19 & 26 December 2014 £1.80 thediscover the contemporaryFriend quaker way

Good will to all the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 172 NO 51

We wish all our readers a very peaceful festive season. Photo: Jim Champion / flickr CC. Photo: Jim Champion / flickr 3 Thought for the Week: 12-13 The message of peace Seasons greetings? Jonathan Doering John Lampen 14-15 Food for the soul 4 Gift of love Tara Craig Dorothy Lewis 16-18 From the archive: 5 Martha or Mary Christmas in wartime Jennifer Kavanagh Selected by Janet Scott 6-7 Quakers and Christmas 19-21 Swarthmore Lecture: review Raymond Mgadzah Open to transformation 8-9 Life and death Ian Kirk-Smith Jan Arriens 22 Poetry: The Night Before Christmas 10 The magi Jamie Wrench Michael Wright 23 Seasons greetings, without prejudice 11 Art gallery 24 But what about the next day? Quaker Arts Network Dorothy Searle 25 Friends and Meetings Cover image: Starry night. Photo: Val Corbett.

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2 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 Thought for the Week

Seasons greetings?

believe that most Quakers look forward to Christmas. Once the beautiful leaves have fallen, the end of autumn can be a depressing time. In northern lands, as the cold increases, there is a deep human need to gather round Ithe fire and celebrate our family bonds, our closeness and dependence on one another. It isn’t surprising that so many cultures have special midwinter festivals with lavish food and drink. People need this reassurance. Our traditional practices of bringing foliage into our homes and lighting candles are a distant echo of magical practices that hoped to persuade the sun to come back overhead and the dormant plants to grow again.

What is hateful about the seasonal commercialism is that it corrupts these needs for its own purposes, instead of satisfying them. This changes the coming of Christ into ‘Xmas’, the indulging of ‘Mr X’, the average man, instead of a midwinter festival which simply brings us together in love, joy and hope. I agree with the religious writer David Pawson, who encouraged us to celebrate the solstice if we wish to in the best way we can – but to ‘leave Jesus out of it!’

If Quakers kept holy days, I might suggest we also observed a ‘Greeting Day for the New Born Child’ – on a different date from ‘Xmas’. This would help us to contemplate another narrative, unhistorical but full of archetypal significance. We would remember a pregnant unmarried teenager and the generous man who forgave her and would not break off their engagement; a five-day journey on rough and dangerous roads to an unfriendly town; the delivery of their baby in disgusting conditions and their subsequent escape as refugees. This is a parable of courage and hope in the face of human indifference and cruelty. Such a Christmas could still accommodate many of our traditional carols alongside harsher songs, like Sydney Carter’s ‘Standing in the rain’.

The Christmas myth reminds me of the infinite possibilities present at each birth into this world, with promises which may be realised or unfulfilled. I can wonder at every newcomer as the shepherds did, those men despised by the pious because their job did not allow them to properly observe the religious Law; or like those wise and powerful magi who were brought to something so simple that it was beyond their expectations and understanding – yet they welcomed it. I can say, with the poet Arthur Rimbaud (in Un Saison en Enfer), ‘When shall we go beyond the shores and the mountains, to salute the birth of the new work and the new wisdom, the flight of tyrants and demons, the end of superstition, and be the first to worship Christmas on earth!’

John Lampen Stourbridge Meeting

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 3 Reflection Gift of love Photo: /kallu / flickr CC. Photo: /kallu / flickr

want to suggest a very special gift that, as Quakers, we can give, receive and share to help bring true joy at Christmas time. IThis gift needs no money, produces no stress, takes no physical effort, follows no rules and regulations and is suitable for all ages, classes and backgrounds. It can be given while washing up, putting excited children to bed, taking the dog for a walk and, occasionally, in luxury, may be given from a brief space of receptive stillness.

This is the gift… ‘I send you, this Christmas, the gift of love, of care, of concern, of courage, hope and a joyful increasing inner knowledge.’

It is expressed in such ordinary language. There is no Quaker- type mysticism or religious cliché. It involves no committee work, no white paper interference, no clerkships, elderships, anything- ships, just an openness, a free giving from your heart or the Quakers’ ‘that of God’. And the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Given by many Friends this shared gift flows out, with flare, in a great surge of life/love energy powered further with joy and creativity, reaching out the gift to a desperately needy universe. Try it, share it and don’t forget your own needs. Mother Teresa once said: ‘Peace begins with a smile.’ Could you share in this giving as part of a Quaker smile?

Dorothy Lewis Wensleydale & Swaledale Area Meeting

4 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 Reflection

Martha or Mary Photo: Val Photo: Val Corbett.

he spiritual life consists of a series of balances: and to the outside world – are pressing. We sometimes of inner experience and outward witness; the life find it hard to breathe. within and the outside world; being passive to When I first came to Quakers, about eighteen years TGod and active to the world; between withdrawal and ago, I plunged into a pendulum kind of life, swinging engagement, being and doing. between intense activity and periods of remote solitude. In Christianity, the story of Martha and Mary is Now I’m grateful to have settled into something a little familiar: the one called to the way of action; the other to more equable. Sometimes it’s helpful to be reminded: contemplation. Many Friends seem to harbour a sense ‘Between actions, pause and remember who you are.’ of guilt. If engaged in the world, they worry about not And those who feel they’re not doing enough? What being very ‘spiritual’; if leading an interior, prayerful are they expecting? What do we mean by action? Grand life, they are concerned that they are not ‘doing their bit’. deeds? All of life is action. Everything we do. And it The truth is that no one is either one or the other, but is not just what we do but how we do it – in love and somewhere on a spectrum between the two: a variety mutuality – and how we are. of spiritual expression that exemplifies the richness We are each unique. When we surrender to God’s will, of possibility inherent in lives devoted to God. An the call comes to us as an individual because of who we individual inclination or a phase of life may be tilted are, with all our gifts and faults. Listening to what love more towards action or contemplation, but we can work requires of us will allow us to maintain a balance. towards a way that is more integrated, more in balance. In Matthew 7:20 we learn: ‘By their fruits shall ye As George Fox said: ‘The Lord taught me to be know them.’ The fruits can be in increased quality of faithful in all things and to act faithfully in two ways… ‘being’ – awareness, awakening – or increased doing. inwardly to God and outwardly to man.’ The best of all worlds is doing with increased being. But how do we do it? Finding the balance on a daily That, I believe, is the true fulfilment of our human or yearly basis is a common preoccupation. Few people potential as spiritual beings. Manifesting the spiritual in feel that they get it right. the world by what we are, what we do. And how we do it. Mostly we’re too busy, assaulted by noise and information. The practicalities of being in the modern Jennifer Kavanagh world – our commitments to friends and family, the need to earn a living, our responsibilities to our Meeting Westminster Meeting

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 5 Quaker life

Quakers and Christmas Photo: Stephen Woods / flickr CC. / flickr Woods Photo: Stephen

Raymond Mgadzah explores contemporary Quaker attitudes to Christmas

t this time of year – perhaps more than at any The abundance of food, drink and the exchanging other time – the question arises as to whether of presents to mark the ‘festive season’ concerns some Friends should celebrate Christmas. Answers to Friends, including those who do celebrate Christmas. Athis question elicit a variety of responses from Friends Many struggle to reconcile celebrating Christmas with who may feel that all days are special and that the the historic Quaker view that all days are equally special notion of Christmas as a unique day runs counter to and none should be singled out. core Quaker values. This is particularly so among Friends who feel that A time for family Christmas has become overly commercialised. Yet, despite these misgivings, many Friends continue to Patricia Wilson, of Skipton Meeting, expressed a celebrate Christmas as a family gathering, often one commonly held view. Many Friends see Christmas as ‘full of memories when you remember your family and a time for gatherings for family and friends rather than think of Christmases gone by’. a strictly religious event. Patricia said: ‘I do think of it Today, one Quaker scholar has echoed the view of as a special day in a similar way to remembering and others and concluded: ‘There is no commonly agreed celebrating family anniversaries.’ attitude to Christmas among British Friends or across She added: ‘I appreciate the concept that every day the world family of Friends’. It’s a debate with deep of one’s life is significant but this does not prevent the historical roots. joys of certain anniversaries and special times being acknowledged. So, I do celebrate Christmas with my Consumerism family.’ Beryl Bell, of Walthamstow Meeting, echoed Patricia’s Many Friends lament the fact that Christmas has views. She enjoys Christmas events such as carols and become consumer driven and that its spiritual aspect the giving of presents and cards but the focus is on has been lost to most of those who celebrate it. One Christmas being a family get-together. challenge for Friends is how to celebrate Christmas Beryl said: ‘Most of Christmas is not a religious event without becoming part of the consumerism, which they but a family thing. It’s a time for getting together with fear has hijacked the holiday. the family. The decorations are up. There are mince pies

6 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 and all that sort of thing. We have a turkey and all the about how Christmas is now celebrated. She explained: other usual things. But we don’t over eat or over drink. ‘The fact that it’s too early; the huge advertising campaign We don’t do anything over the top with food, drink and and the pressure to prepare; and the overwhelming presents.’ evidence of communities in which spirituality plays Beryl added: ‘We celebrate Christmas until the such a small part.’ Twelfth Night. To me Christmas isn’t just Christmas For Judith these misgivings persist despite the good Day. At Christmas you go out and have dinners. Most things which she acknowledges about Christmas, of it happens before Christmas. It’s a festival and a time including meeting family and friends. She said: ‘So of relaxation and to see family and friends.’ far we have celebrated Christmas but we are seriously Janet Gilbraith, of Cambridge Jesus Lane Meeting considering getting away next year and had made plans added: ‘We have Christmas dinner and we try to get for this year which didn’t happen.’ together as a family. But I am sorry that Christmas has become so commercialised.’ Early Friends

Meeting for Worship According to Stuart, the question of whether or not to celebrate Christmas has its roots deep in Quaker However, Friends are divided over whether or not to history. He explained: ‘Initially the Quaker movement have a Meeting for Worship on Christmas day. Patricia did not recognise or celebrate Christmas. This changed said: ‘Our Meeting house is open on Christmas Day for in the nineteenth century when Friends became any who wish to attend.’ more evangelical, emphasised their commonalities But Janet said: ‘Our Meeting doesn’t celebrate with other Christians and began to play down their Christmas. We don’t have a Meeting on Christmas day. “peculiarities”.’ So, there is no Meeting for Worship for Christmas. I He added: ‘Early Friends did not recognise the have never heard anybody at Jesus Lane Meeting say liturgical calendar of the mainstream church, including they would like to have a Meeting on Christmas Day.’ Christmas and Easter. This is because they believed Beryl added: ‘I don’t go to Meeting unless Meeting that with the coming of Christ a new covenant had is on Christmas Day. But our Meeting celebrates been established in which the outward ceremonies Christmas by having lunch and some sort of shared and festivals of the old covenant had been fulfilled entertainment. We did a play one year and sometimes and replaced by the direct presence and experience of children do a bit of entertainment. the Spirit of Christ available to all people. Therefore, ‘We are having our gathering in the New Year. It’s no one day was regarded as special because every day usually before Christmas but for logistical reasons it offered the opportunity for people to be baptised in the will be after Christmas.’ Spirit, to feed on the bread of life and to experience Sometimes the reasons for not having a Meeting are spiritual transformation. mundane. Members and attenders may not live within ‘Today the programmed/evangelical (Gurneyite) walking distance of a Meeting and there is no transport form of Quakerism is more likely to view Christmas on Christmas Day. in the same way as other Christians/churches. The Conservative (Wilberite) form of Quakerism is more The season likely to uphold the early Quaker position… There is no commonly agreed attitude to Christmas today, Stuart Masters, on-site programme coordinator at the either among British Friends or across the world family Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, said: ‘My Meeting of Friends.’ doesn’t celebrate Christmas in a very explicit way; Indeed, Stuart explained, for some Quakers Christian for example, it doesn’t hold a special Christmas Day festivals have no meaning. For instance, a ‘Quagan’, Meeting for Worship, but it may hold some activities or Quaker Pagan, might not celebrate Christmas but that reflect the season, such as sharing food.’ celebrate the winter solstice instead, and some might But, like many Friends, Stuart has qualms about view Christmas as a purely secular affair. Christmas. He added: ‘I am deeply ambivalent about Given these deep historical roots and modern day Christmas. It seems to me that today it is principally a concerns, the question of whether Friends should celebration of capitalist consumerism. I am not entirely celebrate Christmas seems set to continue for many opposed to celebrating it as a Christian festival but years to come. this is not strongly important to me. I don’t actively celebrate it but go along with my family and those around me who do.’ Raymond is a volunteer with the Friend and an Judith Mason, of Banbury Meeting, has misgivings attender at Walthamstow Meeting.

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 7 Witness

Life and death Photo: Val Photo: Val Corbett.

Jan Arriens writes about a friend and reflects on life and death hristmas is an ambivalent time for many of us as The last few months of countdown have been harrowing Friends. It is not an occasion that we particularly and opened me up to a new side of the death penalty I mark, but inevitably we find ourselves caught had not fully seen before in the twenty-five years Cup in it as a national midwinter festival. Perhaps we try since LifeLines, an organisation that supports prisoners to bring in an element of simplicity and to concentrate on death row in America through letter-writing, was on the peace side. For me, however, this Christmas will founded. I had always thought that the death penalty was always be overshadowed by what is happening to my a threefold punishment: the equivalent of a life sentence, friend Mike Lambrix, who is on death row in Florida. virtual solitary confinement under threat of death and the actual execution. But the way the state cranks up He has been there for nearly thirty-one years. It is the pressure over the last few months of the condemned as though Mike was diagnosed in 1984 as having a person’s life provides a different dimension again. terminal illness – in his case, unfitness to live in normal society. His condition has been slow moving, but at Astonishingly, Mike is bearing up well and, indeed, fifty-four he may have just a few months to live. He and supporting those around him, such as penfriends I have been corresponding for twenty-three years. who have recently visited from abroad, and his elderly mother, who lives nearby. In his most recent letter to In August the state appointed clemency counsel for me, Mike writes: Mike. The clemency submission went in on 5 December. It calls for the commutation of Mike’s death sentence or, I really do worry about how hard it will be on alternatively, a full clemency review, at which witnesses those close to me when they sign my death warrant. could be called and evidence produced. Florida has not Myself, I guess I take more of a Buddhist approach granted clemency in over thirty years. Recently, it has to the whole concept of death – it’s just not also been executing more prisoners than any other state something I’m concerned about and if that’s what in the US. is to come, then so be it.

8 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 I’m sure a lot of my attitude towards that probable morning from his troubled slumber, he found his cell event is influenced by my own experience the last flooded with light. It was, as he described to me, a light time I was on ‘death watch’ [in 1988]. I’ve also but not a light; he could see it and he also couldn’t see been thinking that my attitude is not really that it; and it was within him and without him. The great uncommon among the death row population as a mystics could not have put it any better. The two guards whole, although obviously my own experience was on suicide watch did not notice anything. unique and not shared by others. That experience a quarter of a century ago has But yet what I realise is that there is a certain sustained Mike ever since. I remember that when measure of indifference, even complacency, I began corresponding with him (by accident – he towards the thought of death amongst all of us. didn’t really want a penpal, he said) in 1991, Mike had I cannot recall anyone who knew that their death already been on death row for seven years. It seemed an warrant might soon issue, or those who actually astonishing length of time for anyone to have survived did have their warrant signed, showing any real under the daily threat of death. To have survived for emotional signs. In fact, many even welcomed thirty years can only be regarded as a failure of the it. And although I’ve read a lot over the years judicial process. All sorts of concerns and questions about the process and those speaking of long- have arisen about the case over the years; neither the term solitary confinement, I cannot recall reading conviction, nor the sentence, are safe. anything about why it is that those sentenced to death really are not that upset when their time So, this Christmas I shall be thinking of someone comes and this has me somewhat curious. who over the years has suffered from beatings, sleep deprivation, dreadful food, incessant noise and virtual I suppose it’s really not that different from the solitary confinement in the knowledge that the state is resolve most cancer patients feel when they, too, trying to take his life, and who has nevertheless made are counting down their last days – especially the most of his circumstances and grown extraordinarily those who have suffered for so long under that as a human being: someone who, paradoxically, has threat of death, and when that final countdown engaged more deeply with life than almost anyone I does come, there’s almost a sense of relief that know. If he does face the end with equanimity, it will the journey may finally come to an end and the not be just because it would be a relief but also because suffering will finally pass. he has been taken to a place where he knows the world is not quite as it seems. Which is what the Christmas But then there’s those who we must leave behind, story tells us too. and they are the ones that really suffer – just as with anyone who experiences the death of someone you care about. Jan is a member of Southern Marches Area Meeting.

The experience in 1988 to which Mike refers was the Further information: A petition to save Mike’s life may first thing he wanted to talk to me about when we met be found on www.save-innocents.com, while some of for the first time in 1998. Through a legal foul-up he his writings are on his blog: http://deathrowjournals. came within hours of execution. When he awoke that blogspot.co.uk

We Quakers say we have no creed. We almost do! For nearly all of us would say we believe in ‘that of God in everyone’.

How easy that is to say. How difficult to live! If we mean it, we have to live it. That is why some of us in Northern Ireland do speak to the men of violence. It does not mean we agree with what they do. It does mean believing in the good that is in everyone and in the potential for growth and change that is in us all.

Some of our closest friends used to be involved in violence and have changed. I have learnt so much from them and their courage in changing, and I am encouraged to believe that anyone can change. Diana Lampen, 1991 Quaker faith & practice 29.08

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 9 Reflection The magi

Michael Wright reflects on biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus Photo: Val Photo: Val Corbett.

hat a fantastic story it is (Matthew 2:1-12): are secondary to the main theme of the gospels – the of wise men from the East journeying to actions and teachings of the man Jesus – but give to Jerusalem and asking to know where the the adult stature by the remarkable events at his birth! Wchild is who has been born king of the Jews, so they We can develop our own reflections on this story, could pay him homage. We have all known this and the from which we can draw various insights. I like the other birth stories of Jesus for many years and, perhaps, idea of these sage seekers, setting out to follow their in the past, unquestioningly accepted them as quasi- leadings, looking for this most significant individual historical accounts with imaginative extras. They are and finding that their answer is a tiny baby. Joy, love now commonly acknowledged by biblical scholars to be and hope of a new life are focused in this story. Joy is fictions. The accounts in Matthew and Luke, astonishing the overwhelming emotion that the magi are said to and momentous in each case, are inconsistent with each have experienced as they saw the star again, leading other and include so many improbable features. them to their destination. Joy is not a characteristic The Jewish tradition of midrash is one in which normally associated with religion, but some have events described in their scriptures are reused for new known such a joy – perhaps when, at long last, we have events and to draw out new insights. In this case it is to found a spiritual home that seems right for us. show parallels between the infancy of Jesus and that of These august visitors bring the baby symbolic gifts: Moses (Exodus: 1 and 2). Matthew’s story, so different gold for a king; frankincense for a god; myrrh for from Luke’s, developed from a scriptural model of its a burial. Gold is costly, with royal associations and own. Anyone in the first century who knew the story an enduring lustre. Frankincense lifts our senses as of Moses would see the parallels. The Jewish culture it symbolically rises to heaven. Myrrh is the aroma produced a number of remarkable birth stories: Isaac to cover the stench of decay. What meditations we and Samuel are just two examples (Genesis 17:15-21, can make of those three items! The visitors return and 1 Samuel 1). Stories around the birth of prominent home ‘by another road’. I see this as a metaphor for men such as Moses, Noah and Melchizedek were transformation: having been changed, they, and we, elaborated in rabbinic literature way beyond what is can now walk a different road. It may be ‘a road contained in our scriptures. less travelled’ but, hopefully, it is a path to suit our In Egyptian culture there was a common belief that condition! the Spirit of a god could enter a woman to produce This joyful experience is set as a light against a dark a significant child. Within the Roman culture, too, background of widespread suffering. The holy family there were stories of the god Apollo fathering both become refugees, and Herod’s reputed indiscriminate Plato and the emperor Augustus. By the time the slaughter of children occurs. There is horrendous pain, gospel according to Matthew came to be written trauma and enduring grief. Eventually, the scene shifts many gentiles who were familiar with stories of divine to domestic peace in Nazareth (Matthew 2:13-23). births had joined Christian communities. Once a A light has shined in the darkness: may the darkness human being became sufficiently highly thought of, never overcome it. stories of amazing circumstances of his birth might arise. The two contradictory accounts of Jesus’ birth Michael is a member of Middlesbrough Meeting.

10 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 Art Seasonal offerings from the Quaker Arts Network

Winter Landscape – Isa Louise Levy Angel – Anne McNeill Pulati

Untitled – Julia Prescott Coppice Edge – Shirley Torrens

Dawn – Peter Varney A Gift of Peace – Ann Johnson

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 11 Peace

The message of peace Embracing the Base, Greenham Common, 1982.

Embracing the Base, Greenham Common, 1982. Photo: Ed Barber (courtesy of CND Archives). (courtesy of CND Photo: Ed Barber

Jonathan Doering writes about an inspiring campaign

n many ways the 1980s were a defining decade. The endured, and perhaps one of the most significant was gaping gulf between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have-nots’, the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp. social strife and enormous cultural upheaval played Following the NATO decision to base nuclear missiles Iout against a backdrop of dance tunes, power dressing in Britain, the first weapons arrived in 1981, prompting and paper lantern dreams of plenty remain with me a march from Cardiff to the Greenham base. Gradually, from my childhood. Presiding over the grand narrative an anti-nuclear protest movement, inspired and driven of tearing down to build anew was Margaret Thatcher. primarily by women, evolved. Nine colour-coded camps ‘There is no such thing as society, only people’ were established at each of the base’s gates, each with she said. Her sociopolitical axiom paved the way for a particular focus: Green Gate was a women-only site generational communities to be swept away, with new- that admitted no male visitors; Blue Gate had a New look urbanised, gentrified developments replacing Age focus; Purple Gate was a religious camp and drew them. The sense of profound cultural loss and hollow on support from a group of Quakers in Oxfordshire, financial acquisition is a lasting characteristic of these amongst many others. times. Nevertheless, protest groups began to coalesce from across a ransacked Britain. The Radical Circle The forward-facing drive of progress, success and maximum gain for the maximum number created a Mahalla Mason and her husband Don had moved juddering juggernaut that expected minority interests to Witney near Oxford in 1977. Witney had been to give way. Those who refused could expect to be an industrial and Quaker centre at the height of the isolated, condemned and subjected to legal and physical Early’s Blanket Company (the local Area Meeting was attack. In the face of these establishment tactics, originally Witney Monthly Meeting). Very soon the some individuals and groups were crushed. Yet some Masons became involved in West Oxfordshire Peace

12 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 Group: ‘Our family worked on a renovation project continued to hold weapons at the base until 1993, the living in and doing up an old blanket factory. We had moral victory unquestionably rests with those who bore young children and were concerned about peace issues.’ witness against the violence of nuclear weapons. A peace The shadow of ‘the bomb’ was long during this period, presence was maintained until 2000 and Mahalla sees the engendering raised concerns about nuclear weapons, benefits running far deeper than only a moral victory: ‘It but this growing consciousness and action grew to was a very healing place. It brought our women’s group include more than purely anti-war activism: ‘There was a very closely together and we’re still good friends.’ women’s group that had been formed in Witney – called There were other sorts of connections that were made recently “the Radical Circle”, although I don’t know how through this activity: ‘I do remember one occasion radical we were. But we were left-wing visionaries. There when some women went off to fetch more wood. I was were writers, artists and one of us was a potter.’ sitting by myself by the fire and could see this guard Their concern and sense of being moved to action approaching me. He whispered and offered me some were firmly grounded in their immediate experiences, soup… I’d just had some, so declined but thanked him… skills and interests: ‘We all had children and… wanted I don’t know how he would have got it through the wire peace through economic and social justice, caring and fence anyway and he’d have got into trouble. But he was sharing, not a deterrent through nuclear war and the a kind young soldier.’ threats that would bring.’ The Masons and their friends and colleagues held The legacy regular jobs with commitments including childcare, so were unable to join the camps on a permanent basis. The Masons continued their involvement in peace work Instead, they formed a Greenham support network, in a variety of ways, including joining Cruise Watch. going overnight and some weekends to help with the Don also took part in a blockade of RAF Upper Heyford, night watch, cooking and other tasks. ‘The idea was to where nuclear bombers were based, serving a short keep fires burning at every gate and feed the women. prison sentence for doing so. [The permanent protestors] were evicted regularly – but What might be the legacy of those times today? ‘There they would move away and then come back.’ is the peace message, that you can have nonviolent As their involvement deepened, Mahalla found that direct action. I agree with Tenzin Gyatso, the dalai there was a growing sense of interrelation between them lama, that peace starts with the individual and the more and this community: ‘I’d go at the weekends occasionally people who take on that message the closer we’ll move with my children. They liked it because we took the to world peace,’ Mahalla said. tents… They played in the woods and the women were Last Remembrance Sunday Witney Quakers were very kind.’ The community at Greenham was an eclectic allowed to lay a mixed wreath of white and red poppies. cross section of women: ‘It was a women’s support Last August my own Local Meeting in Pontefract led group as much as a peace group, part of the Women’s an ecumenical witness at our town’s cenotaph where Liberation Movement. There were mothers, academics, Greenham-inspired art was laid. This was followed women with addictions, those who had suffered abuse.’ by a silent vigil at Pontefract’s main Anglican church. All who came had to grow and change: ‘It was important Mahalla sees the Greenham legacy living on: ‘You have if you took anything that you had to share it. It did me to keep plugging away in your life, family, friends and a lot of good.’ neighbours, ultimately reaching out to all.’ That spirit of peace – patient, enduring, undimmed, Determination and resolve despite received attitudes, despite state power, despite the mainstream’s blinkeredness – is what I find so Although the women residents and demonstrators admirable when I contemplate this story. It is a spirit could ultimately be forced to comply with government reflected in another account of those times, in Quaker expectations through the physical dominance of the faith & practice 24.28: ‘Women waiting, watching, just army and police, they showed determination and resolve being there, behaving as if peace were possible, living in returning to their gates. They also responded to the our dream of the future now… We come to watch, we situation and their identities as women in creative ways come to witness… I come to be with the women who that caught the attention and interest of a far wider circle live here, the dykes, the dropouts, the mothers and of people; for instance, the ‘Embracing the Base’ action, grandmothers, angels with countenances like lightning, where a human chain of protestors surrounded the base I come to talk with the police, the soldiers, the men who entirely. The dignity and pathos of photographs of this might be gardeners by the tomb; I come to meet the event are striking to this day. Mahalla remembers, ‘It was Christ in them.’ very empowering.’ Also, despite the fact that, superficially at least, the government of the day had its way and Jonathan is a member of Pontefract Meeting.

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 13 Faith in action

Food for the soul

Tara Craig visits the Quaker Mobile Library in London

wo hundred people, with varying degrees of with the library. Cards are replaced for free. They can patience, are waiting for lunch. also be left in the care of the QML, should their owner They range from teenagers to seventy- be concerned about loss or theft. Tsomethings, encompassing several nationalities. A In London, in addition to the Manna Centre, the number are clearly struggling with mental health or QML stops at Lincoln’s Inn Fields, St Giles-in-the- addiction problems. From time to time, a woman becomes Fields, The American Church and the Passage, a day agitated, screaming incoherently. No one pays her much centre in Victoria. Library stops are timed to tie in with attention – they are either used to her outbursts or trying soup or food runs provided by other organisations, such to afford her some privacy. It is impossible to tell which. as the Hare Krishna or homelessness charity The Simon This is the Manna Centre, near London Bridge Community. Piggybacking on other services increases Station, in early December. The day centre provides the the likelihood of readers attending the library. homeless of London with a range of essentials: food, hot A Brighton ‘branch’ was set up last year. Rather than a drinks, advice on jobs and benefits, even clothes. van, it uses suitcases with built-in shelves. This makes it On the day I visit, everyone is waiting for lunch, but easier for volunteers to access the town’s narrow streets some guests are also looking for sustenance of another and lanes, where rough sleepers are most likely to be kind. They are waiting for the Quaker Mobile Library found. (QML). The books The library Initially, the bulk of the books were donated by The QML is a white van sporting the logo of its parent publishers. Recently, there has been an increase in organisation, Quaker Homeless Action (QHA). It has donations from members of the public who have seen been operating in London since 1999 (this is the third the library in action. van), taking books to the homeless. The inside has According to QHA’s 2013 project report for the QML, been lined with fitted shelves, neatly labelled by genre the most popular genre among London readers was or language. There is room for four or five people to crime and horror. Science fiction came next, followed browse the shelves at the same time in relative space by biography. Books on music proved least popular. and comfort. Brighton readers are also fans of crime novels. Several things make the QML special and underline Surprisingly, perhaps, the second most frequently QHA’s knowledge of the chaos and challenges faced borrowed category there was drama, followed by by the homeless. Borrowers – or ‘readers’, as they are graphic novels. Youth titles were the least popular, known to QML – are not charged for late or unreturned faring marginally better than science fiction. Among books. They can borrow books even when it is unlikely the novels borrowed in Brighton were Mostly Harmless that they will be able to return them. by Douglas Adams, The Shipping News by Annie Proulx, Each reader is issued with a QML reader card bearing and Spotkania Z Polakami by Olgierd Budrewicz, a their name (or alias) and the stop at which they meet up Polish writer and survivor of the Warsaw uprising.

14 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 The Brighton QML stocks the Polish-language of weeks ago. magazine Polski, while the London van has books in a ‘I like reading. Writers can say things that no one else number of languages, including French, German, Polish says. Things that you can’t say in conversation,’ David and Serbo-Croat. explains. As we speak, David is flicking through a copy of The London readers Kitchen Confidential by chef Anthony Bourdain. I suggest he borrows it, but he feels there would be no The first reader I speak to is Philip. He’s an affable point, as he is unlikely to visit restaurants. Londoner. While he has accommodation at the moment, David wants to know about Quakerism. Volunteer he has a history of sleeping rough. He says he will go ‘to Brian Parker hands him a couple of leaflets and the two any library as long as it’s got good books’. Philip likes men talk for a time. real-life stories and books about fixing bikes and cars. ‘I have my own bike, so books like that come in Why the QML is important handy’, he tells me. Philip declines to borrow a book this time, insisting that he has several waiting for him ‘The Quaker Mobile Library is a wonderful way to reach at home. I suspect he has come to the QML to avail of out to people who are going through a very rough patch its ‘other’ service – a good chat. in their lives. Our London and Brighton libraries are Maggie is from Scotland. She’s staying with her partner much needed services and we hope Friends in other these days, but admits that, usually, she sleeps ‘here, parts of the country might be interested in starting a there and everywhere’. Her taste in books is eclectic, library in their area, too,’ says Kate Mellor, executive ranging from war to crime via romance. Maggie is a fan director of Quaker Homeless Action. of Val McDermid, the Scottish crime writer. Homeless people tend to be stereotyped by the ‘Reading just passes the time,’ she tells me. Maggie wider public. Thanks in large part to the media, they is cheerful and engaging. We first meet as I retrieve a are lumped into an amorphous mass of need. They stray ping pong ball she has been trying to throw into a are rarely seen as individuals, let alone intelligent friend’s cup of tea. individuals with thoughts and opinions. Krissy is Scottish, too, from Moray. She has lived in QML volunteers know better than to make London for a long time. assumptions about the homeless. ‘I sleep outside but I’m discreet about it, because Every second Monday volunteer driver Simon Bream rough sleeping is banned in some London boroughs,’ arrives at the Manna Centre, parks the van and props its she explains. sliding door open. A card table and two chairs are set up Krissy likes Tom Clancy’s writing, particularly when beside it and volunteers chat to readers while keeping a there is a technological element to the story. When it record of books borrowed. When I visit, the atmosphere comes to books and authors, she is clear about her likes is genial and relaxed. Readers are welcomed and chatted and dislikes. to as if this were any ‘normal’ social occasion. It is moving ‘I also like Jean Plaidy’s historical romances, although to see the appreciation of a young reader in particular. He she had a tendency to “run on the mumble”. She’s not is so grateful to have been lent a book that it is evident afraid to put in her own opinion.’ that something has gone badly wrong for him. ‘I don’t like detective stories, although they’re a great Food, warmth and shelter are obvious priorities for cure for insomnia,’ she adds with a cackle. those experiencing homelessness, but it’s often forgotten Krissy doesn’t borrow a book on this occasion, but that they may be dealing with boredom and isolation, she takes a seat outside the van and embarks on a long, too. QML goes some way towards alleviating this, informed and wide-ranging conversation with QML whether by providing books or giving rough sleepers volunteer Noel Rice. They discuss everything from and hostel dwellers an excuse to speak on equal terms London’s traditional Jewish areas to the respective with someone from beyond the world of homelessness. merits of Irish and Scottish whiskeys. Before I leave, I ask Manna Centre administrator Ibitenye has less to say. He tells me that he’s not Paddy Boyle how reading helps homeless people. He homeless and that he comes ‘from above’. He likes tells me that it entertains them and helps them fill their educational books and seems slightly startled to find day. Then he stops, looks at me and asks: ‘Why wouldn’t that he’s reading a book of rugby anecdotes. homeless people be entitled to the same privileges as the The last reader I speak to is David. He’s originally rest of us?’ That, for me, says it all. from New Zealand, and is a soft-spoken, intelligent man with a noticeable shake to his hands. He likes Tara is the journalist for the Friend. biographies and regrets not having borrowed the book on Katherine Mansfield he spotted on the van a couple A Quaker Mobile Library will open in Leeds in 2015.

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 15 From the archive Christmas in wartime

Janet Scott selects some extracts from issues of the Friend published over the Christmas and New Year period of 1914-15. The war had not finished by Christmas, as some had optimistically predicted, and its impact was being widely felt. It would be some years before Christmas was again a season of peace.

Scarborough Day by day: December 25

‘Friends gathered for worship at Scarborough on Sunday morning under a solemn sense of fellowship in ‘Christmas Day was signalised by the first battle in the sorrow which had come to the town as the result of which each side was represented in the air, on the sea, the bombardment by German warships. Three of those and under the sea. Seven British naval airmen in seven who have often met with them were lying in hospitals naval seaplanes, approached Cuxhaven, the German suffering from wounds caused by the bursting of shells. naval base at the mouth of the Elbe, and dropped The meeting-house was not damaged, but within a bombs on German warships. They were supported by stone’s throw were many buildings which had suffered a light cruiser and a destroyer force, and were attacked severely from the effects of the firing. Many families in by two Zeppelins, three or four seaplanes, and several the town were mourning the loss of loved ones who had submarines. been taken suddenly from them, and whilst the meeting The British ships remained for three hours off was sitting there were being landed in the harbour men the enemy’s coast without being molested by any who had just been injured by the explosion of a mine surface vessel, and safely re-embarked three out of which they were seeking to remove in order to prevent the seven airmen, with their machines. Three other further loss of life. Very early in the meeting the note pilots, who returned later, were picked up, according of thankfulness was sounded for the protection granted to arrangement, by British submarines which were to so many in time of danger, and earnest prayer was standing by, their machines being sunk. offered that those in pain and sorrow might know the ‘A German aeroplane was sighted soon after noon, healing power of Divine love… flying very high east to west over Sheerness. British ‘The example of Jesus was still before us, “Father, aircraft went up in pursuit and engaged the intruder, forgive them.” Friends were exhorted to seek for the which, after being hit three or four times, was driven spirit which would make this possible, and by their off seaward.’ lives to inspire those around them with the truth, “In The Friend 1 January 1915 quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.”’

The Friend, 25 December 1914 A German Committee for Helping Foreigners

‘We have felt that it was our duty to interest ourselves The first report of a death in action appeared in the in those foreigners who were in difficulties in Germany. Friend of 25 December. At a time when the German people, from the highest to the lowest, have joined together in the consciousness of ‘WARNER – 11th [December]. In the trenches, a stern defence against their enemies, and are fighting Belgium, killed in action, Sergeant Evan Warner, 5th out the great struggle for existence and freedom, it may London Regiment (London Rifle Brigade), son of John well appear to many that it is superfluous to render and the late Alice Warner, of Waddon House, Croydon, to the alien enemies amongst us any more than the aged 34 years.’ most necessary services. But we have not only to think The Friend, 25 December 1914 of those Germans who are now abroad, not only to

16 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 DONCASTER FRIENDS’ MEETING HOUSE In use as a Day School, all the Council Schools in the town occupied by the military. remember that those foreigners who are in need in An Aliens’ Christmas Party in Manchester Germany are for the most part Germany’s best friends and are bound to us by a thousand ties; besides all this, ‘A wonderful gathering was held in Manchester on the task is laid upon us by our own desire to render Christmas Eve, when about 500 guests, the wives and friendly service in these times of hatred to those who children of interned aliens, were entertained… The large now find it so difficult to obtain help. Even in war time meeting-house had been brightly decorated and there whoever needs our help is our neighbour, and love of was a beautiful Christmas tree. Though these women their enemies remains the distinguishing mark of those are going through dark times, all seemed to have come who are loyal to our Lord.’ determined to enjoy themselves at this the only Christmas festivity to which they would be invited. The Friend, 18 December 1914 ‘During tea, served in relays, conjuring and music were going on in the other room, including several songs prepared for the occasion by some of the Friend children. Festive entertainment! Then came Father Christmas (Dr E Vipont Brown) who first enchanted the children with a thrilling account of St Nicholas in Holland his journey from the North Pole, and then helped to distribute gifts of toys, books, &c., to all the visitors. ‘I am taking the first opportunity to write and thank Those who heard the many expressions of appreciation you all for so very kindly taking up the idea of St and thankfulness for the love and sympathy shown to Nicholas for the little Refugee children in this district. them felt that in that evening’s work they had learnt We divided the money between ten places and ordered afresh the truth and beauty of the Christmas message. little cards for each child. We calculate that about 5,000 children had presents. The Friend, 1 January 1915 ‘At Oostburg, St. Nicholas came in person! … dressed Hull in a long red cloak trimmed with lace, a mitre on his head, and carrying a golden staff… [he] arrived amidst ‘A happy gathering was held in Hull… when about 300 crowds of natives, at the first Refugee hall. Here he guests, the wives and children of interned aliens were knocked and entered, asking were all the children there entertained by Friends at the meeting-house, after having good? Of course, the answer came, “Yes.”’ been previously visited, and personally invited. All ‘In a minute there was a busy scene, all helping to seemed determined to enjoy themselves. A sumptuous distribute the many little packages.’ tea was succeeded by a programme of music, songs, and recitations, including an amusing dialogue given by The Friend, 25 December 1914 some factory-girls who were anxious to help. From a fine

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 17 From the archive (continued)

Another ward at the hospital.

Christmas tree Father Christmas distributed gifts to the ‘In spite of the magnitude of the undertaking, the children. Those present felt the evening’s work had not proceedings were successful in every instance. been in vain, and that the message of Christian love and ‘We read in the papers how even our men at the front Brotherhood had been fully expressed.’ fraternised with the German soldiers on Christmas Day, and one must feel that consideration for our enemies in The Friend, 15 January 1915 trouble at a time when all Christians unite in praising their Creator, must have promoted the cause of universal Peace.’ Bevan B Baker Christmas in the detention camps. The Friend, 22 January 1915 ‘Separated from wife and family, home and friends, imprisoned without comforts, it is a dreary Christmas for Christmas with the Ambulance Unit. the interned Germans in this country. With a recollection of a gathering of friends and interchange of presents in ‘Our work at Ypres continues. Friends will know by now their thoughts, the prospect of Christmas in a Detention of the double bombardment of our hospital… The staff Camp must have been bitter! Many of the men were worked magnificently: on the first afternoon to clear absolutely English in their sympathies before being the patients into the cellars; and on the second morning interned; they have many of them lived in this country to speed them off in ambulances to the hospital at La for twenty or thirty years, some of them being unable to Panne by the sea. speak German, and a very large number having married ‘The conditions of life, especially for our ambulance English wives and having children who are all English… drivers, on bad wintry roads, in wintry weather, involve ‘The sub-committee on Detention Camps organised a some hardship and strain… scheme for providing Christmas cheer for the interned ‘Thanks to the generosity and thought of our friends Germans… With the 23,000 men, which comprised the at home we were able to celebrate Christmas at our German and Austrian prisoners of war in this country, it three main centres in thoroughly traditional fashion. at first seems an almost impossible task to provide a parcel Anyone who had seen our bare upper room and sardine for each man… [The parcels contained] some permanent meals at Woesten, when we first came here seven weeks present, such as a pocket-book, or penknife, or a fountain ago, would scarcely have believed his eyes last night. pen, or a pair of mittens, together with some tobacco or A room bright with light, holly, and flags: long tables chocolate, or German honey-cake, or fruit. These articles coloured with good things: lines of sociable dinner had all to be personally packed by the helpers… companions, with turkey, plum puddings, and songs: ‘By the kindness of the Commandants, we were even a menu card!… allowed to pay personal visits at Christmas time ‘The sun helped the day with a brilliant setting, and to hold services and give entertainments. The and the customary undertone of guns seemed really entertainments were often organised by the men less; in it there was some tacit understanding that this themselves, and Commandant and English officers in Christmas should be marked by at least a diminution in many cases joined heartily with the men in singing the the wasteful, wearisome dealing of death.’ old Christmas songs… The Friend, 8 January 1915

18 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 Swarthmore Lecture Open for transformation

Ian Kirk-Smith shares some reflections from Friends on the published version of the 2014 Swarthmore Lecture Photo: keith schurr / flickr CC. / flickr schurr Photo: keith

his year’s Swarthmore Lecture, Open for form of worship which nurtures this encounter; we have transformation: Being Quaker, considers the developed practices which recognise and understand symptoms of illness in a patient and offers some this experience (discernment); and the intimacy with Tremedies in a clear and confident voice. It is a voice that, the divine transforms us and our approach to humanity for some, contains traces of a dreaded word: preaching. (our testimony). These insights, he believes, apply to all Others discern leadership and a prophetic vision. strands of worldwide Quakerism. The book of the lecture provides an extended version British Quakerism over the last 150 years, he argues, of what was presented by Ben Pink Dandelion, this has developed a theology that is very different from that year’s lecturer, at Yearly Meeting Gathering in Bath. of the seventeenth century. It is a ‘recast’ faith that now Tim Rouse, a recent coeditor of The Young Quaker, has several attributes: experience is primary; our faith echoes the views of many: ‘for me, the strength of needs to be relevant to our age; we should be open to new the lecture was Pink Dandelion’s emphasis on what light; and God’s will is revealed over time. Quakerism should be rather than what it is’ and The author highlights some forces that have shaped Anne Ullathorne, of Central England Area Meeting, this recast faith, particularly secularisation and welcomes a ‘call to return to the roots of our faith and individualism: ‘We are part of a more individualised to be clear about our theology’. and diffuse Quakerism’ and ‘at times pragmatism has The book has three parts. The first considers Friends trumped prophecy in our desires to re-work Quakerism as a community rooted in spiritual experience; the for a modern and over-busy age’. It is a path presented second charts the change in context, particularly in as one of compromise and dilution. The book presents the past 150 years; and the final part suggests ways of a personal argument for clarity and coherence in both strengthening religious identity and celebrating ‘the faith and practice. joys of faith’. Today, instead of giving enquirers a solid signpost, some Ben Pink Dandelion opens with a definition of argue that a weather vane is provided. Anne Ullathorne the basis of belief and identifies four key insights of believes that ‘we are at risk of becoming all things to all Quakerism: we encounter the divine directly; we have a people and I would be very sad to see the Quaker church,

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 19 Swarthmore Lecture (continued)

which I love, become so diluted as to become something culture – individualism, competition, rationality and that George Fox would no longer recognise because we a pervasive dualism that separates right from wrong, are not sure of the basis of our belief.’ intellectual from emotional, belief from nonbelief.’ Ben Pink Dandelion identifies ‘collective confusion However, she explains: ‘The danger is that, in about the heart of our Quaker way’ and paints a picture enforcing coherence, we end up disregarding what does of inertia, paralysis and misunderstanding in some not fit and even elevate them into idols.’ Some Liberal areas of Quakerism. He speaks of testimony having Friends, indeed, fear a conservative shift. An ‘option become, for some, ‘a set of optional values rather than based’ faith represents, for some, ‘openness’, ‘tolerance’ the life we have no choice but to lead’ and worries that and ‘diversity’ and all that these words imply. Choice is these confusions have ‘led us to become introspective good. Constraints, or the perception of them, are bad. and anxious about our future – a symptom of the head Marisa Johnson has a measured response to the taking over from the heart, of logic supplanting faith.’ arguments and roots it in her belief in relationship. ‘“Thou shalt… decide for yourself” is a recent Liberal Personal transformation Quaker slogan that fits very well the prevailing spirit of our times,’ she explains. But she has a concern: ‘When Open for transformation provokes. It asks serious relationship becomes secondary to the supremacy of questions about the individual and the community, the individual we have lost, altogether, the meaning and language and practice, identity and belonging, purpose of being a religious society.’ membership and boundaries. The author makes ‘transformation’ a key focus. He highlights the A transformed community authenticity of an inward faith and urges a return to passion and joy, to the centrality of spiritual experience, Alec Davison, of the Kindlers, believes the ‘stunning and makes an appeal: ‘If we as Quakers want our Quaker Swarthmore Lecture speaks with a forked tongue’ and approach to faith to be vibrant, cohesive, coherent and explains: ‘Much of it deals with the nuts and bolts of socially useful, we need to be clear about what we are keeping the Society afloat, using our book of discipline and what we are not.’ It is a tough ask. as navigation guide and training manual. Those many Marisa Johnson, executive secretary of the European Friends eager to keep rearranging the deck chairs on the and Middle East Section of Friends World Committee Titanic will have much to keep them usefully occupied. for Consultation, states: ‘When I think back to the But the heart of Ben’s concern, reflected in its title, is how lecture two sentences jump out at me: “We are a do to radically deepen the spiritual life of the Society, for only it together faith” and “living an accompanied life”. in this way can we know the vision of a “transformed” Although it may seem that these insights are different, community. This is the real excitement of the lecture.’ and even contradictory, emphasising as they do the Ben Pink Dandelion stresses experience over doctrine: community nature of our religious experience on the ‘My starting point is the reality of spiritual experience’ one hand, and the personal, inward relationship with the and ‘As Quakers we are part of community rooted in the divine on the other, for me they are inextricably linked experience of transformation.’ and are, indeed, the foundation of what I have come to Alec Davison concurs: ‘Spirit is the prompter, understand, and hopefully practice, as the Quaker Way.’ persistence and passion of new birth. It is prime. This What links the two, for Marisa, is a word – relationship: process of renewal will inevitably call for surrender and ‘I completely resonate with living an accompanied life, some sort of death. For is it not our purpose in life to but I know many will ask: accompanied by whom? It transform our false self into our true self?’ is a sensible question, but it can only lead to exposing Personal transformation, Ben Pink Dandelion fault-lines in our theologies.’ For Marisa, the sense of explains, causes us to be ‘broken and healed, opened being accompanied is a constant awareness of being and changed, and to see things in a new way.’ We are in relationship to and with every aspect of life, past, transformed ourselves in order to transform others. present and future: ‘It leads me to seek to align my However, Alec Davison questions the readiness of some every thought and action to this awareness, to be Friends for the challenge thrown down in the book: ‘Do “guided by it”. This guidance can take me to unexpected we want to be transformed? Are we ready for it? Is the places, situations that nurture, stretch and sometimes threatened discomfort likely to be too great? Dare we challenge me – as a result, I change, I am transformed.’ live adventurously or are we too set in our ways with ‘Change and transformation are threatening, alarming, tradition and history stifling us?’ dangerous’ for some, but, she explains: ‘I believe that David Olver, of Keighley Meeting, agrees with the Ben is asking us to be community in the ego-sacrificial central theme of the book and, perceptively, hits a nerve: meaning of the term, and that he is inviting us to ‘Quakerism is about being open for transformation. challenge the dominant paradigms of our Western It has always been this way. But over time British

20 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 Quakerism has changed and we have adapted our in profound spiritual experience.’ religion to fit the secular age in which we live. We Many Friends hope the lecture will encourage a now make decisions based on criteria other than those conversation about the direction of Quakerism. Craig supplied by religion… Many Friends will find this Barnett is one of them: ‘Openness, acceptance and acceptable but it does shift the balance between the diversity are all important virtues, but have we given individual and the community to favour the former.’ up on the possibility of a shared understanding of our In looking to the roots of Quakerism, the author Quaker practices? Are we content to be a collection invites an accusation of conservatism. Tradition can of like-minded individuals, with everyone on their limit growth. History can burden us. Nostalgia can also own different, solitary journey? Or could we work become very selective. towards rediscovering a common language for our Open and living traditions, it could be argued, spiritual experience, and communities in which we are invite change and development. They introduce new responsible for, and accountable to, each other?’ possibilities. What exactly does ‘openness to new light’ Alec Davison, who has a passionate commitment to embrace? Can one ever go backwards? nourishing the roots of Quakerism today, finds a flaw But is Ben Pink Dandelion asking Friends to go in one aspect of the book’s diagnosis and urgent appeal: back or to look deeper? As Marisa Johnson points out: ‘Sadly Ben, in his castigation of the Society’s growing ‘He also challenges our assumption of linear progress, secularism and individualism, is tainted by association. which makes us “wiser” than those whose experience His burgeoning work drags us increasingly into the was expressed in ways that we now regard as outdated.’ academic mire without producing any manuring of ‘For Young Friends’, Tim Rouse discerns, ‘traditional Local Meetings, and his home base (Woodbrooke Quaker orthodoxies – whether they relate to Quaker Study Centre) conducts Equipping for Ministry membership in a Local Meeting, or belief in gods, or courses with barely a glance at equipping Friends to be any of the many ways we practice our Quakerism in ministers in their Local Meetings when the Society cries the world – are far from binding. In Ben’s Swarthmore out for this. Lecture I recognized a similar willingness to look Do academic degrees and Equipping for Ministry past the way we have always done things, and to look courses really nourish the Society when they are both forwards to better build the republic of heaven.’ focused on individual enrichment? Is that the way Tim Rouse also has a concern: ‘As a historian, I greatly of collective transformation when our priority must valued the way that Ben encouraged us to look to the surely be, as Ben rightly proposes in his lecture, the past to inspire us as we move into the future; that said, development of a teaching ministry?’ the lecture at times veered into an almost reactionary It is important that the annual Swarthmore Lecture rejection of secular approaches and non-Christian prickles and prompts such passionate responses. It viewpoints. signals life and concern, not detachment and apathy. ‘Although I cringed when Ben referred to “secular At the end of Open for transformation there is a individualism” as if the two words meant the same thing, section devoted to helping Friends in Local and Area I found his critique of individualism very welcome; and Meetings discuss the book. It is designed to ‘clarify what the emphasis on collectivism and community echoed the it is we celebrate about being Quakers, to reflect on our radically participatory, godly, and democratic lines on own experience of transformation, and to identify our which our Quaker movement was founded.’ gifts and needs as Meetings.’ It is an excellent inclusion and highly recommended. A clear sense of identity ‘Conscience, if its etymology is pressed, can mean our capacity to know the same thing together; yet such Craig Barnett, of Sheffield and Balby Area Meeting, knowledge makes us vulnerable to words as a reminder welcomes the ambition in Open for transformation ‘to of what, together, we have chosen to forget,’ Seamus rediscover a clearer sense of our identity as a religious Heaney once wrote. The lecture may be uncomfortable community with a shared understanding of our faith.’ for some. However, the admonitory function and tone It is, he says, not likely to be a welcome message for is perhaps necessary. A forensic analysis is delivered, but some Friends today: ‘For years we have told each other the prophetic vision offered may be its lasting legacy. that Quakerism is simply an accepting space for each The arrogation to speak to, or for, a community is of us to explore our own individual journey. That is validated by the note Ben Pink Dandelion hits. There is a reassuring idea, especially for those who have been an assurance and command over tradition and current hurt by dogmatic religion, but Ben reminds us that practice. Open for transformation: Being Quaker elicits there is more to the Quaker Way than a collection of an encounter and demands a response. It challenges individual preferences. It is a shared spiritual tradition, and confronts and cannot be ignored by anyone who with its own distinctive teachings and practices, rooted cares for the future of our beloved Society.

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 21 Poem

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through Friends House Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; Thanks to new insulation I heard not a thing Till the silence was pierc’d by a telephone’s ring.

So down to reception I crept with my book The (It’s red – QFP – and it’s well worth a look). But before I had time to discover the phone Night The caller hung up – I was left all alone. Then out in the corridor came such a clatter, I sprang from my seat to see what was the matter, And from the south corridor came a sad call, Before ‘Twas the staff of the Friend – in the Large Meeting Hall! ‘What’s the trouble?’ I called to those Friends of the Truth; Christmas ‘We only came in here to look at the roof – ‘We wanted a picture – imagine our luck ‘When we tried to get out – all the doors have got stuck!’ (or ‘A Visit from St Paul’) I rattled the handles but yes, it was true – All openings blocked. Oh, what could I do? (Not to be confused with When what to my wondering eyes should appear ‘A Visit from St Nicholas’ But a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer! attributed to Clement Clarke Moore) The driver was dressed in a suit of bright red With a ponytail stuck on the back of his head And I thought as I looked (tho’ of course it was dark) That his visage resembled our recording clerk!

‘Now, Dasher, now Dancer, now Prancer and all! ‘To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!’ So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, And – would you believe it? Recording clerk too!

‘Twas one bound to the skylight; and there in the glow Of the moon high above were the old hacks below; In a trice it was open, he reached in his sack And, conjuror-like, drew a rope from his pack!

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work; Down went the rope and then, with a jerk, From the Friends on the floor that the knot was well tied, Each rose to the ceiling, enjoying the ride.

Jamie Wrench And so they were rescued, and, safe in the end, They got a good story to put in the Friend, Southern Marches Area Meeting With a headline: ‘FRIEND EDITOR HELD IN THE LIGHT’

Photo: Rene Barrios / flickr CC. / flickr Barrios Photo: Rene Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

22 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 Letter to the editor

Season’s greetings, without prejudice Photo: yellowcloud / flickr CC. / flickr Photo: yellowcloud

wanted to send some sort of holiday greeting to my friends and colleagues, but it is difficult in today’s world to know exactly what to say without offending someone. So, I consulted my lawyer yesterday, and on his/her advice I wish to say the Ifollowing: Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, nonaddictive, gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday practiced with the most enjoyable traditions of religious persuasion or secular practices of your choice with respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2015, but not without due respect for the calendar of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society are equally important as those of the indigenous culture and without regard to the race, creed, colour, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee. By accepting this greeting, you are agreeing to these terms: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/him or others and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. The wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.

Best Regards (without prejudice)

Name withheld (Data Protection and Privacy Act)

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 23 Reflection But what about the next day?

Dorothy Searle considers the remarkable ‘truce’ held by some soldiers at Christmas in 1914 Photo: john shortland / flickr CC. Photo: john shortland / flickr

first heard the story of the Christmas day truce of similar ideas, traditions and games: they were people, 1914 in a Methodist Sunday school, when I was not indistinguishable parts of ‘the enemy’. For a few about nine or ten. Even then I felt, instinctively, that hours, for the men involved, the world returned to Ithis was an appalling tale, not the one of wonderful normal and the hideous situation and conditions could humanity that the teacher so obviously valued. be forgotten. This was how life should be.

Surely, normal human beings will kill other people Then those few hours were over. Fighting only in extreme circumstances, when they see it as recommenced. Even if soldiers were moved around the only way of preventing their own death or that of so that they weren’t actually firing at those they’d someone close to them. For that to happen, they need just met, they were still firing at real people, people to see their opponent as an individual in front of them they could identify with. They had to go back to the and posing an immediate threat. They are in one-to- horrible, impersonal idea that the men the other side one combat and know why they are doing it, and that of ‘No Man’s Land’ were just ‘the enemy’ and start it’s necessary. killing them again.

If a man (and in 1914 they were all men) is to What effects would such a situation have on the take action that will result in the death of someone minds of ordinary men or, indeed, of the officers who else, when he has no personal grudge against him, gave the orders, when the war was finally over and they this requires training that might be better called returned home? Could any normal man be unaffected brainwashing. The soldier has to see not other men by such rapid and dreadful changes? They’d gone from but parts of an object: the enemy. All humanity has being made to see ‘the enemy’ to seeing actual people, to be suppressed and fear of this enemy has to govern and back again. And how did they feel when the war his actions. Surely, to think of an opposing soldier as a had ended and they were expected to keep silent about human being like himself would make it impossible to what they’d actually experienced? How did they cope kill him with hearing people with too much to say, people with limited knowledge and less experience, extolling their For months the soldiers on both sides had been actions and that of their comrades, and glorifying the firing at each other and, presumably, hanging on to the situation they’d had to endure? idea that they were holding back the terrifying evil that ‘the enemy’ represented. Then came the Christmas One poet thought deeply about what he knew and truce. Not only did the firing stop – something in wasn’t afraid to make his feelings known. Wilfred itself that everyone would have welcomed – but, in Owen imagined souls from both sides meeting after some sections of the front, soldiers on both sides met, death, and quoted from their conversation: ‘I am the talked, sang carols and played football. Suddenly, enemy you killed, my friend’. everything had changed. These men were no longer seeing ‘the enemy’, but fellow human beings with Dorothy is a member of Southampton Meeting.

24 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 19 Dec 16/12/14 15:03 Page 5

Friends&Meetings Births Memorial meetings Changes to meeting

Herbert Benedict JARDINE (Bertie) Leslie FORSTER A Memorial BRECON QUAKER MEETING 29 November in West London, to Meeting to celebrate Leslie's life will From Sunday 11 January Brecon Jo Poole and Michael Jardine. be held at 2pm, Saturday 10 January Friends will hold Meeting for Worship in Friends House. All welcome. at The Old Museum, Glamorgan Deaths Street, Brecon LD3 7DW at 10.30am Joan ROBSON A Memorial Meeting on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays each to celebrate Joan’s life will be held at month. Enquiries: 01550 720150 / Edward BATTLE (Ted) 10 December. Newcastle upon Tyne Meeting House [email protected] After a short illness. Husband of at 2pm, Saturday 17 January, followed Sylvia, father of Frances, step-father of by tea. All are very welcome. MACCLESFIELD MEETING Irene and grandfather of Ben and Starting Sunday 4 January we will meet Jack. Member of Purley Meeting. on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each Aged 89. Funeral 3pm Tuesday 23 Diary month at 2.30pm at the Unitarian December at Croydon Crematorium. Chapel, King Edward Street, Maccles- No flowers please. Donations to field SK10 1AA. Further information: Quaker Peace & Social Witness. 10 JANUARY 2015, QUAKER AFRICA INTEREST GROUP 01625 432437 (correspondent). Priory Rooms, QMH, 40 Bull Street, Alan Ashmead GREEN 8 December. Birmingham. 10am for 10.30 to 4pm. Peacefully in Devizes. Husband of Refreshments/lunch available. All wel- Christmas day Marie, father to Adrian, Katharine, come, to network and learn about Ruth and Steve, grandfather to Emily, Quaker witness in Africa. Contact: DORKING MEETING Thursday Tom, Max, Luke and Megan. Member [email protected] 25 December. Join us in Meeting for of Devizes Meeting, formerly of Worship on Christmas Day, 10.30 - Winchmore Hill Meeting and Friends 13-15 MARCH 2015 "ROOTS, 11.00am. Dorking FMH, Butter Hill, Ambulance Unit. Aged 97. Funeral SHOOTS AND FRUITS” Quaker Arts South Street, Dorking RH4 2LE. 3.15pm Monday 22 December at West Network residential weekend at Wiltshire Crematorium, Semington. Swarthmoor Hall to explore and MUSWELL HILL LM,north London. Enquiries: Katharine 020 8224 2579, deepen our Quaker experience Christmas Day Meeting 10.30 – [email protected] through the arts. Details/bookings: 11.15am. All very welcome. Quaker www.quakerarts.net or call Caroline Meeting House, Church Crescent, Audrey WALKER 12 December. Coode 0191 212 0801. Muswell Hill, London, N10 3NE. Member of Heswall Meeting. Aged 87. Carols, readings and silence. Funeral on Monday 29 December. 17TH CENTURY ADDERBURY For further details contact MEETING HOUSE,OX17 3EU. NEW EARSWICK MEETING, YORK [email protected] Hardly changed since 1675, atmos- Welcomes you to Meeting on Christmas 0151 342 3398. pheric, candlelit, chilly. Banbury Day, from 10.30 to 11am. Friends offer you warm welcome to MfW 2.30pm Sunday 21 December WELLS-NEXT-THE SEA MEETING The Kindlers then carols, mince pies, etc. Details: will hold Meeting for Worship on Thursday 25 December at 10.30am. Spiritual Awakenings Workshops [email protected] 01295 720900. Enquiries 01328 710643. Starting 24 January 2015. See full programme in next issue. Warm Christmas Greetings to our readers and advertisers, see you all next year!

Could you write? LifeLines supports and befriends prisoners on Death Row throughout the United States, through letter writing. It is the first organisation of its kind, established 25 years, and has spread both nationally and internationally, with members all over the world. LifeLines urgently seeks pen friends for many waiting prisoners. If you think you have the time and commitment, please visit our website www.lifelines-uk.org.uk to join or for more information. Thank you.

the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 25 19 Dec 16/12/14 15:03 Page 6

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We host a variety of Book at www.woodbrooke.org.uk or call two. Sea view. Telephone 01736 763803 themed holidays throughout the year. 0121 472 5171. for details. Why not try Painting, Lacemaking, Birdwatching, Photography, Health and Relaxation, and more. Call 01723 870310. EDINBURGH. City centre accommodation SUFFOLK COAST WALBERSWICK Self- www.coberhill.co.uk at Emmaus House. Tel. 0131 228 1066. contained annexe. Very close to beach. www.emmaushouse-edinburgh.co.uk Beautiful, varied walks. Sleeps 2/3. £150– Email: [email protected] £275pw; £50/night. Tel: 01502 723914 STUDY TOURS Scottish charity SC042957. email: [email protected] QUAKER BOLIVIA SERVICE/STUDY TRIP SETTLE, YORKSHIRE DALES. Convenient 18 July-2 August. Work with BQEF.org for Pendle Hill and 1652 Country. Ensuite OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS high school and university students, visit B&B. No tariff, but donation to Settle QBL.org village projects, historic sites, Friends Meeting. [email protected] / PERSONAL RETREATS, FRANCE. Make Lake Titikaka, options - Machu Picchu, 01729 822779. space to reflect and be still. Beautiful old farmhouse in rural Auvergne offers Amazon, volunteer. supportive, nurturing environment for www.TreasuresoftheAndes.com COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING individual retreats. Simple daily rhythm: 001 707 823 6034 (GMT -8 hours). meditation; silence; contemplative/artistic [email protected] 1652 COUNTRY, HOWGILL, SEDBERGH. activities. Walking. Organic vegetarian Comfortable 4 star holiday cottages in food. www.retreathouseauvergne.com Yorkshire Dales National Park overlooking miscellaneous Firbank Fell. Walks and Quaker trails from PORTUGAL. National Park. Spacious the door. Bed & Breakfast also available. house in unspoilt coastal village; optional FRIENDS FELLOWSHIP OF HEALING www.AshHiningFarm.co.uk cottage. Gardens, pool. Accommodates 2- Following in the footsteps of George Fox, Jim Mattinson 07774 281767. 8. 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26 the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 19 Dec 16/12/14 15:03 Page 7

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the Friend, 19 & 26 December 2014 27 19 Dec 16/12/14 15:03 Page 8 vol ADVERTISEMENT DEPT EDITORIAL 172 54a Main Street 173 Euston Road Cononley, Keighley London NW1 2BJ BD20 8LL T 020 7663 1010 No

T&F01535 630 230 F 020 7663 11-82 51 E [email protected] the Friend E [email protected]

Thank you! Christmas reminds us that an open door and a welcome can be life changing. Thank you for helping us to offer a place to every young person who chooses a Quaker education. Wishing you a joyful Christmas and may the New Year be a year for peace and justice for Palestine and beyond. In friendship

Joyce Ajlouny Director

Ramallah Friends School