly,...
Meeting for Sufferings: Book of Discipline
Every generation there is a revision of the Book of Discipline, Quaker faith & practice. The subject, when raised at Meeting for Sufferings, prompted a lot of questions. Was it time, Friends were asked, for a new revision? It was explained that the purpose of the Book of...
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Meeting for Sufferings: Reputational risk
Jennifer Barraclough, clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting trustees, reported on their latest meeting. She talked about some of the subjects raised, such as giving, and said that ‘reputational risk’ is an issue that ‘began to emerge some time ago’.
Meeting for Sufferings: Orthopraxia rules OK
As we gathered to be collectively eldered on Right Ordering of The Microphone, some of us heard a still small voice that the rest could not. The mystics were ecstatic, others made a mental note to increase their medication, but it was only the hearing loop. Then, not only sound,...
Eye - 19 April 2013
Quackers Friends at Cambridge Jesus Lane Meeting have discovered that their Meeting house roof appeals to three local Mallard ducks as a handy habitat! Several times a week, in the morning or late afternoon, they arrive from their usual haunt of the River Cam to nibble on any choice tidbits...
Letters - 19 April 2013
Blood and flesh I thoroughly endorse Michael Wright’s advocacy for blood and organ donation (12 April), and am disappointed and puzzled by the apparent reluctance of Friends House to respond to the NHS’s current appeal. Although the number of donated organs has recently increased, shortages remain and suffering continues....