Reflections on the 2022 IYM Lecture
06/02/23 14:32
Asking beautiful questions and attending to better stories
Denis Stewart reflects on a recent After Meeting Conversation

A beautiful question calls us to greater heights of curiosity, and transforms us as much in the asking as in having it answered. I would love us, as Quakers, to be guided by these sorts of questions.
Lynn Finnegan, 2022
So much is happening, both wonderful and terrible – and it matters how we tell it. We can’t erase the bad news, but to ignore the good is the route to indifference or despair. Rebecca Solnit, 2023
On Sunday 15th January, members of the South Belfast Eco-Quaker Group hosted an after-Meeting conversation about Lynn Finnegan’s IYM lecture, the text of which is available here. This article is both reflective of aspects of that session and a further reflection on the issues raised and insights shared by Lynn in her talk.
James Nelson provided us, very helpfully, with an introductory preamble to the conversation that followed, first in small groups and then in plenary session. I am grateful to James for sharing his speaking notes, extracts of which are used in the following paragraphs.
James began by observing that a primary concern of Lynn’s in her lecture was that we need to talk about how we talk about the climate and ecological emergencies. He reminded us of how ‘talks about talks’ became part of the Northern Irish political discourse during the process leading to the Good Friday Agreement, noting that the way we frame a discussion, the language we choose to employ, the context in which it takes place, what is considered relevant and irrelevant, all of these help to give structure around the talk which can give it a purpose and direction, and so increase the opportunity for success. James went on to suggest that this framing process is at the heart of what Lynn wants to get at in her lecture. Lynn tells us right at the start that this is a hard topic to speak about because the words we use are often inadequate to the task. Words like sustainability, environmentalism, etc. can be meaningless. Not only that but the tone of our comments can act like a damp blanket on the conversation, suffocating and silencing more hopeful or positive comments. .. Lynn’s solution to this is, to 'talk about how we talk about our crisis' but in particular two aspects of this - to 'talk about how we ask questions', and to 'talk about how we tell stories’.
On the matter of asking questions, James commented that questions can judge and divide or they can enlighten and reveal new insights. For example, Lynn notes that, too often, the questions we ask tend to divide the world into people who are right, and people who are wrong. We should ask questions, she says, that leave room for seeing that of God in everyone.
In relation to the telling of stories, James was struck by how Lynn weaves her own story through her lecture. She gives us glimpses of life in an eco-village, .. [and] the intentional narrative she is creating. He observed that the choices Lynn has made present a challenge us in relation to our individual choices about housing, community building and many other things, small and great. And, James added, we are challenged, as a community, by her demand that Irish Quakers need to tell better stories! Also, zooming out to her broader purpose, she is asking us to talk about how we tell stories. So how can we tell better stories that inspire, that connect reality with aspiration, that model spiritual activism?
Not having kept notes of the conversation that ensued I won’t attempt to offer anything like a report on proceedings. Instead, I want to note a few thoughts and reflections – first, about the process that Lynn is provoking, and, second, about the beautiful questions she is promoting.
Right at the start of her talk, Lynn makes it clear that her intention is to stimulate a conversational process of deep, extensive engagement by those to whom she is speaking and, more widely, among members and attenders of the Religious Society Friends in Ireland. Those who were able to gather for conversation in the after-Meeting session were participating in what could be described as the early stage of an extended conversational journey - a journey of learning and discerning: Learning ways of thinking and talking about the climatic and ecological emergencies, such as the use of Parker Palmer’s notion of a ‘tragic gap’ - the gap between “hard realities that we see around us and our aspirations, the alternative reality “that we know is possible”. And gleaning insights and discerning implications for our ways of being and doing, individually and collectively; e.g. how the values we espouse, the Quaker testimonies, can and must find expression, both spiritually and practically, for the common good of people and planet.
The onus is on us who have ears to hear to continue on that conversational journey of learning and discerning.
On the second theme, Lynn's lecture prompts reflection on three sorts of 'beautiful question'.
First, there are questions about EMOTIONS - our feelings in response to the realities of the planetary emergencies. And so, for example, we can ask (with words from Seamus Heaney in mind):
How can we hold together anger and grief at the murderous with joyful delight in the marvellous?
Second, there are questions about ACTIONS - choices we make, and our ways of being in relationship with the Earth, our fellow humans, and other creatures who live and move upon the Earth
And so, for example, we can ask (inspired by lines from a poem by Rumi in mind):
In what ways can and do we kiss the Earth and enact 'the beauty that we love'?
And third, there are questions about STORIES - the narratives to which we attend and which we choose to tell or perform. And so, for example (with a book by Walter Brueggemann in mind):
What and where are the stories that, while reflecting reality, and inviting us to express grief, also encourage us to act with hope?
In connection with this latter question, a recent article by Rebecca Solnit, quoted at the top of this piece, is worth a read. As she puts it, ..we have to find stories of a liveable future .. we also need to become better ..listeners, more careful ..about what we believe and repeat, because stories can give power – or they can take it away.
And a concluding reflection ..
The 2022 IYM Public Lecture is a beautifully and nourishingly provocative offering, not just of words spoken but of a person who poured herself – her thoughts, feelings and personal stories – into the performance. One of the things she said that caught and catches my attention was that it is a beautiful thing to be around people who are doing what they are meant to be doing. In Lynn Finnegan we have a prophetic voice, speaking truth with gentle ferocity, the voice of a woman who is clearly doing what she is meant to be doing, with clarity of purpose, courage and compassion. It is indeed a beautiful thing to witness that way of being and doing.
[1] In his Nobel Prize acceptance speech (1995), Seamus Heaney said: I began a few years ago to try to make space in my reckoning and imagining for the marvellous as well as for the murderous.
Quaker Jargon Explained
22/01/23 13:59 Filed in: SBQM Update

Sometimes the language of Quaker practices can seem a little baffling. Many years ago we produced what we called the Quaker Jargon Buster, which aimed to demystify the terminology often used within our business practices and interaction as a community. Following on from our recent "After Meeting Conversations" on the subject of Quaker Jargon and Practices, we thought it was timely to update this resource and so Kerry and Michael did this.
You will find the updated resource on our AOB page (beside the files on the right hand side).
MY THOUGHTS - DORIS
14/01/23 07:45
Perspectives from members of our community

On a Sunday morning, for one hour, I attend one of the two Quaker meetings in Belfast (one of twelve across Northern Ireland).
For one hour every Sunday, we sit in a circle, in silence, and tune in.
When a person feels strongly in-spired, they stand up and share an insight with those assembled in the room. This is known as ‘giving ministry’. With variations, Quakers have done this since 1652.
Anyone present can give ministry. Sometimes many of us do so, sometimes a few, sometimes none – but always, there is a that feeling of being assembled in a common purpose.
One of our long-standing members recounts the time when, after one such meeting, a new visitor came up to her and asked: “Is that what you… do?”
Now, my own chatty self excepted, we’re generally a quiet bunch. We mostly don’t shout about what we… “do”. But what we do the other 167 hours of the week is nourished and guided by that one hour of gathering in silent contemplation.
Since our beginnings 370 years ago in the north of England, during the often violent times between the beheading of Charles the First and the coronation of Charles the Second, Quakers have worked for peace, equality, and social justice. This in a time when refusing to take your hat off to your “superiors” could and did land people in jail. Quaker Plain-Speech – addressing everyone the same and saying it like it is – did land them in trouble.
But this wasn’t for the sake of making trouble. Quakers attempt to treat all people the same because they aim to see “that of God” in everyone – or, in secular terms, we know that there is good in everyone (it just may be hidden).
This meant that Quakers were instrumental in the abolition of slavery, education of girls, reform of prisons. Quakers were establishing hospitals, relieving famine, building whole villages on the principles of fairness and equality.

Quakers went to prison for refusing to go to war. As I speak, World Quakers are making a stand against the war in Ukraine.
That’s the big stuff. But you don’t need to be a prison reformer or village builder to put Quakerism into practice. The little stuff is big in its own way. After five years of attending Quaker meetings I have changed my behaviour; I am far readier to treat people with honesty, respect and kindness, even little everyday kindnesses. Do allow for human frailty, but also: call out injustice where it happens, no matter the rank of the perpetrators of the injustice. I put up less; I speak up more. Even writing this piece is something that came to me when I let the silence speak to me, one morning at 5am.
All this speaking up and equality stuff is not necessarily a Quaker trait. Adamant atheist Tim Minchin says: “I’m Australian; I don’t do hierarchy.” So, I am not claiming Quaker exclusivity.
But still – all this building of a better world, inspired by sitting quietly gathered in a circle, for just one hour every week. One hour of a breather, then pull up your sleeves and get going. Not bad!
So, what is it you… do?

On a Sunday morning, for one hour, I attend one of the two Quaker meetings in Belfast (one of twelve across Northern Ireland).
For one hour every Sunday, we sit in a circle, in silence, and tune in.
When a person feels strongly in-spired, they stand up and share an insight with those assembled in the room. This is known as ‘giving ministry’. With variations, Quakers have done this since 1652.
Anyone present can give ministry. Sometimes many of us do so, sometimes a few, sometimes none – but always, there is a that feeling of being assembled in a common purpose.
One of our long-standing members recounts the time when, after one such meeting, a new visitor came up to her and asked: “Is that what you… do?”
Now, my own chatty self excepted, we’re generally a quiet bunch. We mostly don’t shout about what we… “do”. But what we do the other 167 hours of the week is nourished and guided by that one hour of gathering in silent contemplation.
Since our beginnings 370 years ago in the north of England, during the often violent times between the beheading of Charles the First and the coronation of Charles the Second, Quakers have worked for peace, equality, and social justice. This in a time when refusing to take your hat off to your “superiors” could and did land people in jail. Quaker Plain-Speech – addressing everyone the same and saying it like it is – did land them in trouble.
But this wasn’t for the sake of making trouble. Quakers attempt to treat all people the same because they aim to see “that of God” in everyone – or, in secular terms, we know that there is good in everyone (it just may be hidden).
This meant that Quakers were instrumental in the abolition of slavery, education of girls, reform of prisons. Quakers were establishing hospitals, relieving famine, building whole villages on the principles of fairness and equality.

Quakers went to prison for refusing to go to war. As I speak, World Quakers are making a stand against the war in Ukraine.
That’s the big stuff. But you don’t need to be a prison reformer or village builder to put Quakerism into practice. The little stuff is big in its own way. After five years of attending Quaker meetings I have changed my behaviour; I am far readier to treat people with honesty, respect and kindness, even little everyday kindnesses. Do allow for human frailty, but also: call out injustice where it happens, no matter the rank of the perpetrators of the injustice. I put up less; I speak up more. Even writing this piece is something that came to me when I let the silence speak to me, one morning at 5am.
All this speaking up and equality stuff is not necessarily a Quaker trait. Adamant atheist Tim Minchin says: “I’m Australian; I don’t do hierarchy.” So, I am not claiming Quaker exclusivity.
But still – all this building of a better world, inspired by sitting quietly gathered in a circle, for just one hour every week. One hour of a breather, then pull up your sleeves and get going. Not bad!
So, what is it you… do?
M&O Jan 23 Update
14/01/23 07:43 Filed in: SBQM Update

With another year started, and with the rapid approach of our Annual Meeting in February when we draw together our information on all that happened in 2022 and look forward to 2023, in the M&O team we have been looking at our pastoral and spiritual care work and seeking to plan ahead.
One theme is how we can make the work of this team as transparent as possible, so the entire SBQM community has a good understanding of what is going on, and can join in as fully as possible. Caring for each other involves all of us, and while M&O is asked to undertake certain duties, everyone in the Meeting has an important role to play. So we are planning an After Meeting Conversation on this later in the spring, on “M&O’s Role and Responsibilities”. This interestingly links to the longer term work across Ireland Yearly Meeting, because Irish Friends are setting out on the revision of our “Book of Organisation and Christian Discipline”, to see that the way we organise ourselves really links well with our faith. This revision work will take several years, but provides a really good opportunity for us all to reflect and contribute.
A second theme, which we hope to explore in an After Meeting Conversation in February will be how we communicate as a Meeting to newcomers, and those who may be interested in Quakerism. Some Friends have raised this as an issue they would really like to discuss further, and we are keen to hear everyone’s thoughts. Our tradition has always sought a careful balance, eager to let people know about what Quakerism means to us, but avoiding anything that could be felt to belittle other faiths. Getting that right is important - but it must not be impossible! We really look forward to your thoughts.
The Ministry and Oversight team - Felicity, Jonathan, Ian, Kerry, Marie, Michael, Sylvia and Will
THE PEACE TESTIMONY - AFTER MEETING CONVERSATION
12/12/22 22:20 Filed in: Peace

After Meeting for Worship on Sunday 11th December 2022, a group of Friends met to consider the Quaker Peace Testimony. To stimulate discussion, the session began with a conversation between Will Haire and Honor Stewart (for the full text see attached file) We wondered if the testimony was articulated clearly and what it might mean. The nature of war has changed over the centuries, becoming increasingly deadly, destructive and all-encompassing. The role of Quakers has evolved too: not only do they continue to promote peaceful alternatives to armed conflicts, but they are also active in providing humanitarian aid, in supporting peace-making and reconciliation efforts, and in diplomacy, especially by their presence at the United Nations. We recognised the challenging nature of some circumstances, especially relating to self-defence and employment. Being at peace is not just about stopping war, but is also about trying to remove the causes of war and in developing good relationships at all levels. A ‘Just Peace’ broadens the concept of peace to include ideas of social and economic justice and ecological sustainability. The nature of security could be reframed to focus on meeting human needsrather than on military strength. We considered how our Peace Testimony might relate to our daily lives and what role education might play in creating a more peaceful world. Finally, we were reminded that peacemaking can be seen as a natural outworking of the life of the Spirit.
South Belfast, After Meeting Conversation @ 11 Dec 2022
The Quaker Commitment to Peace
Introduction from Will
We are here today to talk about the Peace Testimony.
For long we have done so in South Belfast mainly in the context of the Troubles. But now we do so in the context of the invasion of the Ukraine. So many of us are wondering what we can say in that context. Honor is a member of the IYM Peace Committee, and has been thinking a lot about these issues, so she and I thought it might be useful to have a dialogue about this, and to draw the rest of you into this conversation.
Question 1: So first Honor, what do you see as the “Peace Testimony”, and indeed, what does Testimony mean in this context?
First, I’d like to comment on the word ‘testimony’. I am not a birthright Quaker; rather I came to Quakerism ‘in later life’! I was drawn particularly to the unprogrammed style of Quaker worship and also to the values that Quakers seemed to espouse. In the religious tradition in which I was brought up, the word ‘Testimony’ was used more in the sense of a person testifying to their experience of personal ‘conversion and salvation’. So, I learned that Quakers used the word ‘Testimony’ in a different way. It seems to me, that Quaker testimonies are values that members seek to live out in their daily lives.
Although, initially, I was particularly interested in ideas of Equality and Integrity, I knew of some of the roles, particularly peace-making, that Quakers undertook in the context of various conflicts. As Will says, more recently I’ve been giving the Peace Testimony a lot of thought, and indeed, I suppose the war in the Ukraine has brought this particular testimony much more into the minds of many people.
So, I suppose, initially, I saw the Peace Testimony in much the same way as the other testimonies, as a personal commitment - in this case to strive for a peaceful disposition in myself. But I was also aware of the wider contexts (particularly international or tribal) where one would be opposed to killing and war. However, I think there’s more to it than that, which we’ll come on to … and which I’m still trying to figure out!
Question 2: Is there one clear statement that all Friends have adhered to?
To me, it does NOT seem so - which can be a bit confusing!
One the one hand, there seems to a view that Testimonies are not set in stone; rather, over time, and with discernment, the interpretation of them might evolve, and new ones might emerge (such as the more recent ones of Community and ecological Sustainability or Stewardship). On the other hand, some people have talked to me about THE Peace Testimony, as if it was something written down and to which many people seemed to subscribe. Indeed, I was told that THE Peace Testimony WAS written down and some people sent it to me. I asked if the other testimonies (Equality, Simplicity, and Integrity) were written down too, and was told that they weren’t! Confused!
I realised that THE Peace Testimony, a version that was written down, referred to what George Fox said to King Charles II in 1660. In the context of the English Civil War, when there had been rebellion against the monarch, I wondered what Fox actually meant at the time. He is quoted as saying that his ‘Quakers’ sought peace, denied all bloody principles and practices, and that they would never ‘fight and war against any man with outward weapons, neither for the kingdom of Christ, nor for the kingdoms of this world’. By saying that, was he reassuring Charles that his group, his ‘Quakers’, had no intention of taking up arms against the king, perhaps unlike other religious groupings which were emerging at the time? Or was he saying something more timeless, that, for example, under no circumstances should one kill or take up arms? The latter interpretation would seem to be more in keeping with the Quaker view of Equality and the idea that ‘there is that of God in everyone’.
Recently, in the notices which Inge circulated, there was a statement signed by Tim Gee, General Secretary of FWCC (Friends World Committee for Consultation) and by some other national or international Quaker organisations. Since then, I’ve listened to Tim being interviewed about that statement, and he talked about how challenging it was for those (Quaker) organisations to reach agreement about the text. So, finding a form of words, particularly one which will not be misunderstood, is not necessarily straightforward. He also said, “The Peace Testimony constantly evolves … with every major conflict people have to struggle with it and work out what they are called to do.” And he added, “In its foundation, it is a WE statement, about what WE are called to do,”
Question 3: Has that changed over time, as warfare has become more deadly, more all encompassing, involving all society?
I think it has. War has changed, and Quaker responses/activities have evolved.
Life appears to have become much more complex since the 17th century. We live in a world which is more interconnected and interdependent – what happens in one part of the world can have consequences around the globe, and quite quickly – as we’ve seen with the conflict in the Ukraine. Modern weapons have unimaginable power and can have such devastating consequences. A weapon strike can be initiated remotely, being set off in one country and landing in another. Some strikes are targeted with great precision, others are indiscriminate; and the use of artificial intelligence, drones and nuclear weapons moves combat onto whole new levels. In these sorts of circumstances, it is difficult to see how defence forces could be confident that their actions would meet a standard which required that there be no lethal consequences (no killing).
Such warfare can cause death and injury on a large scale, widespread destruction of infrastructure, a ravaging and a pollution of the environment, and a waste of eye-watering amounts of money which could be spent in more constructive ways. In these conflicts where people are not safe, and lack food, clean water, shelter and sometimes heat, there is an inevitable displacement of the population. Especially when people cross national or tribal boundaries in large numbers, there can be resentment from established populations, with competition for resources, and further conflict can break out.
In the centuries since the English Civil War, Quakers have not just refused to fight or to take up arms. I don’t use the word ‘just’ with any disrespect; rather, Quakers have been called to additional spheres of work and influence. We can think of the courage it took for men to be conscious objectors in WWI and the derision and imprisonment they endured as a consequence. Or think of the bravery and compassion of those in the Friends’ Ambulance Unit in WWI and WWII.
Quakers now work to relieve the suffering of people injured or displaced, and support refuges in many settings. They have become involved in trying to prevent conflicts, and in trying to negotiate settlements. Although Quakers are well-known for their work in peace-making and reconciliation, they often work in quiet ways, behind the scenes, and are trusted to do so. Quakers are more involved now in diplomacy, and through our Quaker Office at the United Nations we speak out on the world stage about peace and injustice, all the while promoting peaceful alternatives to armed conflict.
War is brutalising, it tends to escalate, and is usually futile, leaving communities with resentments and long memories. Eventually, warring sides must be brought together if peaceful and lasting settlements are to be reached. How much better it would be if they did that in the first place.
Question 4: What does it mean if innocent groups are still attacked? Do we believe that there are absolutely no circumstances where the use of some violence can be “just”?
I’m not sure. There was a quotation used at Yearly Meeting this year at Stranmillis, suggesting that Isaac Pennington took a slightly different stance to that taken by Fox, in the same era. Whilst he too looked to a better time when ‘nation shall not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more’, he nonetheless did NOT seem to speak against people who defended themselves against foreign invasion or who used a weapon (a sword) to suppress violent and evil-doers within their borders. Indeed, he said that using the sword could be honourable, when borne uprightly (whatever that might mean!).
He also suggested that the hoped-for better, peaceful, future state must begin with individuals – which I thought was interesting. It relates to what I’ll be mentioning later.
I think it’s a tough question to answer, whether it is right/appropriate to defend oneself, maybe even using physical force, when confronted with imminent, and possibly lethal, danger. Is there a right to self-defence? As it was put so poignantly at IYM at Stranmillis, if a family member is about to be brutalised, would you stand by or intervene? That question begs other questions, such as: if you would defend your family, would you defend your neighbour, and who is your neighbour?
In that same interview, Tim Gee said, “We are a people who follow after peace, love and unity, and we pray that other feet will follow in the same path.” He also said that it’s not about asking, ‘What would I do if I was someone else?’ Rather, it’s about asking, “What is God asking me to do, as whom I am, right now, in the place that I’m in?”.
With regard to a Just War, the rules of engagement are said to include being able to distinguish between combatants and civilians. Also, in response to any attack, actions should be proportionate. In the face of modern military armaments, it’s difficult to see how those criteria could be met.
Question 5: Is it perhaps that our focus should be on a “Just Peace”, that will attack the roots of war, before it ever can start?
I think there needs to be a shift in two paradigms: the one from discussions of a ‘Just War’ to those about a ‘Just Peace’; and the other in relation to security.
One description of a Just Peace suggests that it has at least four dimensions:
a. Peace IN the community (local)
b. Peace IN the marketplace (economy)
c. Peace WITH creation (ecological/environmental)
d. Peace BETWEEN nations (international).
This description of a Just Peace usefully broadens our concept of peace to include ideas of social and economic justice and ecological sustainability. If we work for greater justice in those areas, areas from which conflict can stem, we might be tackling some of the roots of war. Given the widening gap between the rich and the poor, and the human contribution to climate change and loss of biodiversity, it is obvious that there is much work to be done.
Thinking of peace in these terms also requires/enables us to rethink what we mean by security. Arguably, none of us can feel secure as long as others do not feel secure. If the annual expenditure on armaments (which is currently around 2 trillion dollars) was diverted towards achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we could, for example, do wonders in combatting poverty, preventing violence, avoiding disputes over resources, and protecting the planet. This desirable approach requires a shift in security policy from that which is military-based (depending on the strength and equipment of a country’s armed forces) to one which focuses on real human needs (sometimes called ‘Human Security’).
Question 6: How have Quakers thought about creating a peaceful world?
Quaker Testimonies are commitments to behaving in certain ways; they should lead to actions.
Creating a peaceful world can’t just be about preventing war, hugely important though that is. There has to be another dimension to it too, which I think is about creating positive relationships.
I think there’s the macro and the micro, the big picture and the more local.
I’ve already touched on some of the actions that Quakers are already taking to prevent or to end war, such as: their humanitarian and diplomatic work, through peace-making and reconciliation activities, through campaigning to relieve poverty, and being active in the environmental movement. Other people campaign against the arms trade. If we are personally not active in these areas, we can support others who are; for example, this meeting supports CAAT financially.
I was on a Zoom call last year about the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. A Jewish lady, from Machsom Watch (they monitor military checkpoints) was speaking. She was asked how we could help. She said, “Raise your voice”.
I’ve mentioned some of the roots of war. Other causes include: a response to a perceived wrong committed (such as a retaliation to an invasion); a perceived ‘good end’ (such as regime change); attitudes of covetousness, seeking power, conquest, glory or feeling insecure. I’m not sure how you deal with all of those, but part of the answer may be to do with education.
International warfare is not something that many of us have to deal with in our day-to-day lives … at the moment! However, the ‘Peace in Community’ dimension of a Just Peace IS more immediate for us, because conflict is part of life. It is more obvious in circumstances such as street riots or domestic violence, but it is also present in squabbles within families or between neighbours, bullying in schools, and in our inability to disagree, or to make a point, respectfully and calmly (think politicians, or social media!!).
There was a shocking statistic in Friday’s Irish Times: in the RoI, “Gardaí are responding to a report of domestic abuse or violence every 10 minutes, with almost 50,000 complaints made to the force this year and many more offences continuing to go unreported.”
The PSNI have launched their first Action Plan for Tackling Violence against Women and Girls. (I know that men are abused too, but this plan happened to be about females).
What do those two reports tell us about society on our own doorstep?
Some peace organisations are doing work on gender roles and behaviours. (E.g. Conciliation Resources, ‘Integrating Masculinities in Peacebuilding: Shifting Harmful Norms and Transforming Relationships’).
Quakers in Britain have recently published an impressive report entitled ‘Peace at the Heart - a relational approach to education in British schools’. It presents peace education as a comprehensive approach to teaching and learning that puts good relationships – peace – at its heart.
The report identifies four complementary aims;
1. Individual wellbeing and development (Peace with myself; Taking care)
2. Convivial peer relations (Peace between us; Working together)
3. Inclusive school community (Peace among us; Coming together)
4. The integrity of society and the earth (Peace in the world; Taking a stand).
There is evidence that such a relational approach brings many benefits, including the fuller development of young people, emerging citizens who are more consciously involved in their society. They have developed qualities and skills (such as empathy, confidence, attentive listening, critical thinking & leadership skills) and learned ways of dealing with conflict (such as acknowledging & handling emotions, or using peer mediation and restorative practices) which they will carry with them into adulthood. These young people may become, or influence, future leaders of society or future peacemakers.
Last Sunday, Felicity spoke here about the Quaker Integrity Testimony. She reminded us that testimonies are relevant for our daily lives. I think the Peace Testimony should be too.
And peacemaking can be seen as a natural outgrowth of the life of the Spirit.
If I may, I’d like to finish by reading a paragraph from The Guided Life, by Craig Barnett, which some of us were discussing on Wednesday evening in the Book Group. (Page 56):
“The capacity to understand and forgive is essential to resolving conflict in our daily lives. In our families, communities and workplaces conflicts and resentments often wear away at people because they are never resolved or reconciled. Each of us, through our daily relationships, can contribute to bringing understanding and reconciliation to those around us. Instead of feeling resentment and blame, simply listening to others without judgement is a powerful source of peacemaking. By speaking truthfully and acting with kindness and integrity, people from every background are sources of continuous healing in their communities. The gift of everyday peacemaking is a fruit of inner faithfulness to the life of the Inward Guide, the Seed of insight and understanding.
So, what does love and my/your commitment to peace say to, or require of, me/you today?
Question 7: Now can we throw this open to everyone - what does the Peace Testimony mean to you, and how do you feel you have to live it out?
M&O Dec 22 Update
11/12/22 21:12 Filed in: SBQM Update

Update from the September meeting of the Ministry & Oversight Team:
The last couple of weeks have been gloriously busy around the Meeting House, with the building be very much used by many groups. It is wonderful that both the Worship Sharing Group and the Quaker Book Group are now meeting in person each month, and that the monthly After Meeting Conversations are seeing great engagement. Likewise, it was a joy to have the annual Christmas Fair for Quaker Service at the Meeting House, with our Friends from Frederick Street and indeed other Meetings, enabling not just fundraising but a lovely sense of networking.
In the M&O team, we are now planning for After Meeting Conversations for 2023, looking at many different aspects of our faith and practice. These will take place on the third Sunday of each month, although in July and August we will plan for Meeting picnics, as we did this year.
To help explain some of our "practice", and demystify some of the peculiar jargon we Quakers use around our Meetings, we are also about to publish on our website a "jargon-busting" guide. We hope that it is helpful, but do use it to raise with us any questions you have. Some of the ways we do things can seem strange to newcomers, but there is generally a good, challenging and positive reason underlying our actions - or so we dearly hope!
Related to that is the whole issue of how we communicate to those who might be interested in Quakerism. We are wary of proselytising, with the danger that we appear to be denigrating other approaches. Against that we find Quakerism a rich and important way in which to live and are very keen to make it accessible to those who are seeking. Getting the balance right in communication is therefore very important to us, and a theme that we think about a good deal in M&O.
We also continue to gently remind you about our Funeral forms, setting out your wishes. We have had a number of the new forms returned, and we would be keen to see more, since it helps everyone. We also may be gently checking your age - not for any malign reason but because we want to ensure that older Members get access to some financial support to which they are entitled!
The Ministry and Oversight team - Felicity, Jonathan, Ian, Kerry, Marie, Michael, Sylvia and Will
Quaker Service Craft Sale 2022
07/12/22 21:14

Thanks to all who attended the Crafts Sale on Saturday in aid of Quaker Service. Lots of fun, chat and sugar was had by all! It is looking like over £3,000 was raised






Posters For World Quaker Day
02/10/22 15:07