Issue 24-02-2017

Featured story

Thought for the Week: Peace - A three-piece suite

FREE 23 Feb 2017 | by David Lockyer

The first piece is the deepest, the root from which peace grows; the silence that calms and heals; the point of is-ness when there is no I; no me, no not me; no knowing, no not knowing; no you, no not you; no us, no not us – just pure being...

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Top stories

Respecting children

23 Feb 2017 | by Priscilla Alderson

Priscilla Alderson argues that respect for children and young people is needed more than ever before. | Photo: Jesper Dyhre Nielsen / flickr CC.

The austerity cuts, global inequalities, armed conflict, and many other matters that constantly fill the news headlines especially affect children. With new problems looming in 2017, Quaker traditions of respect for children are needed today more than ever. Quakers’ faith in the Divine Light in everyone is confirmed in examples of...

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Preparing for death

23 Feb 2017 | by Fred Ashmore

There is, today, a practical, ethical and Christian debate on the subject of death and dying. London Quakers addressed this important concern at a one-day conference on 28 January. It was held in partnership with academics at Cardiff University, who masterminded the programme as part of their national project, Christian Perspectives...

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Forced migration

23 Feb 2017 | by Catherine Henderson

There were signs of spring in the gardens at the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre with the conference on ‘Forced migration: how can Quakers respond?’ took place over the first weekend of February. Inside, the image of a bare wintry tree gradually became clothed with leaves, as Friends recorded their work...

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Forced migration: How can Quakers respond?

23 Feb 2017 | by Ian Kirk-Smith

The recent conference held at the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, on 3-5 February, raised many important and challenging questions regarding forced migration and, in particular, the nature of a coherent and practical Quaker response.

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From the archive: Winter and rough weather

23 Feb 2017 | by Janet Scott

1917 began with a severe winter. At Sidcot, the Quaker school in North Somerset, the thermometer registered three degrees Fahrenheit. It was the coldest it had been for twenty-two years and provided an opportunity for a bit of fun for the students, as the Friend reported in its pages in the...

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All articles

New director for AFSC

FREE 23 Feb 2017 | by Harry Albright

Palestinian-American Quaker Joyce Ajlouny has been appointed as the next general secretary of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC).

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Leaveners to be laid down?

FREE 23 Feb 2017 | by Harry Albright

Trustees of Leaveners, the Quaker community arts charity, have decided to call an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) for 4 March to consider a proposal to lay the organisation down.

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JRF report warns of increased poverty

23 Feb 2017 | by Harry Albright

Millions of ‘just managing families’ are on the tipping point of falling into poverty as the cost of living rises, according to new research by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF).

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‘Online retreat’ launched for Young Adult Friends

23 Feb 2017 | by The Friend Newsdesk

Young adult Friends from all over the world have been invited to join a journey of discovery, transformation and leadings of the Spirit organised by the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham.

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YFGM gather in Edinburgh

23 Feb 2017 | by The Friend Newsdesk

Young Friends General Meeting (YFGM) is holding a gathering in Scotland for the first time in a decade this weekend.

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Quaker Tapestry Museum retains national award

23 Feb 2017 | by Harry Albright

The Quaker Tapestry Museum in Kendal has retained its ‘Hidden Gem’ classification awarded by the tourist board for England. The accolade recognises outstanding attractions that go ‘the extra mile’ to create an enjoyable and memorable visit.

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‘Quaker faith & practice’ feedback sought

23 Feb 2017 | by Harry Albright

A major project involving Friends throughout Britain is reaching a conclusion.

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The way to enlightenment

23 Feb 2017 | by Peter Hancock

The great German polymath Wolfgang von Goethe once wrote: ‘Wer immer strebend sich bemüht, den können wir erlösen…’ – ‘Who struggles ever striving, him we can redeem…’

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Letters - 24 February 2017

23 Feb 2017 | by The Friend

The Co-operative Bank So, the Co-operative Bank is up for sale again. Over the years there has been much stirring amongst Friends and our business community to establish a new bank with Quaker values true to our testimonies. Many Friends’ organisations and Meetings bank with the Co-op. Is this the...

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