Latest News
Same-sex marriage update
Carry on! That was the overwhelming message to Michael Hutchinson and Church Government Advisory Group working on implementation of Britain Yearly Meeting’s 2009 minute on same-sex marriage. Michael had come to Meeting for Sufferings to give an update and looking for a ‘steer’ on how they proceed. If anything, change...
Same-sex marriage update
Crucial questions about Quaker marriage procedure remain open as Friends continue to work on revisions to the marriage chapter of Quaker faith and practice. The revision was triggered by last year’s decision to carry out same-sex marriage on the same basis as mixed-sex marriage. Friends will seek unity...
Spiritual nurture
‘Quaker Life exists for no lesser purpose than to ensure that the spiritual life of every member of every Meeting… can be enriched and deepened’, explained Gerald Hewitson of Quaker Life central committee. Gerald explained that the key areas that Quaker Life works in are faith and practice, diversity and...
Campaigners call for ‘genuine rethink about security’
Current political debates on military spending are doing little more than tinkering at the edges, according to two religious peace organisations who are encouraging Christians to call for a ‘genuine rethink about security’. Government critics have demanded greater spending on equipment for troops in Afghanistan, resulting in a government â€...
Australian Friends call on government to allow same-sex marriage
Australian Quakers are following the example of Friends in Britain by urging their government to recognise same-sex marriages. Quakers plan to practise ‘full marriage equality’ throughout the country, while calling for the law to be amended to give equal recognition to all marriages, regardless of the gender or sexuality...
Becoming Friends: a guide on your Quaker journey
A course promoting new and flexible approaches to exploring Quakerism has attracted a high take-up rate within days of becoming available. ‘Becoming Friends: Living and learning with Quakers’ allows newcomers to choose different issues and styles of learning, engaging with the material either alone or in groups. Within three...
News sought on Haitian Friends
Friends around the world have been giving financial and practical support to aid efforts in the wake of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, while awaiting news of the 2,000 Quakers in the country. The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) released $50,000 shortly after the event occurred, to be used mainly for...
Civil liberties in the spotlight as Muslim group banned
Civil liberties campaigners have expressed fears for religious freedom, following the government’s decision to ban Islam4UK, a small extremist group. They suggest it is the latest example of the use of anti-terrorism legislation to suppress opinions rather than violence. Announcing the ban, home secretary Alan Johnson said...
Religious civil partnership proposal put forward
Religious groups including Quakers could be allowed to carry out civil partnerships for same-sex couples, if an attempt to change the law is successful. The proposal appears in an amendment to the Equality Bill currently going through Parliament. No religious element has been allowed in civil partnership ceremonies...
Trade union wants better protection for God’s workers
The treatment of staff in religious organisations is under the spotlight, following an anti-bullying campaign launched by a trade union representing thousands of ministers and priests. In addition, Church Action on Poverty (CAP) says that many faith groups are still failing to pay a living wage. Unite, Britain’s...