The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia Inc.
DOCUMENTS in RETROSPECT Yearly Meeting 2018 7-14 July 2018 Avondale College Campus, Cooranbong NSW
Photo by Geoff Greeves (SANTRM)
Published by Australia Yearly Meeting 119 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010
Contents Abbreviations, Terms and Definitions 5 Yearly Meeting 2018 Epistles 8 Yearly Meeting 2018 Epistle to Friends Everywhere 8 2018 Yearly Meeting Children’s Program Epistle 10 2018 Yearly Meeting Junior Young Friends Epistle 11 Yearly Meeting 2018 Minutes 13 Formal Session 1: 7.30pm Saturday 7 July 13 YM18.1 Opening worship 13 YM18.2 Acknowledgement of Country Minute of Record 13 YM18.3 Clerking of Yearly Meeting 2018 13 YM18.4 Welcome to those participating in Yearly Meeting 13 YM18.5 Appointment of Assistant Co-Clerks 13 YM18.6 Appointments for the duration of YM18 14 YM18.7 Yearly Meeting timetable and agenda 15 YM18.8 Timeframe for Greetings from YM17 16 YM18.9 Letters and media releases sent on behalf of AYM 16 Formal Session 2: 7.15pm Sunday 8 July 18 YM18.10 State of the Society address: Minute of Record 18 YM18.11 Greetings sent to YM18 18 YM18.12 Backhouse Lecturer 2019 18 YM18.13 AYM Presiding Clerk’s Report 18 YM18.14 AYM Secretary’s Report 19 YM18.15 Acceptance of Reports that have no matters for consideration at YM18 19 YM18.16 Friends in Stitches publication launch Minute of Record 19 YM18.17 Nominations Committee Report 19 Formal Session 3: 9.30am Tuesday 10 July 20 YM18.18 Testimonies 20 YM18.19 Summary of Epistles 20 YM18.20 AYM Nominations 20 YM18.21 AYM Treasurer’s Report 21 YM18.22 Report by the AYM representative to A/NZ Yearly Meeting 21 YM18.23 Peace Reports Preparatory Session Report 21 Formal Session 4: 9.30am Wednesday 11 July 21 YM18.24 Meeting for Remembrance Minute of Record 22 YM18.25 Testimony 22 YM18.26 AYM Nominations Report 22 YM18.27 The Friends’ School Appointment of Elective Director 23 YM18.28 Appointments since YM17 as recommended by Standing Committee 23 YM18.29 Child Protection Preparatory Session Report 23 YM18.30 Quaker Narrative Embroidery Committee (Friends in Stitches) Preparatory Session Report 24 Formal Session 5: 9.30am Thursday 12 July 25 YM18.31 Testimony 25 YM18.32 Greetings to YM18 25 YM18.33 Quaker Narrative Embroidery Committee (Friends in Stitches) Preparatory Session Report 25 YM18.34 Earthcare Preparatory Session Report 25 YM18.35 Quaker Service Australia and the Linkages Sub-Committee Preparatory Session Report 25 YM18.36 Backhouse Lecture Minute of Record 26 YM18.37 First Nations Peoples Concerns Committee Preparatory Session Report 26 YM18.38 Handbook Revision Committee Report 27 Formal Session 6: Thursday 13 July 2.00pm 27 YM18.39 Testimony 27 YM18.40 Nominations 27 YM18.41 Winter School Sessions Minute of Record 28
2 YM18.42 Publications Committee Report 28 YM18.43 Special Preparatory Session on the Government’s Arms Export Policy Report 28 YM18.44 FWCC Committee Report 29 YM18.45 Peace Witness Activities Minute of Record 29 Formal Session 7: Friday 14 July 9.30am 30 YM18.46 Junior Young Friends 30 YM18.47 Testimony 30 YM18.48 Penn Friends Minute of Record 30 YM18.49 First Reading of the Epistle from YM18 30 YM18.50 Safe Quaker Community Committee Report 30 YM18.51 Ecumenism, Interfaith and NCCA Reports 31 YM17.52 Young Friends Report 31 YM18.53 Quaker Narrative Embroidery Committee (Friends in Stitches) 31 Formal Session 8: Friday 14 July 2.00pm 32 YM18.54 Testimony 32 YM18.55 The Friends’ School Preparatory Session Report 32 YM18.56 Quaker Learning Australia and Meeting for Learning 32 YM18.57 Children and JYF Committee Report 33 YM18.58 Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Preparatory Session Report 33 Formal Session 9: Saturday 9 July 9.30am 34 YM18.59 Greetings 34 YM18.60 The Second Reading of the YM18 Epistle 34 YM18.61 Children and JYF Committee Preparatory Session Report 34 YM18.62 IT Committee Report 34 YM18.63 Right Holding of Yearly Meeting and Yearly Meeting Planning Support Committee 35 YM18.64 Australian Friends Fellowship of Healing Minute of Record 36 YM18.65 Share and Tell Sessions Minute of Record 37 YM18.74 Closing Minute 37 Appendices to the Minutes 38 Australia Yearly Meeting appointments as at July 2018 38 State of the Society Address 41 Summary of Epistles from other Yearly Meetings 46 PREPARATORY SESSION REPORTS 49 Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery (Friends in Stitches) Preparatory Session Report 49 Children’s and JYFs Committee Preparatory Session Report 50 Child Protection Preparatory Session Report 51 Earthcare Preparatory Session Report 53 Ecumenism, Interfaith, and NCCA Preparatory Session Report 53 First Nations Peoples’ Concerns Committee Preparatory Session Report 55 The Friends’ School and Quaker Values Committee Presentation Report 56 Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) Preparatory Session 57 Handbook Revision Committee Preparatory Session Report 59 IT Committee Preparatory Session 62 Peace Reports Preparatory Session 63 Publications Committee Preparatory Session 65 Quaker Learning Australia and Meeting for Learning Preparatory Session 65 Quaker Service Australia and QSA Linkages Sub-Committee Preparatory Session 66 Safe Quaker Community Preparatory Session 67 Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Report Session 68 Arms Exports Policy Preparatory Session (Special Session) 69 REPORTS FROM THE FORMAL SESSIONS 71 Letter from Presiding Clerk to Friends Gathered at Yearly Meeting 2018 (Ref. YM18.11) 71 Greetings from the Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) (Ref: YM18.11) 71 Report from Australia Yearly Meeting 2018 Representative to Aotearoa / New Zealand Yearly Meeting 2018 (Ref: YM18.22) 73 A Letter from Pamela Leach to Friends Gathered for Yearly Meeting 2018, for the launch of From Fear to Hope (Ref: YM18.23) 74 Peace Actions by Regional Meetings (Ref: YM18.23) 75
3 Letter to the Prime Minister regarding the Uluru Statement 80 from the Heart (Ref: YM18.37) 80 NCCA Faith and Unity Commission Report (Ref: YM18.51) 81 Australian Young Friends Report 2018 (Ref: YM18.52) 82 Australian Junior Young Friend Statement (Ref: YM18.57) 83 Report from Joint Meetings of the Right Holding of Yearly Meeting and the Yearly Meeting Planning Support Committees (Ref: YM18.63) 84 OTHER REPORTS 85 Turning Points Winter School Reports: Summary 85 Share and Tell Session Reports: Summary 87 STANDING COMMITTEE MINUTES 89 SC7.18.1 Introductory Matters 90 SC7.18.2 Use of urgent decision-making procedures for AYM appointments 90 Section A: Reports with financial implications 92 SC7.18.3 AYM Treasurer’s Report and Budget report 92 Section B: For decision and recommendation to Yearly Meeting 92 SC7.18.4 Right Holding of Yearly Meeting Committee 92 SC7.18.5 AYM Appointments 92 SC7.18.6 Special Session at Yearly Meeting on increased weapons exports government policy 92 SC7.18.7 Acknowledging new members at Yearly Meeting 93 SC7.18.8 Drafting Letter addressing government rejection of Uluru Statement from the Heart 93 SC7.18.9 Draft Statement of Principles and Procedures from Yearly Meeting Archivist 93 SC7.18.10 Appointments for the duration of Yearly Meeting 93 SC7.18.11 Participation of non-Members at YM18 95 SC7.18.12 Names of Friends who have died since YM17 to be read during the Meeting for Remembrance at YM18 95 SC7.18.13 Changes to the timetable of YM 2018 96 SC7.18.14 Arrangements for reading testimonies at YM18 96 SC7.18.15 Statements on behalf of Australia Yearly Meeting 96 SC7.18.16 Greetings from Yearly Meeting 98 SC7.18.17 Future Mid-Year Standing Committees 98 SC7.18.18 Future Yearly Meetings 98 SC7.18.19 Visitors to Australia Yearly Meeting 2018 98 Part C: For noting 99 SC7.18.20 Appointments 99 SC7.18.21 Yearly Meeting Responsibilities 99 Section D: General Fund Budget 100 Appendix 1 102 Yearly Meeting Archivist Report 102 YEARLY MEETING 2018 REGISTRATION 104
4 Abbreviations, Terms and Definitions
AF: The Australian Friend, the journal of Australia Yearly Meeting, is published online and in print in March, June, September and December. The editorial committee is under the care of a Regional Meeting.
AFFH: Australian Friends Fellowship of Healing, a national group interested in healing, whose Members are Friends, but which is a separately incorporated body.
AVP: Alternatives to Violence Project, begun by Friends, is now a separate organisation.
AYM: Australia Yearly Meeting/YM Yearly Meeting. Australia Yearly Meeting is generally used as the abbreviated name of Australia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia Incorporated. The words ‘Yearly Meeting’ are used to describe the annual meeting of Australian Friends. Regional Meetings host this meeting, on a rotating basis.
AYM Committees and Working Groups: A list of all AYM Committees and Working Groups, with the names of all Committee Members, is printed in Documents in Advance, and updated in Documents in Retrospect, and at http://www.quakersaustralia.info/ in the Members’ section.
BL: James Backhouse Lecture. This is an annual lecture, which aims to bring fresh insights into truth, often with reference to the needs and aspirations of Australian Quakerism. It is usually presented at the time of Yearly Meeting, and is named after an English Quaker who travelled extensively in Australia from 1832 to 1837. The printed form of the lecture goes on sale at Yearly Meeting immediately after the delivery of the Backhouse Lecture and is available during Yearly Meeting and afterwards from Interactive Publications http://ipoz.biz/Titles/Quakers.htm.
DAQB: The Dictionary of Australian Quaker Biography includes Testimonies to the Grace of God in the lives of many Australian Friends and other biographical information. These are available on our web page www.quakersaustralia.info, together with biographies of some prominent Quakers from around the world.
FNPCC: The First Nations Peoples Concerns Committee was formerly called the Indigenous Concerns Committee.
Formal Sessions of Yearly Meeting: The Presiding Clerk conducts the Formal Sessions according to the usual Quaker business method. Reports from the Preparatory Sessions are considered and minutes made. The Presiding Clerk may grant permission for those who are not AYM Members to attend and fully participate in YM sessions, on the recommendation in advance of the Elders of the appropriate Meeting.
FPT: Friends Peace Teams is an international Quaker organisation working for peace of which AYM is a member.
The Friends’ School: The Friends’ School, Hobart, is the only Quaker school in Australia.
FWCC: Friends World Committee for Consultation is a worldwide body comprised of affiliated Yearly Meetings, Monthly Meetings and Worship Groups. It meets periodically to promote links between the different Quaker traditions. Australia Yearly Meeting is part of the Asia-West Pacific Section of FWCC.
Handbook of Practice and Procedure: The Handbook sets out the guidelines within which Meetings normally operate within Australia. The Handbook is continually revised in line with YM
5 decisions. The current 6th edition was published in 2011, and is available on http://www.quakersaustralia.info/
JYFs: Junior Young Friends are aged 12 to 17 years.
Meeting for Learning is a one-year program that begins and ends with a retreat week, usually held in September-October, under the care of the Quaker Learning Australia (QLA) Committee.
Ministry and Oversight: Sometimes known as M & O, or Elders & Overseers, or Ministry & Care. These Local or Regional Meeting committees, either separately or combined, are responsible for the spiritual and pastoral care of members.
NCCA: National Council of Churches in Australia, of which AYM is a member.
Pastoral Care Committee: This committee is set up for the period of Yearly Meeting and consists of Friends nominated by their Regional Meeting for the purpose of assisting people at Yearly Meeting.
Penn Friends: Penn Friends (after William Penn) are ‘written correspondence friendships’ between older Friends and children (often now by email), who may live in another Meeting. Penn Friends find one another at the Penn Friends’ afternoon tea during Yearly Meeting.
Preparatory Sessions: Preparatory Sessions are designed to give background information, and raise the awareness of Friends to the work of a particular committee. A report from the Preparatory Session, including any issues for decision, is brought to a Formal Session.
QLA: Quaker Learning Australia is an umbrella organisation offering a number of programs, and seeking to develop further resources for deepening Friends’ spiritual lives.
QPLC: The Quaker Peace & Legislation Committee, based in Canberra, lobbies government, provides a space for peace and social justice discussions, and posts on our website ‘Action Alerts’, ‘Watching Briefs’ and Discussion Papers on current issues for Friends.
QSA: Quaker Service Australia is the development aid agency of Australia Yearly Meeting which is recognised by the Australian Government’s aid programs. It is separately incorporated and is presently under the care of NSWRM, and is presently based at Unit 14, 43-53 Bridge Road, Stanmore NSW, 2048.
RM: Regional Meetings in Australia are Canberra (CRM), New South Wales (NSWRM), Queensland (QRM), South Australia/Northern Territory (SANTRM), Tasmania (TRM), Victoria (VRM), and West Australia (WARM). These organisational bodies of the Society are individually incorporated associations. Regional Meetings are responsible for matters of membership and business within their area, as set out in the Handbook of Practice and Procedure.
The Sanctuary is the name of a house and grounds in Sydney that was part of the Lemberg Bequest to Australia Yearly Meeting. The property is behind the Wahroonga Meeting House, and is leased as a private residence.
SC: Standing Committee is a body with two representatives from each Regional Meeting, and from YFs. SC meets usually at the beginning of Yearly Meeting and mid-year, to conduct business on matters which must be addressed before the next Yearly Meeting. The Presiding Clerk, Secretary, Treasurer, the Immediate Past Presiding Clerk, or the Incoming Presiding Clerk are ex-officio members of Standing Committee.
6 SWQC or Silver Wattle: Silver Wattle Quaker Centre is a centre in Australia for spiritual development and learning about Quaker faith, based near Canberra at Silver Wattle, 1063 Lake Road, Bungendore, New South Wales. See https://www.silverwattle.org.au/
YFs: Young Friends are 18 – 30-ish year olds who may be Members or Attenders. YFs usually have an Easter camp and a camp before Yearly Meeting. YFs have representatives on many AYM committees, including Standing Committee.
7 Yearly Meeting 2018 Epistles
Yearly Meeting 2018 Epistle to Friends Everywhere
Yearly Meeting was held 7-14 July, 2018 at Avondale College, Cooranbong, New South Wales, on the lands of the Awabakal people. At this spacious, rural campus we benefitted from 120 years of the vision, work and prayers of the Seventh Day Adventist church. The generous catering of vegetarian food kept us sustained for work required at Yearly Meeting. The buildings are linked by red-bricked curving paths, where crested pigeons pecked on the lawns under jacaranda trees.
We travelled by multiple forms of transport for long distances, over many days to get here; the Queenslanders in thick coats, scarves and colourful beanies and the Tasmanians in cotton shirts.
Friends graciously released our Presiding Clerk, Jo Jordan, to be with her suddenly seriously ill husband and appointed new Clerks to ensure the orderly working of our business.
‘The State of Society’ address summarised activities and posed questions around five words: Community (the positives and the difficulties), Prophesy (what we say), Witness (what we do), Evangelism (sharing our faith) and Condition (our spiritual state).
Each day has been grounded in worship together. An early morning Meeting for Worship or Bible reading and sharing group was offered daily before breakfast to help prepare people for the day. We held a Meeting for Remembrance in gratitude for Friends who have passed this year and we were reminded that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses, including our own family ancestors and Quaker forebearers.
The Winter School theme was ‘Turning Points’ which we explored in poetry, writing, art, circle dancing, life stories, empowerment and advocacy training, in a day retreat based on George Fox’s “condition” or ‘optimal decision making’. Junior Young Friends (JYFs) went to a permaculture farm where they participated in service as well as learning about Permaculture Principles.
In this time of turning, of the need for transformation of our Society, we note our ageing membership, the small number of children, the vigorous group of JYFs. We heard from Young Friends about how distances lead to isolation and how the current AYM structures are not optimal for their participation. Technology enables us to communicate more easily over vast distances. We celebrate the new AYM website and proliferation of online Meeting for Worship and committee meetings.
We delighted in hearing an overview of Epistles from places as diverse as Belgium, Uganda, Alaska, Young Friends of Northern Ireland and many more. Community was the most common theme. We well understood their joy of being together but also their anguish about the state of the world: the suffering, inequality, dispossession, dislocation of so many people; also, the inspiring work in peace and non-violence which gives us great hope.
In the Backhouse lecture, An Encounter between Quaker Mysticism and Taoism in Everyday Life, Cho-Nyon Kim spoke to us mindfully of learning to be a Quaker. Through the teachings of Ham Sok Hon he found that Quakerism resonates with Korean cultural and religious traditions of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. He stressed living his religion in daily life, following a way of simplicity and discipline, balancing faith and practice. We can feel growing connections with the spirituality of our Asian neighbours. We were ready for this message.
Quaker Service Australia (QSA) supports a wide range of projects in Africa, India, East and South- East Asia, including planting of traditional crops, seed saving and permaculture gardening to build 8 local food security, even in refugee camps. QSA is deeply engaged in funding Australia-wide projects to assist refugees.
Many Members and Meetings are engaging more deeply with their local First Peoples and their spirituality. We know this must continue for deep two-way interactions and healing to happen. Speakers at Yearly Meeting generally acknowledge the Aboriginal land on which they live.
Australia Yearly Meeting strongly supports the ‘Uluru Statement from The Heart’, arising from the gathering of Aboriginal representatives in May, 2017. This seeks constitutional reform for a First Nations’ Voice enshrined in the Constitution, and a Makarrata Commission to supervise a process of agreement-making between governments and First Nations and truth-telling about our history. A letter will be sent to the Australian Prime Minister from this Yearly Meeting strongly urging the Government to move into this process with haste.
We are alarmed that the Australian Government has announced a policy of subsidising increased weapons exports. We are dismayed by the ever-escalating amounts of money Australia puts towards armaments and the war machine, including insidious funding of our underfunded universities by arms manufacturers. Alongside this, budgets for foreign aid, refugees and care for our own citizens shrink.
However, we were uplifted and awed by the Quaker practice that is present in so much work for peace and earth care in Australia, and Asia. This includes Quaker training in empowerment advocacy, sixteen watching briefs to inform us and assist lobbying, Alternatives to Violence Project and Friends’ Peace Teams which grow in significance. We welcomed the publication of From Fear to Hope – Alternative Narratives on War and Peacemaking by Pamela Leach and pamphlets regarding disappearing Palestine for distribution in our meetings. Peacemaking and earth care are closely inter-connected and we encourage Friends to make faithful choices for a flourishing world.
There has been diligent work to revise our Handbook of Practice and Procedure in Australia to bring our practices and language up to date.
Twenty panels of the Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery project graced the College Church Foyer. More were being lovingly stitched during Yearly Meeting. An illustrated book of the project to tell stories of Australian Quaker history, Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery, was launched. We celebrated this work and the outreach opportunities taken up to date and continuously beckoning. We wrestle with our portrayal of Aboriginal history since European invasion.
There was a sense of tenderness and an ability to hold differences without rancour as we dealt with some contentious issues. Friends responded to the Yearly Meeting’s request for their service. The Spirit is moving within the Yearly Meeting to help us handle difficult decisions and an increased work load.
YM18 Epistle Committee David Johnson Christine Larkin Melissa Nininahazwe Sally O’Wheel
1. 1http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-08-10/makarrata-explainer-yolngu-word-more-than- synonym-for-treaty/8790452
9 2018 Yearly Meeting Children’s Program Epistle
Thanks to those who helped in various ways this week to make it happen.
This year’s children’s meeting took our inspiration from nature. We went outside and explored, as well as sketched and drew and painted the natural materials we brought back to our meeting room. Some of our time in nature was exploring the wider campus, including two (or three) bridges and some of the other interesting things to climb on and over, like stumps, stone blocks, or slowly rotting logs.
As Charlie said when asked about his favourite things - ‘watching the goats was a highlight.’ Who else saw the angora goats out on the main road into campus? Did you also wonder if they were sheep or goats or shoats (as we sometimes called them)?
We learnt many things during the week. Some deliberately and some accidentally. One unexpected aspect was all that we learnt about origami and Japanese culture. Friends had brought origami paper and books which was one of Will’s favourite activities. Will and Charlie spent many hours making elaborate origami models, including some kirigami, which for those who don’t know, involves cutting as well as folding. Your last piece of Japanese learning for today is that the special paper is called chiyogami, which replicates the traditional silk patterns on clothing.
We continued the Japanese theme with some Japanese watercolour painting with beautiful art materials that Wilma provided. We learnt about the different brush shapes which can produce different effects in watercolour. And there was always more drawing and sketching to do. Sometimes we almost had to beg to be allowed to sketch. We had long quiet moments of attempting to capture the right lines and shapes to match what we saw around us.
At times we got more rowdy, such as paper plane fights with the JYFs. Ryan and Miles and Samuel and Charlie had to fly paper planes at each other. When you got hit, you were out. In quieter moments with the JYFs, we played UNO – at one stage there were three games going at once. Games can be a great way to build community – we enjoyed playing Sushi Go Party (another of Charlie’s favourite activities), a game where you work to build a hand of tasty and nutritious sushi (all with their appropriate scores), and is fun for all ages. Apparently the cutest sushi were the dumplings, the tofu, and the onigri.
Even though the Children’s Meeting was smaller in size this year, with four children attending at some point during the week, we know that it still matters deeply to those who attend. I will end with what Will said, when asked what he liked – ‘I think… everything we did together. I just loved hanging out.’
The Children’s Meeting, 2018
10 2018 Yearly Meeting Junior Young Friends Epistle
On Saturday 7 July 2018, the Australian Yearly Meeting Junior Young Friends came together at Avondale College, in Cooranbong, NSW.
We arrived by planes, trains and buses from around the country. The program commenced with a parents' children session and JYFs getting together with old friends, reuniting and making new friends with several first-time JYFs. On Sunday, we headed off to Winter School on a farm in Morisset, to learn the Permaculture principles: care of the earth, care of people and sharing surplus. We were hosted at Robyn Crosland's property, and led by permaculture Friend, Rowe Morrow, author of "Earth Users Guide to Permaculture". We saw Robyn's chickens, bees and worms; learnt about her egg shell drying process, recycling and sieving coffee grinds, prepared a new kitchen garden bed area and learnt how to make hessian logs. We got grubby pulling weeds, planting potatoes, moving a mountain of mushroom compost and took away new found skills, honey and pumpkins.
On Sunday evening we began to think about the theme - "I have a Dream", inspired by Martin Luther King Junior, who was killed 50 years ago this year. We heard from Friend, Anne Udy who had met Martin Luther King Junior only months before his assassination, when her husband hosted him at the Ohio University. She was not disappointed.
Monday featured a Quaker Q&A (Question and Answer) Panel with five Friends. We learnt about their journeys in Quakerism, i.e. how they came to Quakerism, what they believe and why. In free time we cooked, played Scrabble, and had afternoon tea with Penn Friends. We visited the Childrens' Program session, and some of us went on a bush walk. On Monday evening, we attended the Backhouse Lecture. The JYFs were enlightened by hearing Cho-Nyon Kim speak about the connections between various religions as well as hearing his life story.
After All Age Worship on Tuesday morning, we set out for a three-day camp, at Callicoma Hill. On our way, we went to Baiame Cave, to see the Aboriginal creator cave painting, and to listen to Uncle Warren from the Wonnorua People. St Claire Mission followed, to meet Laurie, who discussed intergenerational trauma experienced by the Stolen Generation. How do you tell your grand- daughter about such things?
The camp site set up came next, in a pocket of wilderness surrounded by trees. Martin took us on a guided bushwalk around the property. Some of us also had a tour of Martin and Jan’s eco-home. On Wednesday as Service, some of us carried out fencing activities, and others learnt from Wilma to crochet string bags from string.
On Thursday, we said goodbye to Callicoma Hill and headed to Newcastle. On our way back, we met George and Jo, Australian coal Activists, who gave a talk about the "Lock the gate" campaign against coal seam gas fracking. We feasted on pizza and garlic bread at the Foreshore Park next to Newcastle Harbour – a busy Port with Coal ships coming and going. A visit to the Newcastle CSIRO followed, to view solar thermal radiation generation, using heated molten salt. They also had photovoltaic cells, wind turbines and powerful batteries to store the energy.
Thursday night a tired team watched "WALL:E" a science fiction movie about reversing climate change and the problem of pollution on Earth. Friday morning featured a JYF led All Age worship, a lesson in letter writing to Members of Parliament, with Michael Searle, and preparing for the evening concert which featured some of us explaining the story of ‘Danny Boy’ and playing flute, violin, trombone, piano and juggling!
Our Highlights were meeting new people, seeing the stars, the campsite including the campfire, going to the Baiame cave, sharing music and circus tricks, the crochet with Wilma, bike riding, just
11 being together and reconnecting and connecting with other Quakers, and making and eating pancakes with the older Young Friends.
Junior Young Friends, Yearly Meeting 2018
Junior Young Friends, 2018
12 Yearly Meeting 2018 Minutes Avondale College, Cooranbong NSW
Formal Session 1: 7.30pm Saturday 7 July
YM18.1 Opening worship
Out of the silence of opening worship we hear a reading by the Yearly Meeting Clerk from this we can say 2.13, by Caroline Stephen, 1908:
In the united stillness of a truly ‘gathered’ meeting’ there is a power known only by experience, and mysterious even when most familiar.
YM18.2 Acknowledgement of Country Minute of Record
On Saturday 7 July immediately prior to dinner, we heard a message of welcome sent from the Elders of the Awabakal people who are aware of our meeting on their lands. A brief history of the Awabakal people was shared including that James Backhouse and George Washington Walker travelled through the area in the 1830s. This was followed by a reading of the Uluru Statement from the Heart reminding us of the need for First Nations Peoples to be heard by all Australians.
YM18.3 Clerking of Yearly Meeting 2018
We note that Standing Committee agreed for Allan Knight (WARM) to serve as Clerk for Formal Sessions 1, 2, and 9 and for Ann Zubrick (WARM) to serve as Clerk for Formal Sessions 3 through 8 of Yearly Meeting 2018. Beverley Polzin (VRM) will be a support person for Ann in her role.
YM18.4 Welcome to those participating in Yearly Meeting
We note the Allan Knight, Clerk, welcomed members and attenders by asking those from each Regional Meeting to stand in turn. A full list of those registered for YM18 will be printed in Documents in Retrospect.
The Clerk welcomed visitors from overseas: • Anthony Hopkin, (FWCC /Asia West Pacific Section visitor, Singapore Worshipping Group) and his wife, Margaret Hopkin • Lesley Young, Clerk (Aotearoa/ New Zealand Yearly Meeting representative) • Cho-Nyon Kim, the 2018 Backhouse Lecturer
We note the letter of introduction for Lesley Young from Aotearoa / New Zealand Yearly Meeting sent to Friends.
YM18.5 Appointment of Assistant Co-Clerks
Standing Committee recommends Jennifer Burrell and Wies Schuiringa as Assistant Co-Clerks for
13 Yearly Meeting 2018. Yearly Meeting accepts the recommendation and makes this appointment.
YM18.6 Appointments for the duration of YM18 a) Yearly Meeting notes the names of those appointed by their Regional Meetings as elders for the duration of 2018: CRM: Marie Harlech-Jones and Brian Harlech-Jones NSWRM: Lyn Dundas (Convenor) and Sabine Erika QRM: Ross Cooper and Mary Grbavac SANTRM: Jenny Stock, Roger Keyes TRM: Felicity Rose, Julie Walpole VRM: Catherine Heywood, Tessa Spratt, Bev Polzin WARM: David Tehr b) Yearly Meeting notes the names of those appointed by their Regional Meetings as the Pastoral Care Committee for YM18: CRM: Chris Larkin, Vidya NSWRM: Susan Freeman, Elaine Polglase QRM: Trish Johnson, Jude Pembleton SANTRM: David Evans, Yarrow Andrew TRM: Kerstin Reimers, Margaret Bywater VRM: Bruce Henry, Sieneke Martin c) Yearly Meeting notes the names of Child Protection Contact Friends present at YM18: SANTRM: Yarrow Andrew TRM: Maddy Walker VRM: Jenny Turton d) Yearly Meeting notes the names of Safe Quaker Community Contact Friends present at YM18: QRM: Jude Pembleton TRM: Robin McLean, Jenny Seaton e) Yearly Meeting notes the recommended names for Clerks for Preparatory Sessions at YM18:
Session Name Date and time Convenor Presenters Peace Sessions Monday 9 July Sieneke Martin QPLC P&SJ 9.30am-11am Earthcare Monday 9 July Ray Brindle 11.30am-1.00pm Child Protection Monday 9 July Jude Pembleton 11.30am-1.00pm Children and Monday 9 July Christine Larkin Lisa Wriley, Tonya JYFs Comm 2.00pm-3.30pm Jensen Australian Monday 9 July Taisoo Kim Watson Tessa Spratt, Quaker 2.00pm-3.30pm Sally O’Wheel Narrative Embroidery QSA and QSA Monday 9 July Beverley Polzin Garry Duncan, Linkages 4.00pm-5.30pm Jackie Perkins, Committee Zac Bonham
14 First Nations Tuesday 10 July Harold Wilkinson David Purnell Peoples 11.30am-1.00pm Concerns Handbook Tuesday 10 July Allan Knight Wies Schiringa, Revision 2.00-3.30pm Jennifer Burrell, Liz Committee Field Backhouse Tuesday 11 July David Purnell Cho-Nyon Kim Lecture 4.00-5.30pm Feedback Publications Wednesday 11 July Ann Zubrick Committee 11.00am-12.30pm Safe Quaker Wednesday, 11 July Jim Palmer Robin McLean, Community 7.15-8.15pm
QLA and Thursday 12 July Brian Turner Robin McLean, Meeting for 11.30-1.00pm Felicity Rose, Jenny Learning Seaton Ecumenism, Thursday 12 July Dale Hess NCCA and 11.30am-1.00pm Interfaith IT Committee Friday 13 July Yarrow Andrew Roger Sawkins 11.30am-12.30pm RM Treasurers Tuesday 11 July Roger Sawkins 4.45pm – 5.30pm FWCC / FWCC- Tuesday 10 July Adrian Glamorgan Anthony Hopkin AWP Visitor 7.15-8.15pm Report The Friends Thurs 12 July Jenny Stock School/ 7.15pm - 7.45pm Quaker Values Committee Silver Wattle Thurs 12 July Topsy Evans Sheila Keane, David Quaker Centre 7.45pm -8.15pm Johnson, Catherine Hutchinson, Brendan Caulfield- James Young Friends Friday 13 July Gabrielle Paananen 11.30-1.00pm
YM18.7 Yearly Meeting timetable and agenda a) Changes to the timetable Friends are asked to note the following changes to the timetable published in Documents in Advance page 4: Old New What Welcome to Country Saturday 7 July 5.45pm Acknowledgment of Country Wednesday 11 July 4.00pm Weapons Export Policy Special Session Thurs 12 July 7.30-8.00pm Thurs 12 July 7.15-7.45pm The Friends School & Quaker Values Committee Report Thurs 12 July 8-8.30pm Thurs 12 July 7.45-8.15pm Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Report
15 Note: There may be a need for second Peace Reports Session, and should this be needed it will occur on Wednesday 11 July 11.30am.
b) Meeting for Remembrance The Meeting for Remembrance will be held on Wednesday 11 July at 8.30-9.30am. The Yearly Meeting Assistant Clerks have a list of names of all Friends who have died since Yearly Meeting 2017 to be read aloud during this meeting, providing an opportunity for feflection on or ministry about the Grace of God expressed in their lives. c) Arrangements for the reading of Testimonies Abridged copies of the Testimonies will be read during Yearly Meeting, before formal sessions. Copies of the full Testimonies are available in a folder at the Help Desk. All Testimonies written during the year will be added to the Dictionary of Australian Quaker Biographies, which can be found on the Quakers Australia website.
Formal Session Testimony Read by Regional Meeting Session 3 Sylvia Florer David Johnson QRM Tuesday 10 July Session 4 Christina Lyall David Tehr WARM Wednesday 11 July
Session 5 Compilation of Anne-Maree Johnston NSWRM Thursday 12 July Testimonies for Joan Ann Britton NSWRM Mobey, Don Nash, Bruce Fleming and Pera Webb Session 6 Pat Allman-Ward Topy Evans SANTRM Thursday 12 July Session 7 Compilation of Catherine Heywood VRM Friday 13 July 9.30am Testimonies for Bill Tessa Spratt Jaggs and Bob Flack Session 8 Hilary Martin Nelson File TRM Friday 13 July 2.00pm
YM18.8 Timeframe for Greetings from YM17
Regional Meeting Clerks are asked to give names and email addresses of recipients to the Convenor of the YM 2018 Pastoral Care Committee, so that an e-card greeting can be sent. E-Cards for greetings will be sent at the end of YM18.
For those Regional Meetings that wish to send paper cards of greetings, these will be displayed on a table set aside for that purpose during Yearly Meeting and need to be collected by the RM nominees by 3pm Friday, 13 July.
YM18.9 Letters and media releases sent on behalf of AYM
We note that copies of the letters signed by the Presiding Clerk since Yearly Meeting 2017 will be on display in a folder at the Helpdesk, and on Notice Boards. Information about the Quaker Australia Facebook page posts are available in the folder also.
16 Date Sent to Concerning 30 July 2017 PM Malcolm Turnbull Deep concern over treatment of asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru Islands
2 August 2017 PM Malcolm Turnbull Australia’s non-participation in the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty 17 August 2017 PM Malcolm Turnbull Support of Marriage Equality Individual letters to all Senators 3 October 2017 PM Malcolm Turnbull Quakers opposition to Adani Mine Annastacia Palaszczuk development 7 November 2017 PM Malcolm Turnbull Quakers speak out over Manus Island Asylum Seekers treatment by government 22 November PM Malcolm Turnbull Marriage equality vote 2017 Individual letters to all Senators 14 February 2018 Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Australia’s increased role in arms trade Affairs (Defense Export Strategy) PM Malcolm Turnbull Bill Shorten, Leader of Federal Opposition 19 April 2018 Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Ongoing violence in Gaza Affairs Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs OTHER 11 December Brendan Nelson, Australian War White poppies for peace at the War 2017 Memorial Director memorial during 2018 6 February 2018 All Australia Yearly Meeting Carbon offsets and consider how they officers and committees and also handle the impact of travel for Quake- to all Regional Meetings related activities
The Society, over the signature of the Presiding Clerk, has added its name to: Date Organiser Concerning 6 November Change.org Joint letter to PM Save the Manus refuges 2017 Jacinta Ahern, NZ 11 November Equality Campaign Joint Statement Marriage Equality 2017 28 November ACOSS (Australian Joint Statement Call for Australian Parliament to 2017 Council of Social respect and back full Uluru Services) Statement from the Heart 9 February Lee Rhiannon Letter to Members of Letter supporting change in 2018 Senate statement read out in Parliament to one that is inclusive of all beliefs 26 April 2018 Pax Christi-Victoria Letter to Julie Bishop Urging Australia’s participation in international consultations on Nuclear Disarmament
The following media communications were distributed since YM17: 11 August 2017 Letters to editor, Sydney Morning Herald, supporting marriage equality 17 August 2017 Australian Quakers call for marriage equality 14 February Quakers express alarm at government decision to “bring Australia into the 2018 top ten arms trading nations” 17 Formal Session 2: 7.15pm Sunday 8 July
We note that Allan Knight (WARM) is serving as Clerk for Formal Session 2 of Yearly Meeting 2018.
YM18.10 State of the Society address: Minute of Record
We hear the State of the Society address to Yearly Meeting 2018, written and presented by Sheila Keane. Sheila offered a view of the state of our society through five words – community, prophesy, witness, evangelism and condition. Community provides us with relationships, spiritual nurture and preparation for the call to action but also the potential for conflict. Through our prophetic voice we speak truth to power and give witness to our concerns. We heard that evangelism is about changing lives and through our worship, community and witness we offer this opportunity. In a diagnosis of our condition, or state, we were challenged about a temptation for creedal debate about what is or is not “Quakerly” and debate between atheists and those who speak of God. Through story Sheila offered the idea that it does not matter much. “If thee shares the experience in the worship, it doesn’t much matter how thee puts it into words.”
The full report will be published in Documents in Retrospect and will be submitted to the editorial committee of The Australian Friend.
YM18.11 Greetings sent to YM18
We hear greetings from: • Jo Jordan, Presiding Clerk, AYM • Gretchen Castle, General Secretary, Friends World Committee for Consultation, World Office in London (FWCC) • Ruth Watson, from WARM, Regional Meeting
Joseph Juchniewicz, our Presiding Clerk’s husband, also expressed his gratitude to Friends for allowing her to step aside from her duties at Yearly Meeting to be with him at this time.
YM18.12 Backhouse Lecturer 2019
We note that Standing Committee, on the recommendation of the Backhouse Lecture Committee, has invited Jason Macleod of Queensland Regional Meeting to be the lecturer for 2019, to give a lecture on what our Quaker faith means for solidarity with Indigenous people and how this shapes our ongoing experiments with nonviolent action.
We note in Part B of the Committee’s Report in Documents in Advance, Friends are asked to consider appropriate contributors for the annual Lecture.
YM18.13 AYM Presiding Clerk’s Report (Documents in Advance, pp13-15)
We accept the report of Jo Jordan, the AYM Presiding Clerk, as provided in Documents in Advance and thank her for her service.
We hold both Jo and Joseph in the Light at this difficult time.
18 YM18.14 AYM Secretary’s Report (Documents in Advance, pp15-17)
We accept the report of Jacque Schultze, the AYM Secretary, as provided in Documents in Advance, and thank her for her service. We acknowledge the challenge of changing office several times during this past year that Jacque has handled with grace and patience.
YM18.15 Acceptance of Reports that have no matters for consideration at YM18
Yearly Meeting accepts the reports in Documents in Advance 2017 from the following committees, working groups and associated bodies, which have not brought matters for consideration to this Yearly Meeting:
• The Australian Friends Fellowship of Healing (p31) • Children’s and JYF Coordinator (p36-38) • The Earthcare Committee (p38-39) • The Ecumenical Report (p39-40) • National Council of Churches in Australia Social Justice Network (p40) • NCCA Safe Churces Network (p40-41) • National Council of Churches in Australia Assembly Meeting (p41-42) • First Nations Peoples’ Concerns Committee (p42-44) • The Friends School (p45-47) • FWCC (p47) • Quaker Service Australia (p60) • Quaker Service Australia Linkages Committee (pp60-61) • The Sanctuary Management Committee (p64) • The Silver Wattle Quaker Centre (p64-66) • Thanksgiving Fund Committee (p66)
YM18.16 Friends in Stitches publication launch Minute of Record
Tessa Spratt, Friends in Stitches (Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery) Committee member, announced to Friends the completion and availabity of the Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery: Friends in Stitches book, with much heart-felt joy at the story of our embroideries that the book shares.
YM18.17 Nominations Committee Report
The AYM Nominations Committee brings forward the following names:
• Epistle Committee for YM18: Christine Larkin (CRM), David Johnson (QRM), Sally O’Wheel (TRM) and Melissa Nininhazwe (SANTRM, YF) • Minute Checkers for YM18: Dale Hess (VRM) and Julie Walpole (TRM) • New Presiding Clerk, beginning after Yearly Meeting 2019, for a term of 3 years: Ann Zubrick (WARM)
We accept these nominations and make these appointments.
19 Formal Session 3: 9.30am Tuesday 10 July
We note that Ann Zubrick (WARM) is serving as Clerk for Formal Session 3 of Yearly Meeting 2018.
YM18.18 Testimonies
We hear a Testimony to Grace of God in the Life of Sylvia Florer, read by David Johnson of Queensland Regional Meeting.
We give thanks to the Grace of God in our Friend.
YM18.19 Summary of Epistles
Peter Hillery engaged us in his Summary of Epistles received from around the world in the last twelve months.
Friends worldwide find joy in coming together for Worship and business meetings, as they establish and deepen spiritual friendships. Common themes in Epistles included concern for Indigenous and oppressed peoples, growing inequality and lack of compassion amid sustained and growing refugee crises in many parts of the world.
Friends worldwide found they were united in love and the Spirit stronger than any outside force. They encouraged Friends to acknowledge diversity and unity, and offer love and deep appreciation for one another.
The full text of the Summary will be in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.20 AYM Nominations
The AYM Nominations Committee brings the following names for these committees to serve beyond Yearly Meeting 2018:
1. The Australian Friend Committee. To continue for a further three years, to YM 2021, based in NSWRM. Members are Garry Duncan, Rae Litting, Wies Schuiringa (c), David Swain. 2. Backhouse Lecture Committee. New member recommended to replace Garry Duncan whose term has expired – Mark Macleod, NSWRM for six years to YM 2024. 3. Earthcare Committee. To continue for a further three years, to YM 2021, based in WARM. Members are Adrian Glamorgan (c), Elizabeth PO’, Brenda Roy, Jo Vallentine. 4. Treasurer and Finance Committee. To continue for a further three years, to YM 2021, Treasurer is Roger Sawkins (QRM). Members of Finance Committee are David Lowe (QRM), David Lowry (QRM), Jane Drexler (NSWRM). 5. First Nations People Concerns Committee. To continue for a further three years, to YM 2021. Members are Chris Hughes and Sharee Harper (VRM)(conveners), Gedda Fortey (CRM), David Carline (QRM), John McMahon (VRM). 6. FWCC Committee. Two additional names to be added: Julie Walpole (TRM) (2021) and David Evans (SANTRM) (2021). Rowe Morrow (NSWRM) will continue to 2020 (We note this appointment had not been recorded in the 2017 AYM List of Appointments.)
Yearly Meeting accepts the name of Roger Sawkins as the AYM Treasurer. Yearly Meeting is not in unity about the names of members of the AYM Finance Committee. We ask QRM to resolve this
20 matter.
Yearly Meeting accepts the remainder of this set of recommendations brought by the YM Nominations Committee.
YM18.21 AYM Treasurer’s Report (Documents in Advance, p17)
Yearly Meeting accepts the AYM Teasurers report detailed in Documents in Advance 2018.
We note that the AYM General Fund Budget for 2018-19 was received at Standing Committee. The Treasurer will circulate the budget to Regional Meeting treasurers later this month.
The AYM Treasurer’s Annual Report and Audited Accounts will come to the AGM in Canberra on 20 January 2019 for formal adoption.
YM18.22 Report by the AYM representative to A/NZ Yearly Meeting
We hear Peter Webb’s report as AYM Representative to the Aotearoa/New Zealand Yearly Meeting in May 2018. Peter Webb contributed to the Aotearoa/New Zealand Yearly Meeting and afterwards to Christchurch Meeting as a presenter, composer and yidaki (didjeridoo) player.
We value continuing rich exchanges between A/NZ Meeting and AYM, finding we have much to celebrate and learn from one another.
Peter’s full report will appear in Documents in Retrospect 2018.
YM18.23 Peace Reports Preparatory Session Report (Documents in Advance, pp. 53-54; pp. 58-60)
We accept the reports on peace activites in Documents in Advance and hear a report from the Peace Reports Preparatory Session presented by Sieneke Martin. Yearly Meeting accepts this report and asks that the reports from regional meetings on their peace activities during the year appear in Documents in Retrospect.
David Purnell introduced Pamela Leach’s book From Fear to hope, the idea for which arose from the Anzac Conversations series. 100 copies of the book have been printed for this initial print run and can be purchased through Intractive Press http://www.ipoz.biz/quaker-publications/
Pamela’s moving statement about her journey in writing this book, and the full Peace Preparatory Session Report will appear in Documents in Retrospect. Pamela invites Friends to engage in making a similar inner journey to her own.
Formal Session 4: 9.30am Wednesday 11 July
We note that Ann Zubrick (WARM) is serving as Clerk for Formal Session 4 of Yearly Meeting 2018.
21 YM18.24 Meeting for Remembrance Minute of Record
During the Meeting for Remembrance Wies Schuiringa, New South Wales Regional Meeting, read the names of Friends who have died or of whose deaths we have become aware during the past 12 months:
CRM: Canberra Regional Meeting reports no deaths this past year. NSWRM: Pera Marion Webb and Don Nash QRM: Frances Kendall, Barbara Bostock, Lilla Adams, Tony Arden, Sylvia Florer and Marion Sullivan SANTRM: Alice Caseleyr and Patricia Allman-Ward TRM: Hilary Martin, Jean Hearn, David Willson, Joyce Hudson and Wendy Webber VRM: Bill Jaggs, Bob Flack and Frances Nall WARM: Christina Lyall, Marco McClintock and Salamah Pope
We were reminded at the conclusion of the Meeting, that we are surrounded by a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1).
YM18.25 Testimony
We hear a Testimony to the Grace of God in the life of Hilary Martin read by Nelson File, Tasmania Regional Meeting.
We give thanks to the Grace of God in the life of our Friend.
YM18.26 AYM Nominations Report
The AYM Nominations Committee brings forward the following names for these committees to serve beyond Yearly Meeting 2018:
1. Handbook Revision Committee. We note that that the Handbook Revision Committee members’ term continues to YM 2019. 2. Information Technology Committee. To continue for two years, to YM 2020, to complete the transition to new IT arrangements. Members are Roger Sawkins (QRM) (c), Michael Searle (CRM), Jacque Schultze (YM Secretary), and Rosanna Stevens (YF). 3. Website Monitoring Committee (established by YM 2017). Proposed membership for three years, to YM 2021, is Jim Palmer (VRM), Margaret Bywater (TRM) and Judith Pembleton (QRM). 4. Publications Committee. To continue for a further three years, to YM 2021. Members are Judith Pembleton (QRM) (c), Jenny Stock (SANTRM), Margaret Bywater (TRM), Jim Palmer (VRM).
Yearly Meeting accepts these recommendations and makes these appointments.
5. Nominations Committee. New appointees from Regional Meetings for three years to YM 2021 are Topsy Evans (SANTRM), Allan Knight (WARM), Wilma Davidson (CRM) and Beverley Polzin (VRM)
Yearly Meeting notes these appointments.
22 YM18.27 The Friends’ School Appointment of Elective Director
We receive an Extract from The Friends’ School Association 2018 AGM minutes: Minute A04/18: Nomination of Elective Directors We consider a nomination brought forward from the Board of Governors and we agree to recommend to Standing Committee that Australia Yearly Meeting (AYM) appoint the following: Karen Wilson as a nominee of Tasmania Regional Meeting for a first term of four years to commence from the date of approval by AYM We thank the Presiding Member for agreeing to communicate this nomination to the Clerkof Australia Yearly Meeting.
Yearly Meeting accepts the recommendation from The Friends’ School Association to appoint Karen Wilson as a nominee of Tasmania Regional Meeting for a first term of four years as an Elective Director on The Friends School Board to commence 15 July 2018.
YM18.28 Appointments since YM17 as recommended by Standing Committee
The following appointments were brought to Standing Committee July 2018, and Standing Committee recommends these appointments to YM18:
AYM Committee Appointment/s End of term Friends in Stitches (Australian Nancy Tingey (CRM), Jacqueline Schultze 2020 Quaker Narrative (NSWRM) Embroidery) Committee QPLC, Regional Meeting Jackie Perkins (NSWRM) 2021 Correspondent
Yearly Meeting accepts these recommendations and makes these appointments.
YM18.29 Child Protection Preparatory Session Report (Documents in Advance, pp. 34-35)
We accept the report in Documents in Advance, and hear the report presented by Jude Pembleton, Preparatory Session Convenor, which comprised five clear recommendations:
1. We need an ongoing structure for child protection oversight in Yearly Meeting and mechanisms to ensure we are implementing this policy.
2. We note that the Child Protection Policy needs to be implemented in all areas of our work which includes all events sponsored by Quakers, from an overseas study tour to a picnic organised by a local meeting. There needs to be: a. a formal structure b. records kept from year-to-year about past events, in case in the future there is a need to look back at those details c. knowledge about requirements of different jurisdictions d. up-to-date knowledge about the procedures
3. We note that record-keeping and interviewing Friends to become approved child carers are areas of the policy that some Meetings are finding challenging to implement. The Quaker process is very important as it includes providing references and an interview about the 23 Friends’ approach to working with children. The Children’s and JYF Committee will consult the Child Protection policy, and if the policy allows, will facilitate the interview process during this Yearly Meeting to assist some Friends in progressing their Quaker check.
4. We recommend that the structure of Yearly Meeting Child Protection Committee be revised and comprise the current Child Protection Contact Friends from each Regional Meeting. The Committee should meet a number of times a year via electronic means. Yarrow Andrew (SANTRM) and Maddy Walker (TRM) are willing to be the convenors of this committee.
The current Child Protection Contact Friends are: CRM: Stewart Betts and Kerrie Smyth (2018) NSWRM: Linda Page and Belinda Bonham (2021) QRM: Helen Webb and John Beattie SANTRM: Gillian McCarthy (Lewis) (2021) TRM: Val Boyd (2019) and Maddy Walker (2021) VRM: Kyrstie Crane (2021) and Jenny Turton (2020) WARM: Margaret Woodward (2018)
Current Contact Friends from each RM will be asked if they are willing to continue under this new structure.
5. The Yearly Meeting Secretary will be ex-officio on this committee as the Secretary is responsible for the annual audit. We note that the Committee will no longer be an expert committee and will now be a representative committee. As such, we ask this new committee to review the current terms of reference and develop new terms of reference. We note the importance of ensuring the Child Protection policy stays up-to-date with current legislation.
6. We note that there is expertise amongst Friends that can be drawn on and encourage Child Protection Contact Friends to consult these Friends. This includes Dorothy Scott, Ronis Chapman, Val Boyd and the Safe Quaker Community Committee. We also note the significant support provided by the National Council of Churches in Australia and state governments to ensure we are creating communities that are safe for children. We encourage Child Protection Contact Friends to make contact with state government and ecumenical organisations to help them stay up-to-date with changing legislation and best practice.
Yearly Meeting accepts these five recommendations. All meetings and gatherings are asked to pay particular attention to the implementation of these recommendations and involve and include children and Junior Young Friends in the processes.
The Handbook Revison Committee is asked to take Child Protection changes into account, as well as the new Child Protection Committee structure and terms of reference that will be developed, and to make revisions in the Handbook as needed.
YM18.30 Quaker Narrative Embroidery Committee (Friends in Stitches) Preparatory Session Report (Documents in Advance, pp. 32-33)
We accept the report from the Friends in Stitches in Documents in Advance and hear a report from the Quaker Narrative Embroidery Committee (Friends in Stitches) Preparatory Session presented by Taisoo Kim Watson.
24 Friends were not in unity as to a way forward with concerns brought to this session, and will continue discernment in a later session.
Formal Session 5: 9.30am Thursday 12 July
We note that Ann Zubrick (WARM) is serving as Clerk for Formal Session 5 of Yearly Meeting 2018.
YM18.31 Testimony
We hear a compilation of Testimonies for Joan Mobey, Don Nash, Bruce Fleming and Pera Webb read by Anne-Maree Johnston, Liz Field and Ann Britton of New South Wales Regional Meeting. We give thanks for the Grace of God in the lives of these Friends.
YM18.32 Greetings to YM18
We hear Greetings from Ronald Titus, Clerk, FWCC-AWP to YM18.
YM18.33 Quaker Narrative Embroidery Committee (Friends in Stitches) Preparatory Session Report (Documents in Advance, pp. 32-33)
[Commenced in Formal Session 4, YM18.30 and continued in Formal Session 5]
Friends were not in unity as to a way forward with concerns brought to this session, and the consideration of a prepared minute was deferred to a later session.
YM18.34 Earthcare Preparatory Session Report (Documents in Advance, pp. 38-39)
We accept the the Committee’s report in Documents in Advance and hears the Committee’s Earthcare Preparatory Session Report presented by Ray Brindle.
Regional Meetings are encouraged to make Friends aware of local, collective and global ways to offset carbon use including opportunities to support carbon–minimisation projects at Silver Wattle Quaker Centre.
The full text of the report will appear in Documents in Retrospect.
The Earthcare Committee encourages Regional Meeting Friends to journey and walk the land.
YM18.35 Quaker Service Australia and the Linkages Sub-Committee Preparatory Session Report (Documents in Advance, pp. 60-61)
We accept the Committee’s report in Documents in Advance and hear the report of the Preparatory Session presented by Beverley Polzin.
25 Regional Meetings are asked to develop stronger links with QSA through their Linkages sub- committee representative together with one or two Regional Meeting Friends or their Regional Meeting QSA committee.
The full report will appear in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.36 Backhouse Lecture Minute of Record
The annual Backhouse Lecture, a highlight of Yearly Meeting, was delivered on Monday 9 July 2018, by Korean Friend Cho-Nyon Kim. He spoke of his personal spiritual journey, summed up by the lecture’s title, An encounter between Quaker mysticism and Taosim in everyday life.
The text for the presentation was projected onto a screen to assist those present in appreciating the essential points being made. Some concepts were familiar to Australian Friends, others novel and challenging. Cho-Nyon Kim spoke in a measured and careful way, conveying the depth of his insights and the extent of his commitment to action for a peaceful and just world.
The printed version of the lecture contains an extended discussion of the theme and includes a bibliography which will allow readers to gain a deeper understanding of the inspiration Cho-Nyon Kim has received from the life of Ham Sok-Hon, the Korean Friend known internationally for his peace witness.
At a follow-up session on 10 July, Cho-Nyon Kim was joined by Taisoo Kim Watson and Helen Gould, who assisted with the preparation of the lecture, to respond to questions and comments from Friends.
The 2018 Backhouse Lecture was memorable in enabling Australian Friends to learn more about the spiritual heritage of those living in the Asia-West Pacific Section of FWCC. We are grateful for this opportunity.
YM18.37 First Nations Peoples Concerns Committee Preparatory Session Report (Documents in Advance, pp.42-44)
We accept the Committee’s report in Documents in Advance and hears the report from the First Nations’ Peoples Concern Committee Preparatory Session presented by Harold Wilkinson.
We hear the Draft Letter to the Prime Minister expressing concern at the government’s position on the Uluru Statement from the Heart. Friends are invited to speak directly to Harold Wilkinson with suggested changes.
We hope the letter will be issued as a public statement and sent as a media release from Australia Yearly Meeting.
We hear that Welcome to Country follows a request from us, and should begin by asking permission of the Traditional Custodians of that place (represented by local Aboriginal Elders or, in absence of them, a recognised representative) to meet in their country.
We ask Ray Brindle to speak to the YM19 Organising Committee in Tasmania Regional Meeting to effect this process. We ask that the process also be considered by the YM Planning Support Committee.
26 YM18.38 Handbook Revision Committee Report (Documents in Advance, pp.47-50)
We accept the Committee’s report in Documents in Advance, and hear the report from the Preparatory Session presented by Allan Knight (WARM).
We accept Part A and Part B of the Committee’s Report in Documents in Advance.
We accept the revisions as agreed upon in the Preparatory Session.
We accept the following recommendations from the Preparatory Session: • We recommend that Regional Meetings appoint up to four Friends each to meet electronically with the Handbook Revision committee to discuss and give feedback on the suggested revisions. • We encourage Friends from each Regional Meeting to meet locally to review the changes prior to the electronic meeting. This suggestion is in line with the consultation process outlined in the flowchart, which was approved at YM 2017. • We ask the local Friends to communicate these changes with their Regional Meeting throughout the year. We ask that the final revisions be brought forward to YM 2019.
This comprehensive Preparatory Session Report will appear in Documents in Retrospect.
Formal Session 6: Thursday 13 July 2.00pm
We note that Ann Zubrick (WARM) is serving as Clerk for Formal Session 6 of Yearly Meeting 2018.
YM18.39 Testimony
We have heard a testimony to the Grace of God in the life of Patricia (Pat) Allman-Ward, read by Topsy Evans of South Australia & Northern Territory Regional Meeting.
We give thanks for the Grace of God in the life of our Friend
YM18.40 Nominations
YM hears the following names brought forward by Nominations for these committees to serve beyond Yearly Meeting 2018:
1. Quaker Learning Australia. New committee based in WARM for three years, to YM 2021. Members are Ann Zubrick, Brenda Roy, David Tehr, Sharon Mathew, Michael Hertz.
2. Quaker Peace and Legislation Committee. Based in CRM until YM 2019. Current membership is Margaret Bearlin, Ronis Chapman, Margaret Clark, David Purnell, Shobha Varkey, Harold Wilkinson (c).
3. YM Planning Support Committee. To continue for another three years, to YM 2021. Members are Anna Wilkinson (VRM) (c), Michael Searle (CRM), Harold Wilkinson (CRM), Wilma Davidson (CRM), Emily Chapman-Searle (TRM), Yarrow Andrew (SANTRM).
Yearly Meeting accepts these recommendations and makes these appointments.
27 AYM Representatives to Outside Bodies
The following are recommended: 1. Australian Religious Response to Climate Change. Alan Clayton (VRM) to continue to YM 2021. 2. Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility. David Shorthouse (CRM) to continue to YM 2021. 3. NCCA Safe Churches Network. Ronis Chapman (CRM) to continue to YM 2021. 4. AYM Representative to A/NZ Yearly Meeting. Jacque Schultze (AYM Secretary)
Yearly Meeting accepts these recommendations and makes these appointments.
5. NCCA Act for Peace. Heather Saville is not continuing. No nomination required, as this is now an NGO run by a Board of Directors and has its own selection process. Mark Deasey (VRM) has expressed interest, and we encourage YM to support this.
YM18.41 Winter School Sessions Minute of Record
Eleven Winter Schools were originally offered but as two were combined, the final number was 10. The theme of Turning Points encouraged a range of topics including creative writing, poetry, circle dancing, empowerment and advocacy, the writings of George Fox, artistic expression, unanticipated life events, the Quaker embroidery panels, optimal decision-making and permaculture, which was a combined excursion with the JYFs.
As is usual, some groups attracted more people than others, and as usual, a few people found the group they were in was not what they were looking for. This is to be expected.
It was good that the Winter School included groups for physical and artistic expression as well as intellectual thought and self-reflection. One with a musical theme would be a welcome addition. Much thought was given to finding suitable rooms for those who have difficulty with walking.
It would be helpful for the organisers for YM19, if ideas and proposals for Winter Schools, and prospective facilitators came forward early. Even 12 months ahead is not too soon to be thinking about it.
YM18.42 Publications Committee Report (Documents in Advance, pp.54-55)
We accept the Committee’s report in Documents in Advance and hear the report of the Publications Committee Preparatory Session presented by Allan Knight (WARM).
We ask the Publications Committee to draft guidelines for the processes for development of official AYM publications for Standing Committee in January 2019.
The full report will appear in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.43 Special Preparatory Session on the Government’s Arms Export Policy Report
We hear that a special session at YM 2018 considered the ways in which Friends could address the
28 issue of the government’s increased weapons export policy. (Note: Standing Committee agreed to hold this session to address the issue, at the request of WARM, SC7.18.6).
We hear the Report from the Special Preparatory Session read by Seineke Martin, a copy of which will appear in Documents in Retrospect.
It was agreed that YM will: • issue a media release on this concern. A press release is being prepared by Adrian Glamorgan, Dale Hess, Christine Venner-Westerway, Harold Wilkinson and David Purnell (stc) to show our deepest concern for peace, not war or war preparation. • ask RMs to hold meetings to consider this issue, to enable Friends to connect with other organisations working on this issue and to engage in training, including the training in lobbying with QPLC, who will develop background papers. These other organisations include IPAN (Independent and Peaceful Australia Network, of which AYM is a member), MAPW (Medical Association for the Prevention of War), who are asking us to sign a petition, WILPF (Women’s International League for peace and Freedom) and Wage Peace. • encourage Friends, who are alumni of Australian universities, to contact their universities (through their alumni organisations) to share their concerns about and/or to form delegations to consult with their university authorities about this issue. Friends are encouraged to report back on these contacts to QPLC. Dennis Stanton, Margaret Bearlin, Sabina Erika, Claudia Barduhn will prepare a statement, which Friends could use for these purposes. • note the forthcoming arms trade fair in South Australia and support Perri Coleman, SANTRM, with Helen Bayes (the Quaker Grannies) in any Quaker action.
We remind Friends that possible funding for Friends peace activities may be available from the Quaker Peace & Social Justice Fund (AYM), the Nancy Shelley Bequest Fund (Blue Mountains Local Meeting), Victoria Quaker Fund (VRM).
We ask Young Friends to consider these matters and to consider how we might use social media to make these concerns known and shared with the Australian community.
YM18.44 FWCC Committee Report (Documents in Advance, p.47)
We accept the report in Documents in Advance and hear the FWCC Committee Preparatory Session Report, convened by Adrian Glamorgan, assisted by Dale Hess, and as read by the Clerk, Ann Zubrick.
Friends hear that FWCC Committee would like Adelaide (Lady) Borton, an American Friend who has worked for 50 years in Vietnam, to be invited as the YM 2019 FWCC Visitor. (Should our Friend not be available to visit, we would take up last year’s intention and approach a Yearly Meeting from India, possibly Bhopal YM).
For 2020 and beyond, the FWCC Committee would seek Expressions of Interest from Friends in the FWCC Asia West Pacific Section, incorporating a discernment process including consultation with the appropriate Yearly Meeting.
We accept these recommendations. The full report will be published in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.45 Peace Witness Activities Minute of Record
The Free Poetry Project experience, organised by Hunter Valley Friends opened with a song from Behrouz Bouchani, journalist writer, political prisoner on Manus Island for 5 years. 29 Seven Friends read poetry from those refugees silenced and imprisoned in various camps. Each poem concluded with the name and brief biography of the poet.
(The poetry is part of the project Writing through fences. Several Hunter Valley Friends attended an event in Newcastle some weeks ago, where poems from the programme were shared, and decided to use that as a basis for the Peace Witness at YM18.) This project can be easily accessed through the Writing through fences website http://writingthroughfences.org/ and is designed to be widely shared.
Formal Session 7: Friday 14 July 9.30am
We note that Ann Zubrick (WARM) is serving as Clerk of Formal Session 7 of Yearly Meeting 2018.
YM18.46 Junior Young Friends
We welcome Junior Young Friends as part of the meeting for worship. The Junior Young Friends ministered to us around themes they are exploring during Yearly Meeting.
YM18.47 Testimony
We hear a compilation of Testimonies to the Grace of God in the lives of Bill Jaggs and Bob Flack, read by Catherine Heywood and Tessa Spratt of Victoria Regional Meeting.
We give thanks for the Grace of God in the lives of our Friends.
YM18.48 Penn Friends Minute of Record
Younger and older Friends met on Monday 9 July 2018 for the Penn Friends afternoon tea--a time for making intergenerational connections. The idea behind Penn Friends is staying in touch and support. During sharing many agreed that, “We don't communicate often, but we are glad to know we have a special friend when we come to Yearly Meeting.”
YM18.49 First Reading of the Epistle from YM18
We hear the first reading of the Epistle from this Yearly Meeting read by Sally O’Wheel.
If Friends have suggestions for alteration or addition to the wording, we ask that they contact the Epistle Committee via the Help Desk. This first draft will be available on the website and on the noticeboards.
YM18.50 Safe Quaker Community Committee Report (Documents in Advance, pp.63-64)
We accept the report in Documents in Advance and hear the report on the Safe Quaker Community Preparatory Session presented by Jim Palmer of Victoria Regional Meeting.
30 We accept the recommendation that the Safe Quaker Community Committee hold a national workshop for Contact Friends in 2019.
We ask that the cost of the workshop and travel be evenly shared between Regional Meetings after a contribution is made from the AYM budget.
We encourage the Committee to hold these Contact Friend workshops, hosted by a different RM each time. We suggest that Friends, in addition to appointed Contact Friends, might attend the workshops if there is space for them.
The full report will be published in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.51 Ecumenism, Interfaith and NCCA Reports (Documents in Advance, p. 39-52)
We accept the reports on Ecumensim in Documents in Advance and hear the report of the Preparatory Session on Ecumenism, Interfaith and NCCA presented by Dale Hess, Victoria Regional Meeting.
We ask that the report by Peter Bennett, AYM’s representative to the NCCA Faith and Unity Commission, be included in Documents in Retrospect.
We ask Regional Meetings to encourage their Members and Attenders to participate in Living the Change by giving thought to the way their lifestyle impacts on climate.
The full report will be published in Documents in Retrospect.
YM17.52 Young Friends Report
We hear a report from Gabrielle Paananen, Clerk of Young Friends.
The full report will appear in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.53 Quaker Narrative Embroidery Committee (Friends in Stitches)
[Carried over from Formal Session 5, YM18.33 and continued in Formal Session 7]
Further to Minutes YM18.30 and YM18.33, we have continued to labour with the divisive matter noted in the Quaker Narrative Embroidery Report in Documents Advance and the Preparatory Session Report. We note there are continuing concerns and Friends are not in unity in this matter.
We trust that Friends in Stitches have among and within them inner resources to share and develop on their Stitchery spiritual journey.
There are tasks to be done by each person, sometimes alone and sometimes in the gathered stillness with others, patiently completing their part stitch by stitch. There are times to come together as Friends in Stitches and with other Ffriends, to share the joy of spiritual discovery in what is now complete and what is in progress.
31 We hear of the dilemma and pain concerning the panel reflecting a story passed down through the Cotton family. The story is that Francis Cotton heard and recorded Tasmanian Aboriginal legends. The authenticity of the recording of these stories is now in question. As new evidence and perspectives arise our understanding of historical events and their meanings deepen and grow. We need to remain open and recognise that we may have been mistaken.
Therefore, we offer the following Minute:
Since we have no control over material in the public domain, we agree to withdraw the Francis Cotton panel from the AYM website at this time.
We note that the present edition of Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery: Friends in Stitches pp35-36 includes alternative explanations and narratives about the questioned authenticity represented in this panel. Further information may be brought to light to be included with the explanations about the panel’s authenticity when the embroidery is displayed and sent out with copies of the book.
We note this is a continuing concern amongst Friends.
Formal Session 8: Friday 14 July 2.00pm
We note that Allan Knight (WARM) is serving as Clerk for Formal Session 8 of Yearly Meeting 2018.
YM18.54 Testimony
We hear the Testimony to the Grace of God in the life of Christina Lyall read by David Tehr of West Australia Regional Meeting.
We give thanks to the Grace of God in the life of our Friend.
YM18.55 The Friends’ School Preparatory Session Report
We accept the report from the Friends’ School in Documents in Advance and hear the report of the The Friends School Preparatory Session presented by Jenny Stock, South Australia / Northern Territory Regional Meeting.
The full report will appear in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.56 Quaker Learning Australia and Meeting for Learning (Documents in Advance, pp55-57)
We accept the Committee’s Report in Documents in Advance, and hear the report from the Quaker Learning Australia Preparatory Session presented by Brian Turner, Canberra Regional Meeting.
We endorse the recommendation of the QLA Committee that AYM continue to provide $3,000 per annum for its activities, including funding of Meeting for Learning facilitators’ expenses.
32 We accept the offer of South Australia & Northern Territory Regional Meeting (SANTRM) to host the Meeting for Learning Retreats from September 2020, with planning needed to commence in 2019.
We ask Regional Meetings to consider how their learning activities might be enhanced by increased dialogue with QLA in order to provide better educational and spiritual services particularly for remote worshipping groups and individual Friends.
The full report will be published in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.57 Children and JYF Committee Report (Documents in Advance pp. 35-36)
We hear that Junior Young Friends worked on and wished to present a Draft JYF Statement to YM. This JYF Statement was presented by Ellise Barritt, Canberra Regional Meeting, and Beatrice Farqujar-Jones, Tasmania Regional Meeting.
We look forward to Junior Young Friends continuing to add “SPICESSSS (Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Earthcare/Stewardship/Sustainability) to our meetings. The Final JYF Statement will be included in Documents in Retrospect.
We encourage JYFs to share this JYF Statement within their meetings and invite Friends to enable ways for Junior Young Friends to contribute to the life of their meetings and the whole of Australia Yearly Meeting.
We accept the Committee’s report in Documents in Advance and hear the report from the Children and JYF Preparatory Session presented by Christine Larkin, Canberra Regional Meeting.
We agreed: a. that the time of the presentation of the Children and JYFs Preparatory Session Report in the Formal Session at each YM, be changed to a time when the JYFs and carers will be on the campus (usually Fridays). b. to the extension of Wilma Davidson’s contract for a further 12 months to July 2019 (end of Yearly Meeting) c. to the continuation of the funding for the Children & JYF committee and Coordinator position as a permanent line item in the AYM budget– currently set at $15,000/year d. the advertising of the Children & JYF Co-ordinator position in 2019, clarify that the role is a 2-year contract starting from July 2019
We defer for continued discernment on the report, to bring to a later session of Yearly Meeting 2018.
YM18.58 Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Preparatory Session Report
We accept the report of Silver Wattle Quaker Centre in Documents in Advance and hear the report of the Preparatory Session convened by Topsy Evans, with Dale Hess, and presented by David Johnson, Queensland Regional Meeting and Treasurer, Silver Wattle Quaker Centre.
We ask Friends to consider participating in the courses at Silver Wattle and letting non-Quakers as well as Friends know about these programs and the benefits of staying at Silver Wattle.
33 We ask Friends to consider making financial contributions to Silver Wattle to support its development projects.
The full report will be included in Documents in Retrospect.
Formal Session 9: Saturday 9 July 9.30am
We note that Allan Knight (WARM) is serving as Clerk for Formal Session 9 of Yearly Meeting 2018.
YM18.59 Greetings
We hear greetings to Friends at Yearly Meeting 2018 from Jo Hayter, former Donald Groom Fellow to Japan.
YM18.60 The Second Reading of the YM18 Epistle
We hear the second and final reading of Yearly Meeting 2018 Epistle, read by Melissa Nininahazwe, South Australia & Northern Territory Regional Meeting. We note minor corrections.
The final Epistle will be included in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.61 Children and JYF Committee Preparatory Session Report (Documents in Advance pp. 35-36)
[Commenced in Formal Session 8, YM18.57 and continued in Formal Session 9]
We are reminded that has been a loss of material from explaining what has worked well from one Yearly meeting to the next Yearly Meeting. This information should be kept, and JYFs themselves must be consulted in this process.
We ask the YM Planning Support Committee, in consultation with the Children’s and JYF Committee and others as needed, to develop processes to better support the sharing of this corporate knowledge from one year to the next.
We ask the Children’s and JYF Committee to review the role description of the Children and Junior Young Friend Coordinator to create one that accurately reflects the needs and requirements for the next Coordinator role.
In order to advertise for this position in time for an appointment to be made for the end of YM 2019, it may be necessary for Standing Committee to hold an Urgent Decision-Making process to approve any role description revisions and funding implications to address this matter.
YM18.62 IT Committee Report (Documents in Advance, pp.50-53)
We accept the report in Documents in Advance and hear the report of the Information Technology Committee Preparatory Session presented by Yarrow Andrew, South Australia & Northern
34 Territory Regional Meeting.
We hear that the IT Committee has three recommendations to bring to Friends:
• Formalisation of the position of AYM Membership Secretary, responsible for managing the database at YM level. Suggested name: Michael Searle (CRM).
We appoint Michael Searle to this role as AYM Membership Secretary. We ask AYM Nominations Committee to seek a support person to assist in this role.
• A new position of AYM Website Coordinator, who would have oversight of the website in terms of its technical aspects (as opposed to content). Suggested name: Roger Sawkins (QRM).
We appoint Roger Sawkins to this role of AYM Website Coordinator.
We ask that these two new appointees in consultation with the IT Committee prepare role descriptions for these roles, and to share these with the Handbook Revision Committee and the AYM Nominations Committee. • There was also a strong sense of the meeting, that YM should budget for the purchase of technical equipment of sufficient quality to be able to livestream events. This would be especially beneficial for Friends in remote areas, or with mobility difficulties.
Friends support this recommendation.
We see value in having technical equipment of sufficient quality to livestream events but need clearer understanding of the budgetary implications.
We ask the IT Committee to bring a quote for purchase of this equipment to Standing Committee in January 2019 for decision.
We note also should this equipment be purchased Friends will need to have the skills to use it.
The full report will be published in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.63 Right Holding of Yearly Meeting and Yearly Meeting Planning Support Committee
We hear a report on the Joint Meetings of the Right Holding of Yearly Meeting Committee and the YM Planning Support Committee, presented by Emily Chapman-Searle and Jennifer Burrell.
We approve the revised terms of reference for the Right Holding of Yearly Meeting Committee which will be guided by the Quaker testimonies and the need to conduct business in a spirit led manner, ensuring that gatherings are designed to fulfil their purposes, are easy for Friends to host and attend, and are equitable and accessible.
The Terms of Reference are as follows:
Engagement Actively seek input from Friends across Australia in a variety of ways (including workshops and surveys) about:
35 a. the purpose and future of Yearly Meeting gatherings b. ideas about alternative models c. current challenges
Data Collate and discern the relevance of information about the practices of some other comparable Quaker gatherings
Testing and further discernment Develop alternative models which may suit Australia Yearly Meeting better than our present practices. This would include: a. The conduct of business of the Society, including using electronic methods b. The timing, regularity, format and location of Australia Yearly Meeting gatherings c. The conduct of trials and pilot programs of some systems or processes.
Reporting Report findings and progress to Standing Committee and Yearly Meeting.
The full report will appear in Documents in Retrospect.
YM18.64 Australian Friends Fellowship of Healing Minute of Record
Our Annual Meeting was held at 4pm on Thursday 12 July 12 2018, at Avondale College, Cooranbong in NSW, on Awakabal Land. It was well attended by 14 Friends, representing 5 Regional Meetings and 9 Local Meetings or Worshipping Groups, and the Australian Friends Fellowship of Healing Charitable Trust (AFFH CT). We received greetings from absent Friends from TRM, SANTRM, VRM and WARM.
On behalf of the AFFH CT, Jackie Perkins presented the Trustees’ Annual Report and Statement of the Trust Receipts and Payments which were accepted by the meeting. The Auditor’s Report of Trust accounts was tabled and accepted.
This year, we are very grateful for the extensive and spirit-led work done by AFFH Tas, TRM and the AFFH CT Trustees, to bring us to a watershed in our discernment regarding the Australian Home of Healing. The decision has been made to purchase suitable real estate for a Home of Healing in Hobart to be jointly used by the Migrant Resource Centre for housing and welcoming humanitarian refugees. Learning from our experience of the Home of Healing in New Norfolk, we are keen to ensure that the maintenance and administration of the property does not fall on the AFFH Tas, nor TRM. To this end, the Trustees will appoint a property manager to oversee maintenance and administration. This will mean that the AFFH Tas, the broader AFFH and TRM will be able to focus on pastoral and spiritual matters rather than on the management of the property. The rental of the property for significant periods of the year by the Migrant Resource Centre – which is funded by Commonwealth grants – will mean that sufficient income is derived to service the property.
At Yearly Meeting 2017 in Adelaide, we were visited by Debbie Watson, a ngangkari - traditional healer – from the APY Lands in Central Australia. In response to the interest expressed in learning more about traditional healing, two more ngangkari have been invited to join us at our Healing Gathering in Silver Wattle, 13-16 September 2018.
We are developing our AFFH page on the new Quakers Australia website. In due course, this will include articles from our newsletter, WHOLENESS. Barbara True of SANTRM continues in the role of newsletter editor, and Elspeth Hull of NSWRM continues in the role of AFFH convenor.
36 YM18.65 Share and Tell Sessions Minute of Record
This year, offerings ranged across traditional Quaker concerns such as: • AVP • the Quaker Shop • Multifaith/Interfaith • caring for others • practical ways in which we support our wider communities, i.e., assisting Indigenous school children and volunteering in Vietnam; • supporting our Quaker faith via Silver Wattle volunteering • homelessness and recidivism, and • commonalities of our small Meetings and isolated Friends
Friends had the opportunity to consider how the Australian Quaker organisation moves forward through sessions on Regional Meeting Governance and the Right Holding of Yearly Meeting. We explored possibilities in modern representative democracies, a possible study tour to North Korea, as well as alternative views of religion based on astronomy.
Share and Tell at Cooranbong 2018 has allowed us to share more of that of God in ourselves and each other.
YM18.74 Closing Minute
During Yearly Meeting 2018 at Avondale College in Cooranbong and on the land of the Awabakal people in New South Wales we have lived with clear skies, giving us sunny days and cold nights, bird song and the call of cattle and goats. The many months of planning and preparation by NSWRM to welcome us to this Yearly Meeting in Cooranbong, have nourished us body and soul. In our Meeting for Remembrance we were reminded that we are surrounded by ‘a great cloud of witnesses’ and so encouraged, we return home to let our lives witness to that of God in everyone.
We are grateful to those Friends, Ann Zubrick and Allan Knight, who clerked the formal sessions at short notice, and Beverley Polzin for assisting.
37 Appendices to the Minutes
Australia Yearly Meeting appointments as at July 2018 Please note: • Appointments are as known in July 2018. This list is updated on the Members Page of http://www.quakersaustralia.info/ through the year. • All appointments are to the end of the Yearly Meeting in the listed year. • The AYM Clerk and AYM Secretary are ex officio on all AYM committees except Nominations and Thanksgiving Fund. AYM Officers Role Names Term ends Email AYM Presiding Clerk Jo Jordan, SANTRM 2019 [email protected] Incoming AYM Presiding Clerk Ann Zubrick, WARM 2022 Private email AYM Secretary Jacque Schultze, NSWRM 2020 [email protected] AYM Treasurer Roger Sawkins, QRM 2021 [email protected] AYM Membership Secretary Michael Searle, CRM AYM Website Coordinator Roger Sawkins, QRM
Committees and Working Groups Committee Names Term Email * ends The Australian Friend, Garry Duncan, Rae Litting, Wies Schuiringa (convener), David 2021 CAustFriend@quake Committee Swain. rsaustralia.info NSWRM AYM Presiding Clerk’s Support Topsy Evans, Joelle Nininahazwe (YF), Kerry O’Regan, Margaret 2019 CClerksSupport@qu Committee, SANTRM Philp, Charles Stevenson, Inga Tolley akersaustralia.info
AYM Secretary’s Advisory Helen Gould, Jackie Perkins, Wies Schuiringa, Jennifer Burrell, 2020 CSecretaryAdvisory Committee, NSWRM David Cooper, Mary Pollard @quakersaustralia.in fo
Backhouse Lecture Committee David Purnell, CRM, (20190, Convener; Mark Macleod, NSWRM 6-yr CBackhouse@quake (Expert) apptmts rsaustralia.info (2024); Dawn Joyce, QRM (2019); Kerry O’Regan, SANTRM
(2023); Sue Parritt, VRM (2021); David Tehr, WARM (2021); YF (tba) Child Protection Committee CP Contact Friends: Stewart Betts & Kerrie Smyth (2018), CRM; CChildProtection@q Linda Page and Belinda Bonham (2021), NSWRM; Helen Webb uakersaustralia.info (tba) & John Beattie (tba), QRM; Gillian McCarthy (Lewis) (2021), SANTRM; Val Boyd (2019) & Maddy Walker (2021), TRM; Kyrstie Crane (2021) & Jenny Turton (2020), VRM; Margaret Woodward WARM (2018); Alex Brosnan, YF (2020)
Children & Junior YF Lisa Wriley, NSWRM (2020); Marie-Gorette Bucumi, SANTRM 2020 CChildrenJYF@quak Committee (2020); Heather Williams, Tonya Jensen, WARM (2020); Josh ersaustralia.info Crane, JYF (2020); Miriam Hope, JYF (2020); Alex Brosnan, YF (2019)
RM Correspondents: CRM: Raina Emerson; NSWRM: Jasmine Payget; QRM: Helen Webb; SANTRM: Marie-Gorette Bucumi; TRM: Helen Chuter; VRM: Beverley Polzin; WARM: Beth Harcourt, Cathryn Reid, JYF Children & JYF Coordinator Wilma Davidson (CRM) 2019 CChildrenJYF@quak Spiritual Support Committee: CRM: Susan Rockliff; VRM: Maxine ersaustralia.info Cooper; WARM: Adrian Glamorgan Earthcare Committee, WARM Adrian Glamorgan, Brenda Roy, Jo Vallentine (Conveners), 2021 CEarthcare@quakers Elizabeth PO’, Helene Fisher, Lizzie Nicholas, Margaret Woodward, australia.info Gina Price. Finance Committee Jane Drexler, NSWRM; David Lowry, David Lowe, QRM 2021 CFinance@quakersa ustralia.info
First Nations Peoples Chris Hughes and Sharee Harper (VRM, Conveners); Gedda 2021 CFirstNations@quak Concerns Committee (formerly Fortey, CRM; David Carline, QRM; John McMahon, VRM ersaustralia.info Indigenous Concerns RM correspondents: Anne Felton, CRM; Elspeth Hull, NSWRM; 38 Committee) Sitara Gare, QRM; John Duguid; Harald Ehrman & Ruth Primrose, SANTRM; Sally Gale, TRM; VRM: tba; Clare O’Leary, WARM Friends in Stitches; Australian Tessa Spratt, VRM; Garry Duncan, NSWRM; Charles Stevenson, 2020 CStitches@quakersa Quaker Narrative Embroidery, SANTRM; Beth Harcourt, WARM; Sally O’Wheel, TRM ustralia.info NSWRM RM contacts: CRM: Wilma Davidson; QRM: Mary Grbavac; SANTRM: Elizabeth Kwan & Robin Sinclair; TRM: Ruth Raward; WARM: Patricia Wood. Nancy Tingey, CRM; Jacque Schultze, NSWRM Friends World Committee for Adrian Glamorgan, Convenor, (2020), WARM; Shelini Harris (2020) CFWCC@quakersau Consultation (FWCC) CRM; Rowe Morrow, (2020), NSWRM; Marian James, (2020), stralia.info Committee QRM; David Evans, (2021), SANTRM; Julie Walpole, (2121), TRM; Dale Hess, (2019), VRM; Connor Chaffey, (2020), YF
Friends World Committee for Ex officio: AWPS Secretary Ronis Chapman; 2018 Consultation (FWCC) AWPS Treasurer Harold Wilkinson 2019 Committee Handbook Revision Jennifer Burrell, Elizabeth Field, Wies Schuiringa 2019 CHandbook@quaker Committee, NSWRM (Expert) saustralia.info
Information Technology Roger Sawkins, QRM (Convener); Michael Searle, CRM; Jacque 2020 CTechnology@quak Committee (Expert) Schultze, NSWRM; Rosanna Stevens, YF ersaustralia.info
Nominations Committee Wilma Davidson (2021), CRM: Mary Pollard, (2019), NSWRM; various CNominations@quak Judith Pembleton, (2019), QRM; Topsy Evans (2021), SANTRM; ersaustralia.info Felicity Rose (Convenor), (2019), TRM; Beverley Polzin (2021), VRM; Allan Knight (2021), WARM; Callista Barritt, YF (2019) Peace & Social Justice Fund Peter Hillery, Peggy Storch, Graham Jensen; Marilyn Webster 2019 CPSJ@quakersaustr Committee, CRM (2020), Harold Wilkinson (2020) alia.info Publications Committee Judith Pembleton, QRM (convener); Jenny Stock, SANTRM; 2021 CPublications@quak (Expert) Margaret Bywater; TRM; Jim Palmer, VRM ersaustralia.info Quaker Learning Australia, Ann Zubrick, Brenda Roy, David Tehr, Sharon Mathew, Michael 2021 CQLA@quakersaustr WARM Hertz alia.info
QLA Meeting for Learning facilitators (appointed by QLA):
Fiona Gardner, Catherine Heywood (VRM); Jenny Spinks (CRM) Quaker Peace & Legislation Harold Wilkinson (Convener), Margaret Bearlin, Ronis Chapman, 2019 CQPLC@quakersaus Committee (QPLC), CRM Margaret Clark, David Purnell, Shobha Varkey. tralia.info
RM Correspondents: Greg Parkhurst, CRM; Jackie Perkins
(2021), NSWRM; Diana Solomon, QRM; Peri Coleman, SANTRM; TRM: tba; Beverley Polzin, VRM; Rosemary Longhurst, WARM. Quaker Service Australia Garry Duncan (Convener), John Dundas (Treasurer), Miriam 2019 CQSA@quakersaustr (QSA) Management Goodwin, Richard Gibbons, David Cooper, Mary Jo Merindol, (tba) alia.info Committee, NSWRM QSA Non-Management Committee members: Michael Morrissey
(Public Officer); Jackie Perkins (Secretary) QSA Linkages Committee CRM: Alex Nicholson; NSWRM: Jasmine Payget; QRM: Rhoda various QSA Linkages Dorrell; SANTRM: Topsy Evans; TRM: Beverley Jefferson; VRM: Committee Anne Herbert; WARM: Henry Esbenshade; YF: (tba). Ex officio: AYM Clerk, AYM Secretary Right Holding of Yearly Jennifer Burrell, NSWRM; Geoff Greeves, SANTRM; Felicity Rose, 2020 CHoldingYM@quake Meeting Committee TRM; Bev Polzin & Anna Wilkinson, VRM; Wilma Davidson (CRM) rsaustralia.info as Children’s & JYF Coordinator; YF (tba) Safe Quaker Community Robin McLean, TRM (Convener); Ronis Chapman, CRM; David 2019 CSafeQuaker@quakers Committee (Expert) Barry, SANTRM australia.info
RM Contact Friends: David Purnell, Susan Rockliff, CRM; Alison Irving (2019), Helen Beeby (2020), NSWRM; Judith Pembleton, Bevan Wiltshire (2020), QRM; Diana Campbell (2021), Roger Keyes (2021), SANTRM; Robin McLean (2019), Jenny Seaton 2021), TRM; Chris Hughes (2020), Susan Nelson (2019), VRM; Michael Hertz, (2021), WARM; Larissa Barritt, YF (2020) The Sanctuary Management Miriam Goodwin (Convener), Jacque Schultze; Bill Brennan, 2019 CSanctuary@quaker Committee (2020), NSWRM saustralia.info
Thanksgiving Fund Committee, Bronte and Chris Collins (Co-Conveners) Fleurieu RM; Robin 2019 CThanksgiving@qua SANTRM Sinclair Adelaide Hills RM, Charles Stevenson, Eastern Suburbs kersaustralia.info LM
39 Website Monitoring Committee Judith Pembleton, QRM; Margaret Bywater, TRM; Jim Palmer, 2021 VRM Yearly Meeting Planning Anna Wilkinson (convener), VRM; Michael Searle, Harold 2021 CYMSupport@quake Support Committee (Expert) Wilkinson, CRM; Wilma Davidson (Children’s and JYF rsaustralia.info Coordinator); Emily Chapman-Searle, YM Hobart Planning Committee; Yarrow Andrew, (SANTRM)
Young Friends Appointments Role Names Term ends Email Clerk Gabbie Paananen, NSWRM 2019 RMYFClerk@quakersaus tralia.info Assistant Clerk Larissa Barritt, CRM 2019 [email protected] Treasurer Callista Barrit, NSWRM 2018 [email protected] Nominations Joelle Nininahazwe, SANTRM 2018 [email protected] YF Liaison with Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Gabbie Paananen, NSWRM 2020 [email protected] YM Nominations Committee Callista Barrit, NSWRM 2019 [email protected] AYM Friends World Committee for Consultation Connor Chaffey 2020 [email protected] QSA Linkages Committee AYM Child and JYF Committee Alex Brosnan, TRM 2019 AYM Child Protection Committee Alex Brosnan, TRM 2019 Safe Quaker Community Larissa Barritt, CRM 2020
Australia Yearly Meeting Representatives Role Names Term ends Aotearoa/New Zealand Yearly Meeting, May 2019 Jacque Schultze, AYM Secretary 2019 Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) David Purnell, CRM 2019 Australian Religious Response to Climate Change Alan Clayton, VRM 2021 (ARRCC) Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR) David Shorthouse, CRM 2021 Friends Peace Teams Council Jane Drexler, NSWRM 2019 Independent & Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN) David Purnell, CRM 2020 NCCA Church Leaders meetings Presiding Clerk 2019 Presiding Clerk or Julian Robertson, (to 2018) 2019 NCCA Assembly members Rae Litting, NSWRM 2019 NCCA Faith and Unity Commission Peter Bennett, VRM 2019 NCCA Safe Churches Network Ronis Chapman, CRM 2021 NCCA Social Justice Network Wies Schuiringa, NSWRM, Callista Barritt, NSWRM 2019 Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Advisory Committee AYM Nominee: Brenda Roy, WARM 2019
Associated bodies (Not appointed by Australia Yearly Meeting) Role Names Elspeth Hull, (Coordinator), NSWRM; Ivanka Belic (AFFH rep on SWQC Australian Friends Advisory Committee), QRM; Barbara True, (Wholenesseditor), SANTRM Local Fellowship of Healing Conveners: Heather Herbert, CRM; Barbara Kearney, NSWRM; Ivanka Belic, (AFFH) QRM; Barbara True, SANTRM; Maggi Storr, TRM; Kaye Wright, VRM; Lesli Grant, WARM Trustees: Alison McConnell Imbriotis (Convenor), TRM; Jackie Perkins, AFFH Charitable Trust NSWRM; Margaret Woodward, WARM Jane Drexler, Valerie Joy, Jim Palmer, John Michaelis, Bev Polzin (AYM); Moira Darling, Nadine Hoover, Fenna Mandalong, Tom Martin, Gay Howard, Deb Friends Peace Teams Wood, Josh Albertson and others (USA); Ludwig Bon Quirog (Philippines); Subhash Kattel, (Nepal); Petrus Kuelson, (Indonesia); Youngsil Kang (Korea) The Friends’ School Presiding members: Siobhan Harpur, Presiding Member, (2019) TRM Board nominee; Craig Stephens, Deputy Presiding Member (2019), Board Nominee; Julian Robertson, Deputy Presiding Member (2020) TRM nominee.
TRM nominees: Sally McGushin (2021), Karen Wilson (2022); Staff nominee: Lou Giudici (2021); Board Nominees: Karen Davies (2021), Natalia Urosevic (2019), Robert Pennicott (2021), Craig Stephens, Deputy Presiding Member
40 (2019); Ex Officio appointments: Jo Jordan, AYM Presiding Clerk; Nelson File, Principal; Shaun Sargent, Association Secretary; tba, CRM; Liz Field, NSWRM; Judith Pembleton, QRM; Peter Webb, CSchoolValues@quakersaustralia. The Friends School SANTRM; Julian Robertson, Karen Wilson, Siobhan Harpur, Sally McGushin, info Quaker Values TRM; Helen Irvine, VRM; Allan Knight (Convenor), WARM; Nelson File, TRM Committee (Principal, ex officio); Emily Chapman-Searle, TRM (Quaker Community Coordinator, The Friends’ School, ex officio) Ronis Chapman (AWPS Secretary, 2018); Harold Wilkinson (AWPS Treasurer, FWCC AWPS 2019) Morrow Bequest Clare O’Leary, Brenda Roy, Margaret Woodward Committee, WARM Silver Wattle Quaker SWQC Ltd Board: Julian Robertson, John Baker, Ray Brindle; SWQC Director,
Centre Ltd (SWQC) ex-officio. Judy Henderson (Convener) & John Baker (NSWRM): Moira Darling (VRM), SWQC Ltd Advisory Ivanka Belic (AFFH representative); Peter Morris, NSWRM: Brenda Roy Committee (WARM) Werona Users Group Anne-Maree Johnston (Secretary, Werona Users Group)
State of the Society Address (YM18.10 Minute of Record)
When I was first asked to give this address, I was at a loss on how to approach the task. So, I did what all good Quakers do… I waited. Expectantly. I held it in a prayerful background state and eventually a question began to form: “How does Truth prosper?” It was an improvement on complete writer’s block but not much of an outline.
So, next I reflected on what is our expression of Truth, and that formed into five words which now serve as an outline for this talk. I offer these words in the hope that the Voice which spoke to Fox’s condition those three hundred and sixty odd years ago can also speak to our collective condition now, our State of the Society at the 2018 Australia Yearly Meeting gathering.
Community The first word I offer is community. After all we are the Religious Society of Friends. Community is fundamental to who we are as Friends.
Relationships Universally, Friends report the importance of their shared worship, their relationships and their activities together: everything from twice monthly Friendly Friday discussion groups in Canberra to over 45 Friends celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Mount Lawley Meetinghouse in West Australia. Relationships are also fostered through our work together on committees and the ongoing tasks that support our meetings. A favourite way to build community is to share meals and discussions after meeting for worship. Darwin meeting chose ‘conflict’ as its discussion theme this year and reported having “much and vigorous discussion” every fourth Sunday.
Another way that community is expressed is in our care for one another. Western Australia Regional Meeting took up a collection so that an attender could return home to Sudan for a family funeral. In Queensland, Friends did the practical work of finding, purchasing and delivering a car to a member who needed help. Canberra held a mental health first aid training day. Victoria Regional Meeting hosted Standing Committee and had to turn back an excess of offers to billet visiting Friends. We also grieved together the passing of 16 Friends who died this year.
41 Spiritual nurture Community is also forged as we nurture the growth of spirit in one another. Annual retreats were held in all but two regional meetings this year, as well as many one-day gatherings held by local meetings; a mix of workshops and silent or quiet days. Quaker Learning Australia moved from Tasmania to West Australia this year. During their period of care, Tasmanian Friends produced a fabulous website which deserves widespread attention. It contains links to online courses (including Quaker Basics), articles by Dale Hess, audio and video resources, Backhouse lectures, Quaker biographies, and resources for the spiritual care of children. We need to spread the word about this wonderful resource. Meeting for Learning remains at capacity, with 12 Friends registered for Perth next year.
Friends School has affirmed its intention that meeting for worship be the heart of the school’s values, and is exposing 1273 young people to the life-shaping experience of silent worship. When Susan Clarke became ill and Silver Wattle was without a director for 7 months, thirty-two individuals off site and 22 resident volunteers stepped up to keep the Centre running until new directors were found. This is community in action. As well as working together, a mid-week online meeting for worship gathered them. Silver Wattle offered 8 courses and hosted Friends Fellowship of Healing, Friends in Stitches, the Easter Family Gathering and the Junior Young Friends (JYFs) summer camp.
All JYF activities were organised with equal responsibility between the JYFs and a group of about 8 supporting adults, including our Yearly Meeting Children & JYF Coordinator. The summer camp activities included creating a JYF statement, creating illustrations for Who are Quakers What do we do?, leading epilogues, providing service to Silver Wattle, and enjoying a music session and Trivia night. Charles Stephenson, who was the “Quaker Presence” volunteer at the Easter Family Gathering exuded his joy at their depth of spirit saying, “Our future is in good hands”. I agree.
The meeting as preparation and calling Community also empowers and calls us into action. Canberra Regional Meeting is particularly good at this. They formed 5 working groups to attend to specific matters this year, and filled 71 positions from a field of 188 members and attenders. This level of activity is made possible by its large size and financial resources, but even smaller meetings could learn from their example of involving nearly 40% of their members and attenders in the internal and external work of the meeting.
Community can serve to guide and to create collective wisdom. For example, New South Wales Regional Meeting developed role descriptions for clerks, elders, treasurers, and members of Nominations and Ministry & Care/ Oversight committees. Canberra Regional Meeting did a great deal of work exploring ecologically friendly ways to heat and cool their meetinghouse, and developed guidelines for Friends wishing to offer sanctuary to asylum seekers. Victoria Regional Meeting wrote a business plan for their new meetinghouse which could be of use to others who own property. For the most part, this work was not widely shared. However, many meetings did benefit from NSW Regional Meeting’s checklist about safety and legal obligations for upkeep of our meetinghouses.
Dealing with property Many (in fact, most) meetings hold their worship and activities in rented accommodation. This has advantages and disadvantages. Where they exist, meetinghouses presented difficulties to some degree and used up financial and human resources. Devonshire Street Meeting house in Sydney is suffering greatly through the light rail construction just outside their front door, and Brisbane is dealing with neighbouring property development which threatens the tranquillity of the meetinghouse gardens. Canberra had two break-ins and possums in the roof. The new Victorian Friends Centre had water damage that was not covered by insurance, but this did nothing to dampen their delight with their new home.
42 Our meetinghouses are precious. They afford opportunities to host our worship and meeting activities, store our libraries, support other groups in their work for social justice and spiritual development, provide space for local community activities, offer accommodation for visiting Friends, and provide a visible presence for outreach. But they are expensive and labour intensive as well.
Many meetinghouses offset costs through facility hire. This year Canberra wrestled with whether to accept a lucrative extension of facility hire which would limit their own access to the meetinghouse for about 3 months. Clearly there is a balance to be struck between usage and finances. We should be thinking about what our meetinghouses are for, and it is clear that we need to be grown-ups about taking care of them.
Conflict Sometimes community fails us. To address this reality, the Yearly Meeting Safe Quaker Communities committee ran a useful workshop on Bystander Intervention. But conflict can also be constructive. Nothing exemplifies this more than Queensland regional meeting which spent much time this year healing from an ongoing major conflict. Their reflections offer prophetic words to us all, and I quote:
We accept our corporate responsibility for the pain that [people] have suffered, and apologise for our failings. We pray that we may find a way for healing, for [individuals] and for this whole meeting... …In order to become community, we need to go to a deeper level with one another. We have ideals which we want to live up to but we have a sense of being rushed and too full of busyness. There was a sense that something has been lost - a grounding in love is an antidote to our sense of disconnection. Being community takes commitment and we are being compelled by the Spirit to engage with one another by being ready to listen, being genuine and moving to a deeper level with those of us who are no longer visitors or newcomers.
Prophesy Queensland has spoken a truth to us which needs our attention. And this brings me to the second word on offer: prophecy.
Our prophetic voice, the one that speaks truth to power, is a strong one. For example, in the past year the 15-member Yearly Meeting Quaker Peace and Legislation Committee issued ten action alerts and made detailed submissions on foreign policy, climate change, relations with North Korea, and citizenship legislation. They also ran a lobbying workshop for Friends, using this as an occasion to lobby for a nuclear weapons ban. The lobbying workshop had strong participation and financial support from all Regional Meetings, and the experience reverberated throughout the Yearly Meeting as Friends returned home.
The QPLC sub-committee on marriage equality deserves special mention for their campaign work and drafting of an open letter which received widespread attention and served as a public witness and consequent outreach.
Many meetings wrote to protest the Adani mines and participated in vigils and demonstrations regarding the appalling treatment of asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru. For people whose spiritual life is grounded in silence, we sure are a noisy lot!
Witness And it’s not just words either: we act prophetically as well. This brings me to the third word in this address: witness.
We have found many creative ways to ‘pay the rent’, including scholarships for Indigenous children and university students, donations to Aboriginal organisations, and supporting Indigenous
43 community gatherings, conferences and protests. West Australia Regional Meeting held a “Welcome Both Ways” smoking ceremony and meeting for worship, and Canberra Regional Meeting hosts a Listening Circle where First People come and speak to those who are ready to learn about the reality of living life as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander in Australia. Our activity on refugee concerns was equally vigorous. Victoria and Canberra Regional Meetings both offer sanctuary for asylum seekers, and a number of individual Friends help with language and practical support of individual refugees and their families. Victoria Regional Meeting hosts weekly tutoring and a monthly meal at the new meetinghouse, and supports a sewing group that empowers women to socialise and build employment readiness. Tasmania and South Australia Regional Meetings have small grant schemes and Canberra Regional Meeting organises care packages to be sent to Manus Island.
QSA received a major bequest this year in support of refugees and Friends are now in discernment about how best to make use of their allocated portion. QSA also supports aid projects in Cambodia, Uganda and India.
The Yearly Meeting Earthcare Committee has challenged us to act on carbon offsets for travel by setting up a Regional Meeting “dollar a refill” fund. This has not been widely taken up, instead leaving the earth care witness up to individuals. It is a weakness. However, Friends are increasingly using Zoom to reduce Quaker-related travel and our individual commitment to action is widespread.
There were several examples of individual witness being supported by meetings. For example, Queensland Regional Meeting supports the refugee support work of Abel [See-bo-nee-yo] Siboniyo as well as David Carline’s work with Indigenous people at Cunnamulla. Tasmania, Canberra, West Australia, and NSW Regional Meetings all helped prepare applications to the Yearly Meeting Peace & Social Justice Fund for their members: Joss Brooks’ tree-planting project in India, Dave Hodgkin’s concern for a School of Peace in Indonesia, Jerrod McKenna’s First Home Project supporting new Australians, and Aletia Dundas’ work in Ecumenical Accompaniment in Palestine & Israel. Victoria Regional Meeting funded Jason McCleod’s Civil Resistance Guide and a project led by Lorel Thomas dealing with unexploded munitions.
Friends also provided financial support to a wide array of causes. The Quaker Shop in Adelaide raised $74,000 for QSA last year. They have 55 volunteers and regularly run out of the pamphlets about Quakers which sit on the counter.
Evangelism This leads me to the fourth word: evangelism. I know that many Friends think that evangelism is a four-letter word, and might prefer to call it outreach. But they are not the same. Outreach lets people know that we exist, and its aim is to increase our numbers. Evangelism is about offering opportunities for others to be changed as we have been changed through our shared worship, community and witness. Evangelism is about changing lives, with a side effect of increasing our numbers.
Though few, there were examples of outreach this year. Victorian Friends held an open day at their new meetinghouse in Melbourne; NSW Regional Meeting had a stall at Mardi Gras; and Hunter Valley Local Meeting in Newcastle hosted the WW1 peace exhibition for Quaker day, which resulted in 4 new attenders. The panels being created by Friends in Stitches provide a great resource for future outreach. But it is the example of what we do and how we live that is our best outreach. We could all do better at claiming our Quaker motivations and open a door for others to experience the goodness we have found amongst Friends.
Numbers We welcomed 17 adults into membership this year. Eleven resigned their membership, two of
44 whom did so out of disillusionment with Friends. The number of adult members has remained relatively stable at 892. Children have increased by 8% and attenders have dropped by 2% to 755, making a total of 148 children and 1647 adult Quaker participants in Australia. Numbers matter: we need critical mass to finance and empower our witness and our spiritual nurture in the world. Where are we growing? What are we doing right? These are the useful questions. Also, where are we shrinking, and why?
Condition This brings me to the final word I offer: condition. Think of it is something a doctor would say to a patient. We all have a spiritual condition that needs diagnosis and treatment. We can also be in ‘good condition’. Usually it’s a mix of both something to celebrate and some shortcoming to be revealed and allowed to heal in the Light.
The lack of growth in our numbers may reflect a certain spiritual stagnation. If our spiritual base is vibrant, we will attract more. Lots of people speak truth to power and do good works. We have to be more than that. We need to enhance and display the spiritual basis of these activities in order to grow meaningfully as a society. The number of Young Friends in particular is small, and they need our care and nurture. Maybe they can help us upskill in IT usage which will be needed to address our ecological witness.
But I think the greatest ailment we have now is our temptation for creedal debate: including stubborn conflict about what is or is not “Quakerly” and heated debate between atheists and those who speak of God. To this I offer the following story:
‘One evening a guest was sharing supper with two elderly Friends. He asked them how Friends understood God. One of the elders answered, “Well now, I guess I don’t really know. I know what I think”. Then, turning to his friend, he said: “Thee and I have been worshipping together for almost fifty years. I don’t know what thee thinks about God. I don’t think we’ve ever talked about it.” The other Friend agreed, adding: “I really don’t think it matters much. If thee shares the experience in the worship, it doesn’t much matter how thee puts it into words.”
As Queensland has advised us, we must speak with another one another under the discipline of the spirit. It may be helpful to use the same rules as in meeting for worship for business:
• Speak your truth, but listen too • Be prepared to be changed by the encounter • Be prepared to live in a patient uncertainty, perhaps for years, enabling disagreement without animosity • Set aside self & ego in deference to Truth.
Conclusion
And so I return to the questions I was given in preparing this talk.
How is Truth prospering?
How do these expressions of Truth prosper in your meetings? Community. Prophecy. Witness. Evangelism.
If a Voice could speak to our condition, our state as the Religious Society of Friends, what would it say to us? I pray that we may hear that Voice, and that we may follow its counsel.
Open our ears that we may hear Voices of truth thou sendest clear And while the wave notes ring in our ears Everything false will disappear.
45 Silently now I wait for thee Ready my God thy will to see Open my ears, illumine me Spirit Divine.
Sheila Keane NSWRM
Summary of Epistles from other Yearly Meetings (YM18.19 Minute of Record)
Preparing this summary of the Yearly Meeting Epistles has been a demanding but very rewarding task. I have learned so much about how we (Australia Yearly Meeting) are similar to but also sometimes very different from other Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends.
Being together The most predominant theme of the Epistles is the joy of being together to share in worship, business meeting and renewing and making new friendships. The Belgium Luxembourg Yearly Meeting recorded: Our three-day residential meeting has given us the time and space to… enjoy being together. Alaska Friends write: our yearly gathering renews our joy in community, our spiritual connections and our hope in sharing our vision of a diverse and welcoming community, in right relation to the world. Uganda Friends … enjoyed fellowship through well cooked food and games of football and netball… And …We enjoyed creative music by different choirs, Sunday Schools, teenage, adult, and elderly from various churches and groups in East Africa.
Concern for indigenous and oppressed peoples A strong theme to emerge is how many Yearly Meetings are concerned for or standing with indigenous people and the world’s oppressed peoples. We acknowledged the indigenous people of this region was recorded by Aotearoa, New Zealand while Iowa Conservative Yearly Meeting had a panel on building bridges with Native Americans. Southeastern Yearly Meeting had a presentation titled: Roots of injustice, seeds of change: Towards right relationship with Native Peoples.
Britain Yearly Meeting, with the theme of How we work with others to make a difference and build a better world, recorded: Inequality has become vividly apparent. We are distressed by the trashing of our planet, and angry at the greed, ruthlessness, violence and lies which blight the lives of so many. The German Yearly Meeting found that …often in difficult times, Quakers have pointed the way towards a future with room for compassion, where human life is valued…North Pacific Yearly Meeting will also be addressing racism and white privilege as a rising concern. Uganda Yearly Meeting prayed for the “delicate” political situation in East Africa especially in Kenya, the ever rising refugee crisis in South Sudan, the terror from Somalia, Burundi, other parts of Africa and the rest of the world.
The Quaker Council on European Affairs feels that in a European climate of exclusion and scapegoating there is a need for the voice of belief and values as recurrent themes (are) a swing to populism, a disengagement from multiculturalism, and a lack of basic attitudes of care for the dispossessed and dislocated. They also report that EU organisations are undergoing a process of militarisation. The good news is that they have just published a reference work “Building Peace Together” that includes 40 tools and 80 examples of nonviolent peacebuilding.
46 Peace, Integrity and Non-Violence Another strong theme to emerge is Friends’ concerns for Peace, Integrity and Non Violence. Western Yearly Meeting had workshops including: “Practice in Peaceful Problem Solving” presented by the Indianapolis Peace Learning Center; and “Communicating for Peaceful Resolution” presented by the Alternatives to Violence (group). Southeastern Yearly Meeting agreed to a minute, part of which reads: In a larger context, we share distress at the degree to which American culture accepts, uses, and relies on violence by individuals and groups to solve interpersonal and societal conflicts. We ally ourselves with the victims of such violence and with their sense of urgency in seeking reforms through non-violent means.
This theme …was chosen (by the Nordic Yearly Meeting) to address our concern for the condition of the world today, where violence is too often normalized in our societies: in politics, film and TV, by the multinational war machine and it consequences, and with the erosion of the social contract in a world of rising conflict. One Friend from North Carolina (Conservative) Yearly Meeting …shared about saying “yes” to a leading to undertake Alternatives to Violence Project work with prisoners, While German Friends expressed: A further pressing concern is the existence in Germany of US American atomic weapons. Young Friends in Northern Ireland are inspired by the trust that people have had in our integrity as Quakers in the past. We can't rest on this. It's our shared joy and responsibility to continue this as the next generation. Interestingly, the Central European Gathering arrived at the conclusion that we have different intuitions about what nonviolence means and Young Friends from Aotearoa recorded that Peace and integrity were woven into conversations about global issues and what we as a generation will face in the future.
Bible study Many Yearly Meetings conduct Bible studies over their time together. Both Chavakali (Kenya) and Evangelical Friends of Kenya reminded us that there should be love, faithfulness, kindness and patience among all church members and leaders and that ... those that walk in righteousness have peace, joy and love. Indiana Yearly Meeting recorded: The presence of the Holy Spirit was felt throughout our meetings and worship giving us unity, encouragement and hope. Nairobi Yearly Meeting undertook bible study on the book of 2nd Timothy every morning and North Carolina (Conservative) Yearly Meeting had a speaker who led the Bible Study based on the writings in her book ... In her book, she outlines the ten different stages of the Quaker spiritual journey. South Central Yearly Meeting studied Psalm 100: 1-2: Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. Serve the LORD with gladness: come before [God’s] presence with singing.
The future of Quakerism Belgium Luxembourg Yearly Meeting looked at the future direction of our Quaker community and took the time to reflect on the specific nature of our meeting, recognizing that different people come to us with different needs and expectations. Other Meetings also reflected on the future of Quakerism. Japan Yearly Meeting talked about the legacy we leave to the next generation, visible and invisible and Western Yearly Meeting reminded us through historical anecdotes that the growth of Quakerdom was not without conflict, disagreement, and heartache. What allowed the Quakers to survive as a group, was that … they were united by love and the Spirit which is stronger than any outside force. German Friends recorded: The matter that exercised us most was that of the future, both of our historic house and of our continuing fellowship as Friends. Until recently many had been unaware of how often the Quaekerhaus in Bad Pyrmont is standing empty. However, Indiana Yearly Meeting recorded: It was exciting to note that we increased in numbers in our adult, junior and overall membership of the yearly meeting.
Self-examination Many of us come from privileged backgrounds of which we are largely unconscious, making it difficult to see how others among us are being harmed by the workings of the same dominant culture that benefits us. So write the Friends of New England Yearly Meeting. A couple of other Yearly Meetings also examined our need to examine ourselves and think about how we may change. Britain Yearly
47 Meeting Senior Conference wrote: It is important to raise problems within our own community and reflect inwardly on how we can improve. It is in this vein that in this event, and consequently this epistle, we attempted to look at both Quakerism’s flaws and strengths in regards to the theme ‘Diversity and Unity’. Nairobi Yearly Meeting looked at leadership and observed that A servant leader should be merciful, selfless and serve in the spirit and power of God. He should be disciplined, focused and a team player whilst North Carolina Conservative Yearly Meeting concentrated on revision of their Book of Discipline.
Same sex relationships The issue of same sex relationships and gender identity has caused division in some meetings and been embraced by others. North Pacific Yearly Meeting used focused worship to consider a minute…regarding welcoming transgender and gender nonconforming people into our Meetings and they also recorded (he) presented a lecture-performance which included three moving sketches using comedy to connect his personal story as a gay man with gender nonconformity, Bible stories, and climate change. The Walton lecturer at Southeastern Yearly Meeting is Quaker, grew up in Palestine, and is also an LGBTQ rights activist. Wilmington Yearly Meeting records: Some of those who spoke to the question (of same sex marriage) shone the light of Truth on the deep differences that divide us. We disagree about the nature of the authority of Scripture. We disagree about how to balance the witness of Scripture with the witness of the inward experience of God. We disagree about the authority of the Yearly Meeting over Monthly Meetings. We disagree about the continuing nature of revelation. But they also write: While acknowledging these disagreements, we affirmed our love for the fellowship. We heard friends share their deep love and appreciation for one another.
A group of local meetings have split off from Northwest Yearly Meeting as they could not align themselves with the current Faith and Practice statement on human sexuality. This new Yearly Meeting is to be known as Sierra-Cascades Yearly Meeting. They record: We are led by the Spirit to commit ourselves to recognizing the full participation of LGBTQ+ people in all aspects of the life of the new yearly meeting.
Financial Financial issues were raised in a couple of epistles. Indiana Yearly Meeting states that: We continue to be blessed financially by fully funding our 2018 budget. However, the Quaker Council on European Affairs is currently operating with a budget deficit.
Climate Change Alaska Friends write: On climate change, most of us felt empowered and engaged, not having given up. They go on to list practical local actions: scholarships for training technicians to install solar panels, working to install solar panels on a local school in a low-income neighbourhood, an interfaith coalition advocating for sustainable environment relying on renewable energy, a mobile solar power generator. Central Friends (Middle Schoolers) of North Pacific Yearly Meeting write in their epistle that they talked about climate change, whilst Southeastern Yearly Meeting has appointed a Field Secretary for Earthcare.
Conclusion Any summary cannot collect all the thoughts expressed in the Epistles. My own biases must affect what I have collected and recorded in this summary. The choice of what subjects to group together is mine alone and I hope of some use. Whilst I have attempted to present a wide range of what has been written, this summary is a narrow snapshot of what Friends around the world are concerned with and engaged in. You can read any or all of the Epistles for yourself at http://fwcc.world/epistles-from-quaker-groups-from-around-the-world.
Peter Hillery Bega Valley CRM
48 PREPARATORY SESSION REPORTS
Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery (Friends in Stitches) Preparatory Session Report
After a period of silence and acknowledgement of the Indigenous owners of the land, Tessa Spratt, Victoria RM, gave an overview of the work of Friends in Stitches throughout Australia.
Tessa reported that 18 panels have been produced so far and these have been the centrepiece of public exhibitions and open days in several Regional Meetings. Friends in Stitches aims to produce 40 panels, a size of display that we are told would attract considerable attention.
Tessa also shared the way the new colour publication, Australia Quaker Narrative Embroidery, has come to fruition.
Mary Grbavac. Queensland RM, reported sharing eight panels with the Queensland Embroiderers’ Guild, who had already seen an article about the panels in ‘Inspirations’ journal. The panels were also displayed at local Meetings within Queensland.
A challenge for Friends in Stitches has arisen in relation to the panel about Francis Cotton and his contact with Tasmanian Aborigines which has been reported to be historically incorrect. We are sensitive to the feelings of those who worked on this panel and also appreciate the problems that would arise from displaying a panel that did not truthfully present Tasmanian Aboriginal history.
We heard differing views on the possible historical truths of this matter: • first, the documentary evidence that suggests only two recorded contacts between Francis Cotton and Indigenous Tasmanians and in neither of these is there a mention of recording Indigenous legends and then • a statement from the embroiderer, Elizabeth Fleetwood on her reasons for undertaking this panel, the ways the information came into her hands, her reservations on the accuracy of the more recent publication, and her conviction that this panel could do ‘more good than harm’.
There were four proposals for addressing this difficulty: • that the panel is kept on display as it is now, • that the words on the panel are modified, • that the panel be removed altogether, or • that the panel be temporarily set aside until we have further clarity.
We heard a number of suggestions for ways of changing the wording on the panel however there was no unity on any one of these.
We note that the panel is already displayed in the Australian Quaker Narrative Embroidery publication and on the AYM website.
Friends in this Preparatory Session are not in unity and have not been able to find a solution that provides clarity and serenity for all.
We ask that the panel continue to be displayed during this Australia Yearly Meeting so that more Friends may be able to view the panel and may participate in a decision.
We understand that this is not just a matter for Friends in Stitches but must be a Yearly Meeting decision.
Taisoo Kim Watson (QRM), Convenor; Recording Clerk: Jude Pembleton; Tessa Spratt (VRM), Sally O’Wheel (TRM), Presenter 49 Children’s and JYFs Committee Preparatory Session Report
The preparatory session began with silence and the reading of a poem from the Children’s Committee of Tasmania Regional Meeting, Caring for all beings. The session began with a small group of people and then we were delighted that many JYFs attended to swell the numbers to around 30 people. Children and JYFs Committee members introduced themselves: Tonya Jensen (WARM); Lisa Wriley (NSWRM), Alex Brosnan (YF); Mariam Hope (JYF) and Josh Crane (JYF), who are both from Eastern Suburbs Local Meeting.
Tonya Jensen, Committee Co-convenor, presented the report of the Committee which is found in Documents in Advance, (pp.35-36). She highlighted key challenges: the need for better understanding of AYM child protection policies and for implementing these when running events (noting the child protection policy briefing at the start of YM), and the development of guidelines for JYF behaviour at AYM events.
Wilma Davidson, as Children and JYF Coordinator, presented her report of her many activities, with input from a number of JYFs present (pp. 36-38 DiA). She identified the importance of managing the time involved in her role (the paid hours are 10 per week) and noted that at present more of her time is devoted to JYFs due to requirements of camp planning than to work with the children. In 2016 Wilma began a book designed to explain Friends to 8-10 year olds and JYFs have been assisting with the illustrations of this book.
Wilma emphasised that she works under the guidance of the Committee.
Discussion points arising: • The new website is proving a useful way of communicating within the Children and JYF Committee, also for sharing information between JYFs and family members. • There was some enthusiasm for using Werona at Kangaroo Valley NSW as a place for a JYF activity. We noted that the facilities are quite limited. • JYF gatherings, including summer camps, Easter camps and YM camps are important in promoting relationships amongst the small number of JYFs across Australia. However, expenses associated with attending JYF gatherings are high. • JYFs are particularly keen on the participation of The Friendly Adult Presence (FRAPs) who are Young Friends. • July, the current time for Yearly Meeting, is a cold time for camping. • There is burnout risk- it tends to be the same people are planning the JYF events and this is time consuming. The involvement of more people in planning is needed to ensure sustainability. In order to reduce this pressure, there was a suggestion that Australian Yearly Meeting JYFs and possibly families consider attending the Aotearoa New Zealand gathering. The Aotearoa NZ representative was open
1) Recommendations brought forward from Part B of the AYM Children and JYF (Junior Young Friend) Committee’s Report:
a. That AYM approve the extension of Wilma Davidson’s contract for a further 12 months to July 2019 (end of Yearly Meeting)
We note that every Regional Meeting agreed to this. We recommend that this be done.
b. That AYM approve the continuation of the funding for the Children & JYF committee and Co-ordinator position as a permanent line item – currently set at $15,000/year.
For information: At present $12,000 constitutes the consultancy fee for the coordinator and the $3000 is the remainder of the budget for the Children and JYFs Committee). We note that all Regional Meetings agreed to this. We recommend that this be done.
50 c. That AYM approve the advertising of the Children & JYF Co-ordinator position in 2019, as a 2-year contract from July 2019.
All Regional Meetings supported this recommendation, and this was supported by the Preparatory Session. CRM suggested that this should occur early in the year.
2) Recommendations from the Preparatory Session
a. We ask that the time of the Formal Session each YM on Children and JYFs be changed to a time when the JYFs and carers will be on the campus (usually Fridays). b. We recommend further discussion and discernment from Yearly Meeting regarding an issue which emerged in relation to the advertising of the children and JYF Coordinator position starting in July 2019. Should the Children and Young Friend Coordinator’s role be expanded to include the planning and coordination of the Children and JYF Program at Yearly Meetings? The preparatory session was not able to reach unity on this and asks for discernment from the YM Formal Session.
This discussion focused on whether there needs to be a revision of the role description prior to the advertising. This issue was raised by two Regional Meetings and within the Preparatory Session. SANTRM’s response to this recommendation included a request that the role description of the Children and JYF Coordinator be updated to include the coordination and planning of the Children and JYFs program at AYM. TRM asked that prior to advertising the position in 2019, the job description is reviewed mindful of the tasks that need to be done and that can be done within the scope of a part-time position.
Discussion highlighted that there is a balance to be attained between the Coordinator’s role in supporting Regional Meetings to nurture the development of children and young people, and the current identified need to more fully resource the Children and JYFs program at Yearly Meetings. We heard concerns expressed that those within RMs who take on coordinating children’s and JYF’s programs at YM often find that work exhausting.
We noted that these concerns exist within the context of an emerging discussion about the sustainability of the way in which YM is currently structured. We heard that the YM Planning Support Committee is already involved in supporting those who plan the children and JYFs programs at YMs, but are also finding that there is a scarcity of people willing and able to assist. We were reminded that when TRM held Yearly Meeting in 2016 there was a paid worker for the children’s program.
Christine Larkin (CRM), Convenor; Lorraine Thomson (CRM), Recording Clerk; Lisa Wriley (NSWRM) and Tonya Jensen (WARM), presenters
Child Protection Preparatory Session Report
1. We accept the report in Documents in Advance. We need an ongoing structure for child oversight in Yearly Meeting and mechanism to ensure we are implementing this policy. We thank the members of this committee for their report and for their work in this area.
2. We note that the Child Protection Policy needs to be implemented in all areas of our work which includes all events sponsored by Quakers, from an overseas study tour to a picnic organised by a local meeting. There needs to be:
51 o a formal structure o records to be kept from year to year about past events in case there is a need to refer back at those details o knowledge about requirements of different places o up-to-date knowledge about the procedures
3. We note that record-keeping and interviewing Friends to become approved child carers are areas of the policy that some Meetings are finding challenging to implement. The Quaker process is very important as it includes providing references and an interview about the Friends approach to working with children. The Children’s and JYF committee will consult the Child Protection policy, and if the policy allows, will facilitate the interview process during this Yearly Meeting to assist some Friends in progressing their Quaker check.
4. We recommend that the structure of Yearly Meeting Child Protection committee be revised and comprise the current Child Protection Contact Friends from each Regional Meeting. The committee should meet a number of times a year via electronic means. Yarrow Andrew (SANTRM) and Maddy Walker (TRM) are willing to be the convenors of this committee. The Yearly Meeting Secretary will be ex-officio on this committee as the Secretary is responsible for the annual audit. We note that the committee will no longer be an expert committee and will now be a representative committee. As such, we ask this new committee to review the current terms of reference and develop new terms of reference. We note the importance of ensuring the Child Protection policy stays up-to-date with current legislation.
5. We note that there is expertise amongst Friends that can be drawn on and encourage Child Protection Contact Friends to consult these Friends. This includes Dorothy Scott, Ronis Chapman, Val Boyd and the Safe Quaker Community Committee. We also note the significant support provided by the National Council of Churches in Australia and state governments to ensure we are creating communities that are safe for children. We encourage Child Protection Contact Friends to make contact with state government and ecumenical organisations to help them stay up-to-date with changing legislation and best practise.
Recommendations to Yearly Meeting: We need an ongoing structure for child oversight in Yearly Meeting and mechanism to ensure we are implementing this policy.
We note that the Child Protection Policy needs to be implemented in all areas of our work which includes all events sponsored by Quakers, from an overseas study tour to a picnic organised by a local meeting. There needs to be: a. a formal structure b. records to be kept from year to year about past events in case need to look back at those details c. knowledge about requirements of different places d. up-to-date knowledge about the procedures
We recommend that: 1. the structure of Yearly Meeting Child Protection committee be revised and comprise the current Child Protection Contact Friends from each Regional Meeting. 2. the committee should meet a number of times a year via electronic means. Yarrow Andrew (SANTRM) and Maddy Walker (TRM) are willing to be the convenors of this committee. 3. the Yearly Meeting Secretary will be ex-officio on this committee as the Secretary is
52 responsible for the annual audit. 4. (We note that) the committee will no longer be an expert committee and will now be a representative committee. 5. (As such, we ask) this new committee to review the current terms of reference and develop new terms of reference. We note the importance of ensuring the Child Protection policy stays up-to-date with current legislation.
We encourage Child Protection Contact Friends to make contact with state government and ecumenical organisations to help them stay up-to-date with changing legislation and best practise.
Judith Pembleton (QRM), Convenor; Emily Chapman-Searle (TRM), Recording Clerk
Earthcare Preparatory Session Report
The Committee’s report is on pages 38-39 of Documents in Advance 2018.
Adrian Glamorgan, the Committee’s Co-Convenor, gave us an opportunity to reflect on our “special place” to remind us of the importance of “walking the land”.
He and Sue Ennis spoke about the “Living the Change” initiative of the ARRCC (Australian Religious Response to Climate Change), which seeks to encourage us to make “faithful choices for a “flourishing world”. We heard of the call to take a personal public stance to bring attention to this issue on 7-14 October, information about which is available elsewhere.
In the discussion on the Earthcare report, Friends spoke of:
• Individual and collective opportunities to better direst and use our superannuation and other investments, recalling the urgings of our Friend Robert Howell to consider divestment from carbon-based investments; • Meetings’ exploration of ‘walking the land” and development of the approach in programs at Silver wattle Quaker Centre; • The close relationship between our commitment to the Earth and our peacemaking work; • Inhibitions about the “dollar for a refill” project and way to overcome them, acknowledging that the effort to set aside these small amounts serves to remind us of the impacts of our travel; • The various ways that the small amounts can be accumulated and used-including local as well as collective and global ways to offset carbon use; • Opportunities to support carbon minimization projects at Silver Wattle.
Ray Brindle (SANTRM), Convenor; Elizabeth Po’ (WARM), Recording Clerk; Adrian Glamorgan, (WARM), Presenter
Ecumenism, Interfaith, and NCCA Preparatory Session Report
We were pleased to welcome Liz Stone, Associate General Secretary, NCCA and Father Shenouda Mansoor, Executive Secretary for NSW Ecumenical Council.
We briefly summarised the Documents in Advance pp 39 – 42. Jo Jordan and Wies Shuiringa met with the President and Secretary of NCCA and proposed an amendment to the NCCA constitution to reinstate the relevant clause regarding membership of non-credal churches, an issue of importance to Friends. This amendment was accepted with enthusiasm in November 2017 at the NCCA AGM.
53 The NCCA Social Justice Network has produced an on-line resource “What do the Churches say about Peace”, available on the NCCA website.
At the NCCA Assembly in November 2017, Jo Jordan and Ronis Chapman heard a briefing by Laura Cregan and Liz Stone on the findings of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The NCCA board decided to host four round-table discussions on areas of mutual concern in the coming 12 months.
It is likely that the ten Child-Safe Standards will become the standards recommended to all community and church organisations.
Peter Bennett (VRM) is the AYM representative on the NCCA Faith and Unity Commission, which has two-day meetings twice a year in Melbourne. He has submitted a paper to the Commission on the topic of Mission and Evangelism which he found challenging to write. This paper was not included in Documents in Advance, but a version of it will be published in the Australian Friend.
We heard a variety of reports from Regional Meetings about their ecumenical and interfaith activities: • In Victoria, Quakers have strong connections with Victorian Council of Churches (VCC) and have served on its Board for 13 years. VCC works with Christian churches as well as Jewish and Muslim groups.
• In Canberra, Quakers are active in the ACT Churches Council and in specific areas such as refugee support. Its Committee on Racial Equality provides a forum for stories from Aboriginal people.
• It was pleasing to hear about the many interfaith activities in Wagga, Queensland, South Australia and Sydney. Because of our small numbers, partnering with other groups is especially important when action is required on Peace and Social Justice issues.
Sue Ennis gave an overview of the work of Religions for Peace, which has now formed a network across Australia, and is linked to similar organisations in many other countries. Sue encouraged us to be part of Living the Change, which is an initiative of Religions for Peace and the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change. Living The Change is about transforming one’s lifestyle, especially in the areas of Food, Transport and Energy. A special week October 7-14th will be a focus for this activity.
Liz Stone mentioned that NCCA is reviewing its work in 2018. Its income does not currently cover its costs. NCCA is combining its work in social justice and eco justice. NCCA is reaching out to Millenials and to Common Grace, asking for a theological response to the Royal Commission findings and around “righteous anger”.
She mentioned a possible conference in January focussing on Aboriginal Spirituality. She acknowledged the importance of the input of Friends and Friends’ practices in the work of the NCCA.
The NCCA was able to assist in gaining the support of Act for Peace for the work of Jason MacLeod and Pasifika in West Papua and for the Australian speaking tour of the West Papuan Survivors of Torture.
Father Shenouda Mansoor was encouraged by what Friends were doing. He urged us all to build bridges, break down walls. Times have changed. The church needs to take on a multifaith identity, based on our ability to live in peace with each other. If we do not form partnerships we will be left behind.
54
Recommendations to Yearly Meeting:
1. We recommend that Peter Bennett’s paper about Mission and Evangelism be included in Documents in Retrospect.
2. We ask Regional Meetings to encourage their Members and Attenders to participate in Living the Change by giving thought to the way their lifestyle impacts on climate
Dale Hess (VRM), Convenor; Bruce Henry (VRM), Recording Clerk
First Nations Peoples’ Concerns Committee Preparatory Session Report
FNCC’s report in Documents in Advance was received. There were no items for consideration.
Reports from Regional Meetings: CRM: a) Canberra Friends held two sessions to consider the Uluru Statement from the Heart, in response to YM 2017’s request that we consider coming right way. As a follow-up Canberra will meet with Julie Tongs, a local Aboriginal leader, to discuss her concern for a treaty in the ACT. b) The Committee on Racial Equality (CORE) continues its series of public talks by Aboriginal speakers about their lives and concerns.
NSWRM: a) Friends were able to join others in ‘signing’ the Uluru Statement in public as a gesture of support. b) Some Friends participated in the remembrance of the Appin massacre and valued the positive way local Aboriginal people are sharing that event with others. c) The ecumenical ATSI group has been laid down, but Common Grace has taken up some of the concerns. d) Blue Mountains Friends have learnt an Aboriginal song to sing prior to meetings, in place of ‘welcome to country’. e) In Kyogle, there are good persona contacts and practical support for Aboriginal housing. f) Northern Rivers group supports a scholarship for Indigenous primary students, and work with other groups to encourage Indigenous initiatives. g) In Katoomba, funds from the Nancy Shelley fund have supported an Indigenous representative to go to North America to meet with native Americans.
QRM: a) Pay the Rent contributions support cultural teaching and several Aboriginal organisations and individuals (e.g. Aunty Jean Philips). b) Financial support is given to David Carline in Cunnamulla and his work with children. c) North Queensland Friends helped with an application for a Federal grant to conserve the Jirrbal language, and in moves to create Grameen-style loans to Aboriginal people
SANTRM: a) The women elders at the SA Coorong Camp are struggling to maintain their community following deaths of male elders. Friends who were involved in protests against the Hindmarsh Island bridge are finding it difficult to offer support now.
b) There is a monthly candlelight vigil outside Government House in Adelaide to remember the removal of children in the past from Aboriginal families. 55 c) The Tandanya Centre in Adelaide is a good place to meet Aboriginal people and learn about culture. A choir is forming to sing songs in local languages.
TRM: a) Friends School has been trying ‘learning communities’ to build links with Indigenous people. Reconciliation Tasmania helped suggest student activities. Mick Gooda spoke at the school. b) Emily Chapman-Searle has been sharing her learnings about Indigenous heritage in Tasmania with students at Friends School assemblies. c) In Devonport, the local Greens candidate for a Federal seat is Aboriginal and Quakers share his concerns on environment and justice.
WARM: a) An occasion called ‘welcome both ways’ was held to enable First Nations People and others to meet and yarn together. b) There is outreach through a community radio program. c) The WA Aboriginal Heritage Act is being reviewed. d) Pay the Rent support continues and Aboriginal corporation. e) Descendants of massacre victims are being brought together with those of perpetrators. f) A university course in an Aboriginal language has begun.
Silver Wattle Quaker Centre A fund has been established to support access to courses for Aboriginal leaders and participants.
QSA Continuing support if given for David Carline’s work, through funding of equipment.
Recommendations to Yearly Meeting: The draft letter to the Prime Minister on the response to them Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Harold Wilkinson (CRM), Convernor; David Purnell (CRM), Recording Clerk
The Friends’ School and Quaker Values Committee Presentation Report
We heard from Nelson File that he has been offered and has accepted a second five-year contract at The Friends’ School. Nelson spoke about Gatherings and the conscious work being done to improve the experience for students, to give them time for silent reflection and to contemplate relevant and important themes.
We heard that the School has many committees, reference groups and working groups and that this year the school has adopted a preamble which is placed at the start of the agenda of each meeting to remind those present that the meetings are run in the manner of Friends.
Nelson read the School’s Statement on belief of gender equality. This policy was developed by staff and students in Year 11 and 12 and adopted by the School Board. The school has always sought to represent gender equality an as our understanding of the fluidity of gender is evolving, the current practices need to be considered and reviewed.
We heard from Helen Bayes and Jim Palmer about their time as Quakers in Residence at The Friends’ School, how welcome they were made to feel and how well looked after they were. Helen spoke of attending every Gathering and the feeling that as the room fills and the silence gathers, you can see students responding to that at all different ages. 56 We heard from Allan Knight, convenor of the Quaker Values Committee, which is a committee of the School Board, about his time as a Quaker in Residence. Allan reported that this year the committee spent time considering its terms of reference and how it can best support the school in implementing its purpose and concerns and achieve the committee’s terms of reference. Allan spent the week following these meetings at the school, learning about how it operates and the many ways the school implements Quaker values as expressed through the purpose and concerns statement.
Jenny Stock (SANTRM), Convenor; Emily Chapman-Searle (TRM), Recording Clerk; Nelson File (Principal, The Friends’ School) and Emily Chapman-Searle (TRM), presenters.
Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) Preparatory Session
Regional Voices
At this Preparatory Session, we appreciated Friends’ faith and action in the Asia-West Pacific region, meeting, responding to, and enjoying unique intercultural opportunities and challenges. • Korea - we recalled yesterday’s Backhouse Lecture presented by Cho-nyon Kim, providing insights about different faiths in South Korea, and Quaker worship there. • Singapore – FWCC Visitor Tony Hopkin spoke of Singapore’s history, its focus on development, its greenery, its multi-ethnicity and diverse houses of worship. In Singapore, a religious body needs 10 members to register as a church. Christian churches are not often outspoken, for example about refugees. Through the courts, Seventh Day Adventists and Christian Scientists have challenged conscription laws, winning peace church conscripts the right not to have to carry a gun within the army, but not to avoid conscription. Singapore is a secure society, showcased last month by the summit between the leaders of North Korea and the United States. The city-state’s abstention from the treaty to ban nuclear weapons, and its 25% defence budget, reflects its position in the region. We encourage Friends to enjoy fellowship with Tony and Margaret during AYM. • Cambodia – Margaret Bywater spoke of her love for and fascination with Cambodia. The country, especially the capital Phnom Penh, is going through a period of development, with its aspirations to achieve in ways Tony had spoken of Singapore. Cambodia is environmentally and agriculturally adversely affected by what happens upstream, notably the damming of the Mekong and some of its tributaries. Margaret strongly respects Cambodians’ own understanding of what Cambodia needs, which may be different from other countries’ perceptions. • Aotearoa/New Zealand – Lesley Young brought warm greetings at this time of Matariki, Maori New Year, when the Pleiades rises following the winter solstice. A decline in numbers within Quakers prompted a review last year, energising Friends’ consideration of the Spirit, and the place of children and Young Friends in the meeting – particularly following the visit by Australian Friend Tracy Bourne. Aotearoan Friends also appreciated the May 2018 visit by Peter Webb and his presentation and musical offerings. • Friends’ World Committee for Consultation - Asia-West Pacific Section - Secretary Ronis Chapman spoke briefly via zoom, and was pleased to have heard the Backhouse Lecture, and Tony’s presentation. She was keen to use new technology to communicate, and reduce carbon footprint. (However, we find our use of the technology still has technical limitations and on this occasion audio problems thwarted a longer presentation. It does, however, signal the potential.)
Regional Connections
We heard about ways the Committee hopes to increase fellowship with our Friends in the Asia- West Pacific Section.
57 1. Plan ahead and attend Friends’ Meetings for Worship. Australian Friends travelling internationally can consider timing their trip to allow stopovers or longer visits to make contact with and attend Friends’ Meetings for Worship.
2. Educational Webinars: building on the excellent webinar held this year about North Korea (with reports from Friends in Bangkok (liaising with NK), Sydney, and a QUNO representative in Washington) we would like to build up expertise and connections between Quakers in the Section who are working on specific topics of interest to Friends. These zoom webinars (at the moment, that seems the most user-friendly) would need technical support from one person, plus another facilitating, and a couple of us planning. If we hold 2-3 in the next year we will learn about what works, and what doesn’t, but we consider it a potentially rich way to build cultural exchange and spiritual fellowship. It’’s intended that these FWCC educational webinars would be open to any Friend in Australia.
3. Meetings for Worship Online: Friends are reminded that on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month, at 5pm Eastern time, there is an FWCC zoom meeting for worship, with a sharing that follows. Download zoom.us software. Use the ID number 5968 713127 . If you aren’t sure about how to connect with this, contact Michael Searle. There is also another monthly online meeting held by Peter Hillery – contact Peter for details.
4. FWCC Asia West Pacific Section Meeting, Hong Kong, September 12-14th: Section meetings do not happen often because of their expense, and sometimes difficulty to travel, but we are happy to know there will be one held in September 2018. AYM FWCC Committee member Connor Chaffey would be willing to attend on behalf of the Committee, and Yearly Meeting. We will seek funds for this purpose.
5. Study trip to North Korea: Sejin Pak has been organising a study tour to North Korea, 13 October 2018- 20 October 2018. (See attached itinerary). There is a process to seek the best way forward, which may be discussed elsewhere at AYM, either formally or at a share- and-tell at 4pm Thursday.
6. Selection the AYM 2019 FWCC Visitor and beyond 2019: Since the mid-1990s or so, we have welcomed an FWCC Visitors from around the Section. After discussion, we are proposing to invite Adelaide (Lady) Borton to attend the 2019 Meeting. She is an American Friend who has worked 50 years in Vietnam, and has an important story (many stories!) she may be able to tell. If Friend Adelaide Borton is not available, we may be able to contact a Friend from an Indian Yearly meeting (particularly Bhopal), or Japan.
7. 2020: Because of some of the challenges of communicating and long-term planning we heard the FWCC Committee is weighing up the advantages of asking for expressions of interest from the AWPS, rather than contacting Yearly Meetings. There was some support expressed for this approach, but also hesitation because of the need to ensure that Friends are in good standing with their Meeting. The Committee will consider this.
Recommendations to Yearly Meeting:
1. That Adelaide (Lady) Borton, an American Friend who has worked for 50 years in Vietnam be invited to be AYM 2019 FWCC Visitor. (Should our Friend not be available to visit, we would take up last year’s intention and approach a yearly meeting from India, possibly Bhopal YM) 2. For 2020 and beyond, the FWCC Committee would seek Expressions of Interest from Friends in the FWCC Asia West Pacific Section, incorporating a discernment process including consultation with the appropriate yearly meeting.
Adrian Glamorgan (WARM), Convenor; Dale Hess (VRM), Recording Clerk
58 Handbook Revision Committee Preparatory Session Report
We recognise that the handbook is a living document and that the goal is to have something that reflects our current practice as best as we can. We heard of some of the different approaches Regional Meetings took to reviewing the proposed changes.
We heard that Regional Meetings and individual Friends have provided extensive feedback which has been incorporated into the current revision on the Handbook. The version in DiA has been superseded and the most up-to-date version has been available on the YM2018 website and was displayed during the preparatory session.
We thank the committee for their extensive efforts in reviewing the handbook.
We were not able to review all of the proposed changes, as some Friends present felt that going through each section was important, rather than reviewing just the major changes proposed. We reviewed half of chapter 2 and were not able to consider chapters 3, 4 or 5.
Recommendations to Yearly Meeting: 1. We recommend that part A of the committee’s report be accepted. 2. We recommend that the revised flow chart be accepted. 3. We recommend that the following sections of the handbook be accepted: • 2.1.0 • 2.2.0 • 2.2.1 • 2.2.2, with the note that ‘attend’ be defined in the glossary to include attendance in person or via electronic means such as zoom or skype. • 2.3.1 • 2.3.2, noting that ‘clerk’ is understood to refer to any possible combination of clerking such as co-clerks, and may be defined as such when the glossary is revised. • 2.3.2, noting that the handbook revision committee will split the fifth dot point into 2 points, one addressing with the physical safety/maintenance and the other addressing safe Quaker community policy. • 2.3.3 o noting a minor change in the fifth paragraph separating the process into clear steps o seventh paragraph change ‘it is unwise for a friend to offer’ TO ‘it is unwise for a meeting to appoint’ o eighth paragraph add the ‘bring’ so it reads…’Nominations Committee will be asked to bring forward a replacement name.’ o final paragraph add: These names are brought forward to a meeting for worship for business. Names for the nominations committee may also be brought forward on the floor of a meeting for worship for business.
We recommend that Regional Meetings appoint up to four Friends each to meet electronically with the Handbook Revision committee to give feedback on the suggested revisions. We encourage the friends from each RM to meet locally to review the changes prior to the electronic meeting. This suggestion is in line with the consultation process outlined in the flowchart, which was approved at YM 2017.
We ask the local Friends to communicate these changes with their regional meeting throughout the year. We ask that the final revisions be brought forward to YM 2019.
REVISED TEXT 2.1.0 Introduction The Quaker way described in the previous chapter leads to a corporate structure based on local groups of Quakers who come together for Meeting for Worship. 59 Meetings range in organisational structure and size, and include: • Informal Worshipping Groups (2.2.1) • Recognised Meetings (2.2.2) which may have more structure and more Friends attending • Local Meetings (2.3.0), which may have the use of a Meeting House • The Regional Meeting, which is comprised of all the Members and Attenders who worship within its boundaries. (In Australia, Regional Meeting boundaries generally conform to the geographic boundaries of the State.) • Australia Yearly Meeting, which is comprised of the Members of all Regional Meetings.
A newcomer to any group or Meeting is welcomed and provided with information about Quakers.
Reporting and support structures Each Worshipping Group, Recognised and Local Meeting reports on its progress and needs to the relevant Regional Meeting, and all Regional Meetings to Australia Yearly Meeting. Meetings are listed on the AYM website.
Any member of a Worshipping Group, Recognised or Local Meeting can join the mailing lists of Local and Regional Meeting newsletters, the AYM Secretary’s Newsletter and the Australian Friend.
The RM may provide funds to hire a suitable location for Meetings.
Worshipping Groups, Recognised and Local Meetings are all covered by AYM’s insurance policies for volunteers and public liability. Copies of the Public Liability Policy are available from the AYM Secretary.
All worshipping groups and Meetings are guided by this Handbook and are required to implement all AYM policies, e.g. the Child Protection Policy and the Safe Quaker Community Policy.
2.2.0 Worshipping Groups, Recognised and Local Meetings 2.2.1 Worshipping Groups A Worshipping Group can form when a few Quakers and other interested people decide to come together to worship from time to time in the manner of Friends. All worshipping groups adhere to all AYM Policies, e.g. Safe Quaker Community. A Worshipping Group is under the care of a Local or Regional Meeting and appoints a correspondent. The group receives encouragement and support, such as the loan of books and occasional visitors, who may be from the Local or Regional Meeting. The correspondent informs the RM Clerk of the names and addresses of people associated with the Group (3.1.0). In due course Worshipping Groups may become Recognised Meetings.
2.2.2 Recognised Meetings A small group of Friends, perhaps already meeting as a Worshipping Group, may, if they wish, apply to the Regional Meeting for recognition. Such Recognised Meetings will be under the care of a Local Meeting or their Regional Meeting. All Recognised Meetings adhere to all AYM Policies, e.g. Safe Quaker Community Policy. No formal duties are required of a Recognised Meeting, but it will need to carry out such duties of a Local Meeting as seem appropriate to it.
The Recognised Meeting will communicate with other Meetings via their appointed correspondent.
The correspondent informs the RM Clerk of the names and addresses of people associated with the Group.
If practicable, the Recognised Meeting encourages members to attend RM Business Meetings.
60 2.3.0 Local Meetings 2.3.1 General Local Meetings normally hold Meeting for Worship weekly and are large enough for a wider range of activities, both within the Quaker community as well as in their local community. Local Meetings have several office-holders and committees, providing opportunities for a broader Quaker experience and responsibilities.
2.3.2 Local Meeting tasks The primary responsibility of a Local Meeting is to hold regular Meetings for Worship, and regular Meetings for Worship for Business, which make decisions about activities and responsibilities.
A Local Meeting also takes on additional responsibilities: • Appoints office bearers including Clerk, Treasurer, Nominations Committee, and Ministry and Oversight Committee. Local Meetings may appoint other officer-holders such as librarian, archivist, children’s and JYF committee, outreach committee, hospitality committee, premises committee, others as they may require. Alternatively, they may decide to make ad hoc appointments as needed for a limited period • Provides pastoral support and spiritual nurture for members and attenders • Maintains contact with isolated Friends, Recognised Meetings and Worshipping Groups in their region • Tests Concerns of Members and Attenders (1.4.5) as these become known and if testing is asked for • Takes appropriate action for the physical safety and maintenance of their meeting place • Ensures that Safe Quaker Community Policy is followed at all times, as outlined in the Safe Quaker Community Policy • Collects financial contributions from Members and Attenders (see 2.3.5) • Prepares an annual report for the Regional Meeting Clerk, which is drawn upon in developing the Regional Meeting’s annual report • Ensures that their register of approved child carers is up-to-date • Encourages Members and Attenders to attend Regional Meetings for Worship for Business.
Other responsibilities which may arise include: • Hold Meetings for Marriage and / or Commitment, which have been approved by the Regional Meeting • Hold funerals or memorial Meetings, which are reported to the Regional Meeting • Host AYM committees as agreed upon at YM and the Regional Meeting.
2.2.3 Nominations Committee The Nominations Committee has the responsibility of discerning and bringing to the Meeting names for service as office bearers or committee members for all positions within the Meeting, except for its own committee. It therefore carries a major responsibility for the effectiveness and harmony of the Meeting and needs the support of all members.
When discerning names for the various positions, it considers in a loving spirit the qualities needed for each position.
At times, it may come to the Committee’s notice that a position has become too burdensome for a Friend or is beyond the Friend’s personal ability. In these circumstances, the Friend can be encouraged to lay down their service before their appointment time has finished. The Committee can initiate discreet discussions with an Elder or the Ministry and Care and / or Oversight Committee in these circumstances. The Committee may be able to encourage some Friends to take on new or more demanding positions and find support for these Friends to develop the required skills. There may be times when, during its deliberations, the Committee
61 may need to consider openly how to balance certain nominations so the whole Meeting is served best.
This Committee therefore consists of seasoned Friends with sound knowledge of the Meeting. They usually serve for three years, ending on a declared date. As with all committees, they choose their own convenor and arrange if possible for overlapping of the terms of office to ensure that the corporate memory continues.
The Committee meets preferably face to face.
1. After prayerful consideration, it discerns the name of a Friend to serve in the particular role. 2. Next that Friend is approached to ascertain their willingness for their name to go forward. 3. If they are willing for their name to go forward, the Committee then recommends this name to the meeting for worship for business for its further discernment and decision. 4. It is at the meeting for worship for business that the final decision is made.
It is important that Nominations Committee meets in a spirit of discerning Friends’ gifts and readiness to serve, not to ‘fill a vacancy’. If a name does not occur to Nominations Committee, or if a Friend when asked does not feel led to offer service in that way or at that time, the difficulty in bringing a name forward should be brought before meeting for worship for business. It may well be that a different way of achieving the same service may be discerned. For example, ad hoc appointments can be made for specific tasks.
The Meeting usually appoints Friends for three years and an end date for each appointment is noted. Nominations are arranged to cater for overlapping terms of office to support the corporate memory. If Nominations Committee so discerns, a Friend may be asked to serve for an additional period of 1-3 years after the initial 3-year term of service. It is unwise for a Meeting to appoint a Friend for more than 6 consecutive years of service in any one position. Office-bearers should share their expertise, perhaps by developing written guidelines and procedures, for the support of future Friends undertaking service in this role.
If an office bearer cannot serve the agreed upon term of appointment, Nominations Committee will be asked to bring forward a replacement name.
All office-bearers give service to, and report to, the gathered meeting for worship for business.
The principle is that Nominations Committee does not appoint its own members. Discerning the names for the Nominations Committee itself may be, for example:
• By bringing them forward on the floor of a meeting for worship for business • By bringing them forward by an ad hoc committee, such as one or more previous Clerks and a member of Ministry and Care / Oversight Committee.
As with all other nominations, these names are brought forward to a meeting for worship for business.
Allan Knight (WARM), Convenor; Jennifer Burrell, Wies Schuiringa, Liz Field (NSWRM), Presenters.
IT Committee Preparatory Session
We heard a report from Roger Sawkins, Convenor of the IT committee, about the state of IT in the Society, including a demonstration of the Quakers Australia website (as opposed to the enquirers 62 website demonstrated at YM2017). Many useful questions were asked, or comments made, and the IT committee welcomes further suggestions about improvements to the website. Friends are encouraged to be active on the site and send their concerns and recommendations, as the site in still at the development stage. In particular, we would like to draw your attention to six items: • Zoom is a video-conferencing technology similar to Skype which can be used by committees to include far-flung members on a more regular basis. The IT Committee encourages all Committees and Regional Meetings to consider using this technology more effectively. This is free for Friends, and we welcome feedback in using this technology. • Note that all Regional Meetings have a subsite, even if some of these have yet to be developed. Regional Meeting Web Maintainers are encouraged to keep these current, including the list of RM items of news and events. • At YM2018 we have minuted the creation of a new committee - the Website Monitoring Committee. Their job will be to have oversight of the content of the entire website, and ensure this remains relevant to members, attenders and enquirers. • The membership database (which has strong privacy protections) was discussed, and members will be pleased to know that in the near future it should be possible to print out a list of members (with contact details) from your own Regional Meeting. There is also a plan to include a ‘find a Friend’ facility which will allow searches for particular people. • There is ongoing consideration of the potential to stream YM and other events, such as the Backhouse Lecture. We hope this will be more possible in the future and have made a recommendation in regard to equipment that may be needed to do this successfully. It may be possible in the future to livestream YM sessions, particularly formal sessions, but this will require ongoing discernment as to how we manage this in a worshipful fashion.
Recommendations to bring to Yearly Meeting: • Formalisation of the position of AYM Membership Secretary, responsible for managing the database at YM level. The Nominations Committee suggested the name: Michael Searle (CRM). • A new position of AYM Website Coordinator, who would have oversight of the website in terms of its technical aspects (as opposed to content). The Nominations Committee suggested the name Roger Sawkins (QRM). • There was also a strong sense of the meeting, that YM should budget for the purchase of technical equipment of sufficient quality to be able to livestream events. This would be especially beneficial for Friends in remote areas, or with mobility difficulties. Yarrow Andrew (SANTRM), Convenor; Marie-Joelle Nininahazwe (SANTRM), Recording Clerk; Roger Sawkins, (QRM), Michael Searle (CRM), Presenters.
Peace Reports Preparatory Session
At this Preparatory Session, we hear of many Friends engaged in peace work, of Friends supporting peace work and of Friends holding those Friends in the Light.
We hear of the work of the Quaker Peace & Legislation Committee, Asia-West Pacific Peace Teams, the Peace & Social Justice Fund and consider their recommendations.
Reports from Regional Meeting Peace Committees We hear reports on the wide range of peace work from Victoria, Canberra, NSW and WA Regional Meetings and ask that these reports be included in DiR. 63 Papua Jason McLeod is unable to join at this Meeting. Friends will hold him in the Light. QPLC will be working with him on a paper on Papua.
North Korea We note that Sejin Pak will be holding a Share & Tell session on North Korea and on the proposed tour to North Korea by Friends in October 2018.
APAN leaflet The new leaflet was tabled. Supplies are available for each Regional Meeting for distribution.
Pamela Leach – Pamela’s book, From fear to hope, arising from the Anzac Conversations series, was tabled and will be launched later during AYM.
Recommendations to bring to Yearly Meeting:
QPLC report – DiA p. 58 – 60 Part B – for consideration 1. We recommend that AYM encourages QPLC to continue their program of workshops on Quaker lobbying, taking into account the Quaker tradition of speaking truth to power with love and following Quaker concerns. 2. We note the visit of Joseph Gerson from the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) in August 2018. He is AFSC Director of Programs and a specialist in disarmament. He will be coming directly from Hiroshima to Australia. CRM, QRM and VRM are already planning for his visit and intend to work with IPAN and the wider Australian public. Other RMs ask that reports be shared, so as to inform others. 3. Friends remain deeply concerned that our Government is placing such a high priority on increasing spending on military resources, and giving less attention to the use of diplomacy, aid and trade, people-to-people contacts and other forms of building peace across our region and beyond. AYM encourages Friends and RMs to work with other peace organisations. RMs are encouraged to feed back to the QPLC specific ideas on this matter.
Friends Peace Teams – Asia West Pacific report – DiA p. 44 – 45 Part B – for consideration 1. We recommend that AYM encourages two Young Friends each year in January to attend the international training in Pati, Java, Indonesia. 2. We recommend that AYM encourages Friends to visit with Friends Peace Teams to help build trust and peace across the countries in our region. 3. We recommend that AYM encourages Friends and Regional Meetings to become Sustainers of Friends Peace Teams through an annual gift of A$500. 4. We recommend that AYM encourages Friends to join the Working Group (= management committee) to join in supporting peace work through its monthly Zoom meetings.
Peace & Social Justice Fund Committee report – p. 53 – 54 Part B – for consideration 1. We recommend that AYM asks that all RMs and Friends consider making a contribution to this Fund as part of their annual contribution.
2. We recommend that AYM asks those RMs, who do not already to this, to follow the example of CRM, QRM, TRM and include this fund as part of their annual contribution request letter.
3. We ask that AYM reminds individuals or groups, thinking of applying to the fund, to do so well in advance of the activity so that patient discernment may take place.
64 Reports from Regional Meeting Peace Committees We hear reports on the wide range of peace work from Victoria, Canberra, NSW and WA Regional Meetings and ask that these reports be included in DiR.
Sieneke Martin (VRM), Convenor
Publications Committee Preparatory Session
The achievements and activities of the Publications Committee were noted including the completion of the revised Quaker Marriage and Committed Relationships pamphlet and ongoing updating of About Quakers pamphlet.
The availability of AYM pamphlets on the AYM website was noted.
The matter of publications arising from sources other than the Publications Committee was raised and it was queried as to the need for improved clarity for the processes for approval and publication of Australian Quaker publications (see recommendation below).
The need for attention to copyright requirements when republishing, in whole or in part, other publications was emphasized, whether this be in print or digital form.
It was noted that AYM Archivist, Alan Clayton, has a register of Quaker publications.
The Publications Committee informed the meeting that they are considering the need for a pamphlet on child protection.
The Committee was asked to consider preparing in pamphlet form AYM statements on matters of significant concern to Friends.
The valuable nature of the work of this committee was expressed by Friends.
Recommendations to bring to Yearly Meeting:
We recommend that AYM ask the Publications Committee to draft guidelines for the processes for development of official AYM publications for Standing Committee in January 2019.
Garry Duncan (NSWRM), Convenor; Allan Knight (WARM), Recording Clerk
Quaker Learning Australia and Meeting for Learning Preparatory Session
We heard some of the achievements of the QLA Committee from Committee members. The Committee is currently hosted by Tasmania Regional Meeting (TRM) but after YM2018, hosting will transfer to West Australia Yearly Meeting (WARM). Members of the Committee related how they divided tasks amongst their members of the Committee. The QLA website has primarily been the responsibility of Robin McLean who welcomed the offer of IT assistance from the YM Treasurer for transitioning the existing website into the new YM website.
65 Jenny Seeton reported on her role as financial manager and how the $3000 from AYM is managed along with other donations, mostly providing funds for Meeting for Learning (MfL) Facilitators’ expenses and travel. A primary function of the QLA Committee is to administer the Meeting for Learning program. Felicity Rose described her role as MfL administrator and how that required coordination with its Facilitators.
The TRM group offered their acquired expertise and willingness to be helpful to the incoming WARM committee in the transition period.
We heard how the Meeting for Learning experience is one which gives anyone interested in participating the opportunity to deepen their spiritual life, and a chance to focus on individual gifts, leadings and concerns.
The preparatory session endorsed Part A of the Report in Documents in Advance.
There were three items in Part B for consideration by Yearly Meeting.
• The preparatory session endorsed the recommendation of the QLA Committee that the AYM continue to provide $3,000 per annum for its activities, including funding of Meeting for Learning facilitators’ expenses.
• We ask that the offer of South Australia & Northern Territory Regional Meeting (SANTRM) to host the Meeting for Learning Retreats from September 2020 be accepted, with planning needed to commence in 2019.
• We ask Regional Meetings to consider how their learning activities might be enhanced by increased dialogue with QLA in order to provide better educational and spiritual services particularly for remote worshipping groups and individual Friends.
Brian Turner (CRM), Convenor; Roberta Turner (CRM), Recording Clerk (CRM)
Quaker Service Australia and QSA Linkages Sub-Committee Preparatory Session
Garry Duncan welcomed Friends and offered an acknowledgement of country. Garry then read a QSA report in Documents in Advance (DIA).
Topsy Evans reported on the function of the newly formed Linkages sub-committee, established under the QSA Constitution. This sub-committee has found that connecting with others around Australia for the monthly meetings is not always easy. Topsy also noted that not all Regional Meetings (RM) have a functioning QSA committee. It is vital that a group from each RM be established with QSA through the Linkages sub-committee. This has become more important with refugee funding becoming available and RMs being offered a major role in discernment about how this funding can be most usefully distributed.
Zac Bonham, a JYF working towards the Service Medal of the Duke of Edinburgh Award, has undertaken a project evaluating the environmental impact of the new QSA office. Zac presented his findings of this study to us. We heard that tax deductibility is now available for all donations for $2.00 and over, within QSA.
66 We heard a presentation on the variety of approaches by QSA and their project partners taken in relation to climate change challenges, especially in relation to water and food security, in Tamil Nadu, Cambodia and Uganda.
A variety of methods is being used to help with recycling rubbish and water tanks and other means being used to purify water.
We heard about encouragement being given through QSA project partners to return to the planting of traditional crops and traditional breeds of animals in India, in the light of climate change.
Extending the shelf-life of food, seed-saving and vertical and sack gardens, allowing a range of produce in a small area, is also being developed through project partners in Cambodia and Uganda.
Individual projects for refugees have been encouraged and developed, and, it is hoped that this initial funding of specific projects may lead to further engagement of RMs.
At present QSA is seeking a broader picture of possible opportunities for support of refugee organisations and to increase the QSA knowledge of possible Leadings for the use of this refugee money.
We are grateful to Jackie Perkins for presenting such a full picture of QSA engagement, whether positive or, in one case, negative.
We were reminded too, of the need to continue working as we are called and led by the Spirit: the need to be sensitive to such Leadings.
We were also told of the planned restoration/permaculture approaches within refugee camps.
Recommendations to bring to Yearly Meeting:
RMs are asked to develop stronger links with QSA through their Linkages Sub-Committee representative, and to nominate 1-2 Friends to support their Linkages Sub-Committee representative.
Beverley Polzin (VRM), Convenor
Safe Quaker Community Preparatory Session
Robin McLean reported on the purpose and work of the Safe Quaker Community (SQC) Committee by use of a PowerPoint presentation, demonstrating the Committee’s website, and drawing our attention to the SQC policy and a SQC poster that can be put on display at Meeting venues. The website for the Committee can be found on the AYM members’ website under “Organisation” / “National Committees” / “Safe Quaker Community Committee”. The SQC policy includes a useful glossary of definitions. The Committee will review the “Supporting a Safe Quaker Community” policy in 2019 and will be seeking input and feedback from Regional Meetings (RMs) and individuals.
The Committee encourages RMs to hold a SQC session every year to raise awareness of the issues and explore practical ways of helping, such as with bystander intervention. The Committee is preparing resources to help Meetings with these workshops.
Input from the floor included:
67 • The SQC Committee might consider facilitating a Winter School and Share and Tells at future YMs. These could be in collaboration with the Child Protection Committee. • The national gatherings of SQC Contact Friends could be held in a different RM each time. • It may be possible for the SQC committee (or other appropriate people), if funds and resources allow, to travel to RMs to run conflict resolution workshops. • Bullying that may seem minor to some, can still be deeply hurtful. • Some issues are not easily resolved within a Meeting and may benefit from outside help. Mediators and resources from other Quaker Meetings or other faith groups may be particularly helpful. The National Council of Churches in Australia (NCCA) runs Safe Churches Project training that individuals and Meetings can access on the NCCA website. • Sometimes activities organised by Meetings to help resolve issues are not attended by all those struggling with the issue. How can we include Friends who have not participated in steps a Meeting had hoped would help resolve an issue? • Small Meetings have their own challenges, perhaps being isolated from appointed Contact Friends. Electronic communications such as Zoom or Skype might prove helpful. • How can we engage Friends who appear uninterested in the Safe Quaker issues?
We accepted Part A of the Committee’s report.
We heard that most of the queries in Part B were intended to be promptings for Regional Meetings’ awareness and action. Most RM responses advised that the action had been undertaken or progress was being made. The queries are:
• Does your Regional Meeting support at least two active SQC Contact Friends? • Has your Regional Meeting hosted a Safe Quaker Community awareness session within the last year? • Has your Ministry and Oversight/Care committee met with the SQC Contact Friend/s to discuss the SQC policy, responsibilities and any SQC issues within the last year? • Is there a SQC poster displayed in each local Meeting and worshipping group?
Recommendations to bring to Yearly Meeting:
Item 1 for consideration from the DiA report was: “We recommend that the next SQC Contact Friend national workshop be held in 2019.”
We note that all Regional Meetings have supported this recommendation.
This meeting makes the following recommendations:
• We recommend that the Safe Quaker Community Committee hold a national workshop for Contact Friends in 2019. • We ask that the cost of the workshop and travel be evenly shared between Regional Meetings after a contribution is made from the AYM budget. • We encourage the Committee to hold these Contact Friend workshops, hosted by a different RM each time. • We suggest that Friends, in addition to appointed Contact Friends, might attend the workshops if there is space for them.
Jim Palmer (VRM), Convenor; Vidya (CRM), Recording Clerk
Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Report Session
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We heard an introductory description of Silver Wattle Quaker Centre by Sheila Keane, former Acting Director. Silver Wattle is a many faceted jewel. For some it is a place for contemplative nurture, others a place for healing or to prepare for our public witness. Many see the land as precious and value the ecological witness of Silver Wattle. Volunteers are central to the functioning of Silver Wattle, from board and committee members to Friends in Residence, directors, garden-week workers, and librarians. Many volunteers say they receive back amply from Silver Wattle in spiritual refreshment and fellowship. The new directors, Catherine Hutchison and Brendan Caulfield-James, described the events leading to their decision to come to Silver Wattle. We heard that Catherine has considerable experience in operational management through her career in health, and Brendan is a qualified spiritual director. We warmly welcomed them to their role. Catherine Heywood described the ten courses Silver Wattle is offering over the next fiscal year, as well as four seasonal gardening weeks. Information about these can be downloaded from the website, www.silverwattle.com.au We hope that a wider audience can be drawn to participate in and benefit from courses and we ask Friends to consider spreading information about Silver Wattle to non-Quakers as well as Friends. We note that there is no registration fee for gardening weeks, but that donations are appreciated. David Johnson, the Silver Wattle Treasurer, explained the strong financial position, noting that Silver Wattle is essentially debt free. An investment in staff to provide more stability and prevent over-working of volunteers has been a welcome development. Much has been done to enhance the property, and there are further projects planned including rainwater supply and solar hot water to the guest wing and improvements for accessibility. We heard that Silver Wattle hopes that Friends will feel comfortable to make financial contributions to Silver Wattle to support these developments, including monthly giving programs, gifts from windfalls, and bequests to build an endowment fund that will secure the long-term future of the Centre. Recently the Canberra Times published a feature article on Dick Field, a live-in caretaker at Silver Wattle since 2006, ‘Meet Dick Field: Keeper of Lake George’: https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/act/tim-the-yowie-man-keeper-of-lake-george- 20180619-p4zmgk.html
Topsy Evans(VRM) Convenor; Dale Hess (VRM), Recording Clerk
Arms Exports Policy Preparatory Session (Special Session)
Standing Committee, at the request of WARM, agreed to have a special session at YM 2018 to consider the ways in which Friends could address the issue of the government’s increased weapons export policy.
Background information is given in an article in The Guardian, about the $3.8billion which the government is making available through the Export Finance Authority to encourage weapons manufacturers to increase their exports.
Friends at this preparatory session discussed their serious concern about this government policy. Related to this were concerns about the arms manufacturers’ influence and funding in universities, in the War Memorial and even in high schools (in North Adelaide).
69 Friends listened to each other and considered what could be done.
Friends agreed to ask AYM:
1. To issue a press release on this concern. A press release is being prepared by Adrian Glamorgan, Dale Hess, Christine Venner- Westaway, Harold Wilkinson and David Purnell to show our deepest concern for peace, not war or war preparation.
2. To encourage RMs to hold meetings to consider this issue, to enable Friends to connect with other organisations working and to engage in training, including the training in lobbying with QPLC, who will develop background papers. These other organisations include IPAN (AYM is a member), MAPW (who are asking us to sign a petition), WILPF, Wage Peace. Below is a statement from several Friends at the session, who feel this may be useful for such lobbying.
3. To encourage Friends, who are alumni of Australian universities, to contact their universities (through their alumni organisations) to share their concerns and/or to form delegations to consult with their university authorities. Friends are encouraged to report back on these contacts to QPLC.
4. To recognize the need for changes in attitudes by the community, something all of us need to work on.
5. To note the forthcoming arms trade fair in South Australia and to support Perri Coleman, SANTRM, with Helen Bayes (the Quaker Grannies) in any Quaker action.
6. To note that possible funding for Friends peace activities may be available from the Quaker Peace & Social Justice Fund (AYM), the Nancy Shelley Bequest Fund (Blue Mountains Local Meeting), Victoria Quaker Fund (VRM).
7. To ask Young Friends to consider these matters and to consider how we might use social media to make these concerns known and shared with the Australian community.
Background statement from Dennis Stanton, Margaret Bearlin, Claudio Barduhn and Sabina Erika for use by Friends:
So our government wants Australia to be among the top ten exporters of war materials! As a topical issue, it is a good opportunity for Quakers to make clear our long-standing support for peace and opposition to war. And it is important to be aware of the background.
Militaristic thinking is deeply embedded in our society. Our culture was based on warrior bands, where the most important measure of a man was his ability to kill other men. This deep belief in violent masculinity still leaves a terrible legacy in our gender relations. Women are all too often killed by their male partners, and the sacredness of bloodshed is juxtaposed to the life-giving blood of women.
Militaristic thinking also affects how we see our nation. It is the state, in our culture, which organises the killing power of our men. Many, even most, Australians do not question that we need our army, navy and air force. There is little resistance to the notion that spending $50 billion on submarines will somehow make us safer. And the PM feels confident of support for his outrageous proposal.
70 On the other hand, it is also important to remember that we have already moved far from our warrior bands. I am in my late sixties, and am in the last generation to be balloted for compulsory military service. Germany and France, which have been at war or the brink of war since Roman times, now have an open border and a common currency.
Remember, too, that our Quaker heritage is spectacular. Three and a half centuries ago, in the shadow of the dreadful bloodshed of England’s civil war, Quakers declared that peace, equality, community, integrity and simplicity are of far higher value than violent masculinity. Today, we can honour that legacy by calling for Australia to be a world leader in peace and development instead of the tools of war.
Sieneke Martin (VRM), Convenor https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jan/28/australia-unveils-plan-to-become-one-of-worlds-top- 10-arms-exporters
REPORTS FROM THE FORMAL SESSIONS
Letter from Presiding Clerk to Friends Gathered at Yearly Meeting 2018 (Ref. YM18.11)
Dear Friends,
I send greetings to Australia Yearly Meeting with sadness that I cannot be with you. I was looking forward to travelling to Avondale, getting to know the campus, meeting familiar faces and to the challenges and rewards of working as Yearly Meeting Clerk with Jacque Schultze. Events took a sudden and unexpected turn.
My husband, Joseph, had been unwell for some days and was admitted to hospital with what appeared to be pneumonia. Four days later a secondary cancer was found in his lung. Joseph is at present in the intensive care unit with seriously high levels of potassium. We are hopeful that his health will stabilize so that he will be able to take part in a trial of immunotherapy.
After much thought and prayer, and with the support of my meeting, I decided that I needed to hand over my responsibilities as Yearly Meeting Clerk at this critical time. My mind and heart need to be with Joseph and our family.
The NSW Organising Commiteee, the Yearly Meeting Committees and the Yearly Meeting Secretary have worked hard to prepare the ground for this Yearly Meeting. I am confident that the harvest will be bountiful and good. May the spirit of love and light guide Australia Yearly Meeting 2018, just as it guides us all.
Jo Jordan 4 July 2018
Greetings from the Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) (Ref: YM18.11)
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus. … May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so 71 that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:5, 13 Dear Friends,
We send you loving greetings from the Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) World Office in London – and from across the world. We extend our best wishes for a full and gathered yearly meeting. We appreciate the yearly meeting’s continuing work of strengthening the Religious Society of Friends at all levels.
With gratitude for the many ways Friends come together, we cherish the fellowship, the sense of belonging, and the unity of Spirit we experience when two or more are gathered in his name. May you cherish the love in each other and the great joy of being a Quaker. We bask in God’s love and in the unity of the Quaker heart.
We have a broad spectrum of belief and practice across the world, just as we have different languages and cultures. Our diversity is our strength. We share the language of the heart. We share a love of God. We share a longing for the healing of all people and for the Earth. We share a broad and insistent vision for a peaceful world.
When I think about the God that consumes me, I am filled with joy. My whole body smiles. My husband thinks I am evangelical. I have grown up among programmed Friends and spent 30 years among unprogrammed Friends… and I do feel evangelical in that I want to share the good news! Quakers around the world are alive and well, feeling the power of the living God, and are changing the world by actively bringing God’s loving presence into illumination.
FWCC brings us together and gives us hope: FWCC joins our passion and strengthens the Quaker voice in the world. FWCC ensures that Friends are represented at the world level at the Quaker United Nations Offices, the World Council of Churches, and among global Christian Communions. FWCC is working on several initiatives: o Sustaining life on earth as a spiritual imperative, engaging yearly meetings and Young Adult Friends o Opening dialogue on issues of injustice and privilege, exploring new ways of being together o Building bridges across the theological spectrum o Considering stewardship of our resources to support Quaker work o Strengthening ministry and leadership through the Young Adult Friends Development Fund With this greeting, I invite you to engage with FWCC through our website and Facebook. I invite you to give financially to FWCC through your Section. I invite you to support and pray for your Section Secretary. And most importantly, I invite you to engage with other Friends who share your passion for life and love.
FWCC is in the process of updating the book Friends Around the World to help Friends connect with yearly meetings and worship groups. We hope you are all planning for World Quaker Day October 7, 2018 with the theme: Crossing Cultures, Sharing Stories. We also post epistles we receive so that Friends might see how God is moving amongst us. Please send your epistle to [email protected].
As we enjoy unity within our diversity, we thank you for your faithful support of our work.
In loving Friendship, Gretchen Castle FWCC General Secretary
72 Report from Australia Yearly Meeting 2018 Representative to Aotearoa / New Zealand Yearly Meeting 2018 (Ref: YM18.22)
It was my joy and my honour to be the AYM representative at the A/NZ YM for 2018 (24-28 May). The Meeting was held at Burns Lodge, formerly a Catholic seminary, but now offering accommodation for large or small groups, or individuals seeking respite or retreat. Burns Lodge is in Mosgiel, a satellite town or suburb of Dunedin, on the A/NZ South Island.
Julie and I flew to Christchurch on the Wednesday, and were met by our host, Neil Fitzgerald, of Christchurch Monthly Meeting. We stayed with Neil that evening, and he drove us down to Dunedin the following day.
On the Friday morning, we joined a pre-YM group of about 30 Friends to consider the question “What can we do when the love runs dry?”. Smaller groups gathered for consideration of this question, and later their insights were brought to the group as a whole.
The first session of YM proper took place on the Friday evening. Sixty-two Friends were present. The names of Friends who had died in the past year were read out, and the Clerk, Murray Short, and Niwa Short, sang a Maori lament to honour their memory. (The Maori language was used a great deal throughout the whole of YM.) We were formally welcomed, along with guests from the UK and the USA. There was an apology from a guest from India who had visa problems. I had been previously invited to spend fifteen minutes offering some thoughts about current activities in both AYM and SANTRM, which I did, preceded by a short yidaki (didgeridoo) welcome. These contributions seemed to be well received.
The following morning, the first session was hosted by the Quaker Learning and Spiritual Development Committee. I had been invited to contribute 45 minutes to this session, also; and I played the CD of the “Walk cheerfully” songs that I had written for the 2010 AYM in Adelaide. Before each song, I reflected on the Testimony on which that song was based. I was pleased to be asked to make these several contributions to the A/NZ YM, rather than being simply a passive observer.
The rest of Saturday was taken up with Meetings for Business. Topics covered included peace issues, Junior Young Friends, FWCC, and sustainability.
In the evening, we took a bus into Dunedin, and, in the (very chilly!) Burns no.1 lecture theatre at the University of Otago, we heard the Quaker Lecture 2018 (the A/NZ equivalent of our Backhouse Lecture), which was given by Elizabeth Duke, Quaker and lecturer in Classics at that University. Her topic was – Can religion speak truth?
Sunday began with Meeting for Worship, and continued with further business meetings. The session on Alternatives to Violence was a powerful and moving time, as the Friends involved recounted their experiences with the AVP and how it had changed their lives.
Like Australia, the A/NZ YM is altering and updating its website; and we heard of the attendant problems that major change can bring. Membership categories were also discussed. It all sounded very familiar! A report from Young Friends was given, with subsequent discussion. Various other financial and organisational matters of local interest were also dealt with.
Monday saw a “tidy-up” session for matters carried over, a Meeting for Worship (which included the reading of the Epistle), lunch, and the end of YM for 2018. Fond farewells were said, contact details exchanged, and the pervading warmth and loving sense of a close Quaker community was embedded in our hearts.
73 As in Australia Yearly Meetings, the meal times were often the closest point of contact, and of getting to know one another, in a temporal as well as a spiritual sense. Conversations on many topics, from the trivial to the profound, took place there. The “Meeting for Eating” is one of the very important times for Friendly contact and personal bonding.
Our Christchurch host, Neil Fitzgerald, drove us (with a few scenic stops) back to his place at Waikuku Beach (just north of Christchurch), where we had a few days’ rest; and, with the help of a hire car, we managed to see just a little bit of the beauty and grandeur of the South Island. Time in the city of Christchurch itself opened our eyes in astonishment at the havoc wreaked by the earthquakes of seven and eight years ago. It will take many more years of the massive reconstruction work now underway to restore the city to its former level of beauty.
Our Aotearoa/New Zealand stay finished with our attending the Christchurch Meeting, in their new Meeting House. We met again some familiar faces from the previous weekend, Julie did a short talk afterwards concerning AYM and its relationship with Aboriginal people, and I did some yidaki playing, along with a prepared talk about its provenance and significance.
After an afternoon in the city with our host, Neil, we packed up, and the following morning we left a cold, gloomy, and wet Christchurch to return home.
We feel close to the Friends of Aotearoa/New Zealand after our stay. We were warmly welcomed, and made to feel valued and very much a part of things for the whole of our time there. We have experienced that with Quakers worldwide. It is a lovely aspect of being part of the community of Friends.
Peter Webb AYM representative to A/NZ YM May 2018
A Letter from Pamela Leach to Friends Gathered for Yearly Meeting 2018, for the launch of From Fear to Hope (Ref: YM18.23)
Dear Friends. I am sorry not to gather with you this week.
Creating From Fear to Hope has been a spiritual and educational exercise for which I am grateful to QPLC. I have learnt greater humility and empathy for those touched by war and violence, especially for people whose instinctual response to these events differs radically from mine.
You may know the expression 'When all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail.' So it has been for a broad swath of Australians, including some Friends over time. Their lives have been coloured with claims of extraordinary strength and heroism in warfare. The other has been framed as enemy.
Yet as From Fear to Hope documents, there is nothing like war and the desire for peace and safety to bring us together. We come in confrontation but also in absolute mutual reliance and the realisation of all that we share. This paradox provides another opportunity to work toward 'a universal peaceable kingdom.'
QPLC undertook this larger project in a way that encouraged dialogue between Friends and other individuals and groups. Little by little, in relationship, so I believe is the fabric of hope extended. We cannot afford to fall into the trap of fearing gentle disagreement. How well we know through our Meetings for Worship for Business that the Spirit is a vortex that can draw our diverse Light together in unexpected and transformative ways.
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It is my hope that you will read this book. I have attempted to make it accessible and engaging for readers from secondary school on. For this reason we will provide large print, online and talking book alternatives. I would be delighted if you used it as a springboard for discussion with your families, particularly young people, in communities, and in your Meetings. Perhaps you will even wish to discuss it with me, by email ([email protected]), phone (03 6228 3854) or in person.
I have brought a particular lens to this project. As a Canadian academic with a specialty in Political Studies and Human Rights, I have become an Australian during the course of writing. So I offer fresh eyes on the practices of war and peacemaking in which Australia has engaged and built its identity. I have begun to work at the heavy responsibility of citizenship, in our time no longer a right but a precious privilege. You well know how war breeds not only death. Large scale displacement entails unimaginable trauma and loss. Our taxes pay for much good. However they are used to impose suffering. To my mind, this magnifies the role I must play to offset and reverse the harm that is done in our names.
So, Friends, I look forward to hearing how you weave the questions raised by this book into your lives and live in the hope that they bear you unexpected fruit.
With loving greetings, Pamela Leach, Hobart, 29 June 2018
Peace Actions by Regional Meetings (Ref: YM18.23)
New South Wales Regional Meeting: The NSWRM Quaker Peace and Social Justice Committee meets several times a year, in the lower Hall of Devonshire Street Local Meeting Meetinghouse. Our activities have been curtailed due to the construction of the Light Rail outside of the meetinghouse. Our film nights and Silent Vigils on the front steps of the Meetinghouse have been laid down for the time being, as use of the building is very limited.
However, we have carried on with:
• Film Night 26 October 2017
Showed the film “5 Broken Cameras” at DSLM Meetinghouse, followed by a discussion about EAPPI, the non-violent Ecumenical Accompanying Program Palestine Israel with Aletia Dundas who was in Palestine recently for three months, volunteering with EAPPI. EAPPI is supported by the World Council of Churches and the National Council of Churches in Australia. The film was well received, even though its content was confronting. Several visitors attended.
• Joseph Gerson visit
Much of late 2017 through this year has been spent organising a visit by Joseph Gerson to Australia 10-18th August 2018. Hannah Middleton approached Quakers to ask for assistance to bring Joseph Gerson from the USA to Australia for Nagasaki Day in August 2018. Joseph will have been in Japan for Hiroshima Day and then travel around Australia to address meetings
We contacted Friends in Canberra, Melbourne and Hobart to liaise with their local ICAN contacts, etc to organise events in their localities, and hese events have been planned:
• 12 August Brisbane: Joseph will be hosted by Queensland Regional Meeting Quaker Valerie Joy. Then Just Peace (a coalition of Peace organisations) will host a dinner for Joseph at a
75 local restaurant. On Sunday 12thAugust, Joseph will go to Meeting for Worship at Kelvin Grove Meeting House, and then will address peace workers on the lawn of the GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art), on Hiroshima remembered. Joseph will then fly to Canberra. • 13 August Canberra: Joseph Gerson will be in Canberra on 12-13 August, and be hosted by CRM Friends. In consultation with IPAN, the Quaker Peace and Legislation Committee are arranging for a meeting in Parliament House and a Public Meeting at ANU, for him to speak on nuclear disarmament. It is hoped that an informal gathering with Canberra Friends at a shared meal can be arranged on Sunday 12 August. • 14 August Melbourne: Romina Beitseen of CICD (Campaign for International Cooperation and Disarmament) will deliver Joseph to a meeting with Quakers at the Victorian Friends Centre. Joseph will participate in interviews at the 3CR radio station from 4.30-5.30 pm • 15 August Melbourne: Joseph will meet with Federal politicians’ e.g Senator Gavin Marshall, Andrew Gilles, followed by a meeting with Council of Churches. At 2pm he will meet with Professor Richard Tanter (and possibility of a meeting with academics and students at the Melbourne University), followed by a public meeting with a panel discussion including Joseph as the keynote speaker. • 16 August Sydney: Event at the Exodus Foundation, supported by the Foundation, the Hiroshima Day Committee and NSWQP&SJ Committee. Bill Crews, EO of the Foundation will offer a small group of community members a well prepared, hot lunch at the Loaves and Fishes restaurant for the homeless, which will be followed by a talk by Joseph about his peace work and new paths to bringing about nuclear disarmament.
WWI Exhibition Planning for November 2018 There will be: • a display of the AYM WW1 Exhibition at St Paul’s Anglican church at Burwood, in partnership with the NSW Ecumenical Council. (including a special Armenian Exhibition), 9-19 November. • an ecumenical service at 6pm on 18 November • a forum on the evening of 12, 13 or 14 November – on peace-making, and “a just peace”.
Victoria Regional Meeting: Report on the activities of the VRM Peace and Social Justice Network, July 2017 – June 2018
Our Network has met 10 times over the last year. The meetings are open to all, but attendances are usually between 4 and 8 Friends. Our mailing list for agendas and minutes includes 40 people.
The weekly witness continues to be the Monday Silent Vigil supporting justice for First Nations people. This Vigil commemorated 21 years of continual witness in May.
Victoria Regional Meeting was left $20,000 as a bequest from someone we didn’t know, the purpose of which was assist Aboriginal organisations in Victoria. The Vigil group met several times to discern how best to use this Bequest. Financial support was offered to a number of Aboriginal- initiated organisations, which focus on community health and well-being.
Some activities our Network has been involved with over the last year have been - Joining, as a Network, the Independent and Peaceful Australia Network (IPAN). Both Helen Bayes and Dale Hess attend conferences in Sydney and Melbourne considering IPAN matters. Lorel Thomas and Dale Hess attended a Round Table about the ICAN Treaty
A letter penned by John Gare regarding the Adani mine, was presented to our Network, and then to Regional Meeting for support. This letter was then signed on behalf of the Yearly Meeting by the Presiding Clerk.
76 - Individual letter-writing afternoon when 18 hand-written letters were penned to politicians on the matter of the Bipartisan Australia Defence Agreement. It was a very positive and encouraging experience to do this together as a group. -
- Giving initial consideration to the QSA initiative to offer $10,000 to each Regional Meeting for projects for refugees and asylum seekers. After detailed consideration at our Network meetings, we were able to bring recommendations to the Regional Meeting for consideration. Anne Herbert, the VRM Linkages Friend was very helpful during these discussions.
- Four Victorian Friends attended the Lobbying workshop organized by QPLC in Canberra, and followed up this experience with a visit to Senator Jacinta Collins’ office to lobby in relation to encouraging Australia to sign the ICAN statement.
- We continue to hear from Lorel Thomas about the SafeGround projects. SafeGround is continuing intensive lobbying work on the Unexploded Remnants of War, which will continue in Geneva in November.
- Frances Newell, a member of Northern Suburbs meeting, told us about the Australian Living Peace Museum Co-operative Ltd., begun in 2015. We encourage others to explore their website www.livingpeacemuseum.
- A recent initiative is being invited to join the Melbourne City Churches in Action. This group hopes to consider how the city churches can support a social justice action together. Two of our members are joining the initial meeting and will report to our Network.
West Australia Regional Meeting Peace is a broad category! Since AYM 2017 in Adelaide, WARM Friends have been involved in a range of peace activities, including the following:
A. Japan's Article 9 and regional militarisation
Directly after Yearly Meeting 2017, Adrian Glamorgan & Elizabeth PO' travelled to Japan, to find out more about the push by Japanese PM Shinzo Abe to amend Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, and begin to learn understand the broader dynamics towards militarisation in North East Asia.
Their project, part-funded by Peace and Social Justice Fund, was to interview a spectrum of NGOs to witness their protests, potentially to broadcast them on community radio and publish feature stories. But as the two community journalists renewed contacts with Japanese NGOs, and Friends, the contrast with what they experienced in 2013 became apparent.
Whereas 2013 was a period of active dissent, and willing conversations with the media, now they found NGOs were politely averse to discussing Article 9. Part of this could be attributed to: • "security" laws (national security bills in September 2015 allowing Japanese troops to fight on foreign soil, plus intrusive surveillance laws in June 2017) changing the political temperature; but there was also • a sense of uncertainty created by external conditions: China's rise, America’s strategic repositioning, (if not early signs of decline) and North Korea’s nuclear missile development gave serious pause for concern, and even reconsideration of the world's only peace constitution. Tsuino Watanabe, Senior Fellow at the Capital Tokyo Foundation described, "Japan is caught between fear of entanglement and fear of abandonment." • Ordinary people were not quite sure where this is all heading, and NGOs were not rushing in mobilising protests, at least at that point.
77 • The media becoming compliant: o those who were critical (like Jeff Kingston for the online Japan Times) lost their columns (for specious reasons like “not enough space”); o Japanese television channels monotonously showed North Korean missiles firing into the sky, looping the footage, missiles firing, firing, firing... o Japan dropped seriously down the World Press Freedom Index during this period
Circumstances had moved from exhilarating in 2013 to tentative and politely deflective in 2017. A preliminary report on the “democratic deficit” was broadcast on Understorey in October 2017 with Kendra Urlich from Greenpeace Japan (at http://rtrfm.com.au/story/understorey-civil-society- and-the-nuclear-democratic-deficit/. (Interestingly, despite having a 5 year work visa in Japan, she mentioned being several times stopped at the international airport and quizzed by immigration officials as to her intentions).
With the recent nuclear summit in Singapore, tensions have eased at least for an interval. Adrian Glamorgan is meeting with, and interviewing, workshop participants and facilitators at the North Asia Regional Peacebuilding Institute on Jeju Island, South Korea, in August 2018.
B. Mayors for Peace Elizabeth PO’ and Adrian Glamorgan attended the 72nd commemoration of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings in 2017, and the quadrennial Mayors for Peace international conference. Adrian represented the City of Fremantle at the international executive meetings.
Elizabeth and Adrian helped organised the first Peace Boat visit in January 2018, liaising with Della Rae Morrison (ANFA) and KA Garlick (CCWA) and alongside ICAN and MAPW including a big celebratory Fremantle port event, Wanjoo Welcome, with indigenous dancers, smoking ceremony, bands and speakers such as Scott Ludlam. Also a Making Waves forum attended by the Japanese Consul-General, Kenji Miyati, Karina Lester, Carmen Lawrence, Keni Hasegawa, Logan Howlett & Brad Pettitt, Mayors of Cockburn and Fremantle, held at the University of Notre Dame Fremantle. And a visit by several hibakusha to the Governor of WA.
Elizabeth and Adrian have been brokering between the Nagasaki Peace Museum and with the City of Fremantle to host a photographic exhibition in 2019. This will include a 9 day visit by an hibakusha.
Elizabeth had two relational meetings (building bridges) with representatives of the Japanese local government organisation in Australia, who also organise JET programs in both countries, one meeting in Fremantle, the other in Martin Place, Sydney.
Elizabeth and Adrian were also invited to the Margaret River Peace Weekend in April 2018 by the Mayor of Margaret River and made presentations. This was prior to the family shooting tragedy. A subsequent meeting with Council is planned for later 2018. They are in negotiations with the CEO and staff of the City of Fremantle to provide a workshop “Building a Culture of Peace” focusing on contributions councils can make.
C. Community Radio broadcasts on peace, nuclear, and related issues.
Adrian Glamorgan and Elizabeth PO’ have broadcast several programs featuring nuclear and peace issues on RTRFM 92.1 in Perth, sometimes also broadcast on 2XX in Canberra. These programs are available for streaming, by googling “Understorey, blog”. Examples include
Understorey Program Featuring First broadcast Peace Boat Hibakusha Akira Kawasaki 20170802 Project Treaty to Ban Nuclear Weapons Avoiding Hiroshima Miyake Nobuo (1st generation 20170809 78 hibakusha) Mariko Hagashino (2nd generation hibakusha) Mayors for Peace Mayor of Fremantle Brad Pettitt 20170927 Mayor of Mosman Park Ron Norris Junko Morimoto, hibakusha Walkatjurra Walkabout Civil Society and the Kendra Ulrich, Greenpeace senior 20171004 Nuclear Democratic global energy campaigner Deficit (Greenpeace Japan) “We, The Peoples” Gareth Evans 20171025 Ramesh Thankur United Nations Appealing Yerlirrie Aboriginal appeal 20171129 Vicky Abdullah Piers Verstegen Messages of Peace Boat Visit of Peace Boat to Fremantle 20180118 Fukushima and the Jeff Kingston, loss of press 20180314 Democratic Deficit freedom with Fukushima Kenichi Hasegawa, Fukushima farmer Towards Nuclear Zero Associate Professor Marianne 20180328 Hanson (recorded at the Canberra QPLC) South China Sea ~ Professor David Rosenberg 20180405 Islands, rocks and shoals Can’t You Hear the Dr Liz Tynan 20180513 (Atomic) Thunder? (pt Uncle Glen Cooke 1) Uncle Kev Buzzacott Better Run, Better Take Max Kimber (nuclear veteran, 20180520 Cover (Atomic Thunder, Montebello) pt 2) Sue Coleman-Haseldine (harm at Emu Field and Maralinga) Dr Liz Tynan Short Interview with Izumi Nakamitsu, Under- Briefly featured in one of our Izumi Nakamitsu, Secretary General and High programs (to be confirmed Representative for Disarmament which one) Affairs
D. Activities Linked to the national Quaker Peace and Legislative Committee
Allan Knight, Nick Poltarak, Elizabeth PO’ and Adrian Glamorgan attended the Canberra workshop on lobbying about nuclear weapons. They met with MPs and advisers at Parliament House as part of this.
Subsequently there have been two workshops offered in Perth, based on this QPLC workshop. The first workshop in May was attended by seven Friends; the second workshop on 30 June was attended by nine Friends, and one visitor. Adrian Glamorgan accompanied the visitor to meet with a staffer of Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, to raise issues of concern at Manus Island.
WA Friends plan to lobby Labor Party delegates to Labor National Conference to be held in December 2018.
79 E. Cultural activities Rosemary Longhurst has been involved in peace poetry events during the year. She has also reflected on the peace work of Friends in her self-produced booklet reflecting on Quaker testimonies.
F. IPAN, MAPWA Jo Vallentine has been actively encouraging Friends to become more actively involved in IPAN. Jo spoke at a MAPWA celebration of the Nobel Prize for Peace being awarded to ICAN in 2017.
G. Refugees
Lillian Robb and Nansen Robb spoke to a 5th Sunday gathering about their time as volunteers on a Greek Island welcoming and transiting refugees. A number of Friends are involved in activities which support better treatment of refugees and asylum seekers. The available funding from Quaker Service Australia has encouraged Friends to learn more about refugees locally, and led to volunteering with a local community service group There are undoubtedly other peace events engaged in by Friends not mentioned here.
Letter to the Prime Minister regarding the Uluru Statement from the Heart (Ref: YM18.37)
Dear Prime Minister,
At our annual gathering of over 180 members of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia just held, we agreed to write to you about our grievous disappointment at the Government’s response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart.
Quakers are a religious community in the Christian tradition, established in England in the 17th century, who are constantly seeking that of God in everyone. From the early days of Quakerism in Australia in the 19th century therefore, we have strongly supported justice for First Nations Peoples and their descendants.
At our last annual gathering in 2017, we welcomed the Uluru Statement from the Heart as an opportunity for the governments and the wider community to enter into dialogue with the First Nations Peoples on a way forward.
Our 2017 statement (attached) further explains our position on the settlement of Australia, the structural and entrenched disadvantage of First Nations People since, and our hope that we, as a nation, develop and sustain recognition of First Nations People.
We were dismayed at the rejection of the Uluru statement by the Government in October 2017.
In contrast, the Australian community appears to be much more supportive of the proposals for a Voice, a Makarrata, and Truth Telling. A survey by Omnipol conducted in August 2017 showed that around 60% of the community favour adding a First Nations People’s Voice to Parliament.
The recent moves by the Victorian and Northern Territory Governments to negotiate treaties with First Nations Peoples are another indication of the public interest in building a better relationship among all Australians.
We have heard that Indigenous leaders have regrouped and are developing further steps to have their voice recognised at the Federal level and the Joint Committee on Constitutional Recognition 80 has initiated its enquiry.
It has already received many submissions and held public hearings which reveal the ongoing concern of many Australians that we should “come right way” in our relationship between First Nations People and other Australians. This Joint Committee is expected to bring an interim report in August and a final report in November.
We strongly urge that these reports be received with openness and willingness to proceed with a formally recognised Voice, a Makarrata and Truth Telling at the Federal level.
Australian Quakers will continue to promote all moves that will lead to an effective reconciliation with First Nations People.
We look forward to receiving your response to our concern.
Yours sincerely,
Jo Jordan Presiding Clerk Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia cc: Nigel Scullion, Minister for Indigenous Affairs Shayne Neumann, Shadow Minister for Indigenous Affairs Richard Di Natale, Australian Greens Parliamentary Leade
(Attachment: A Quaker Statement 50 years after the 1967 Referendum)
NCCA Faith and Unity Commission Report (Ref: YM18.51)
The Faith and Unity Commission of the National Council of Australian Churches met in Melbourne on 22 and 23 November 2017. The meeting gathered at the Centre for Theology and Ministry in Parkville.
Churches represented were: the Anglican Church, the Churches of Christ, the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Lutheran Church the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), the Roman Catholic Church, the Salvation Army, and the Uniting Church.
The primary focus of the Commission’s deliberations was the paper ‘Moral Discernment in the Churches – a study document’. The paper was prepared by the World Council of Churches and is Faith and Order Paper No 215. Each Church prepared a written response to the paper and these responses were then discussed by the Commission.
It is difficult to summarise all the responses that were prepared suffice to say that there was a great deal of discussion on the various sources of putative moral knowledge. A number of Churches responded by discussing the primacy of Scripture in their moral discernment. This, of course, led to discussions on the difficulty of hermeneutics. Other Churches pointed to the role and importance of Tradition whilst others emphasised the guidance of the Spirit. There was an important discussion on the various processes Churches undertake to achieve agreement in their moral decision making. Some Churches vote, others embrace various notions of consensus and others (Quakers) strive for unity. The members of the Commission did not enter into discussion and debate on any of the moral issues which are currently before society but acknowledgement was made of ethical challenges such as the ordination of women, same-sex relationships and 81 marriage, assisted dying legislation, treatment and management of refugees, and issues to do with earthcare and the environment.
Participants of the Commission spent a great deal of time editing and responding to the document ‘What do the Australian Churches say about...peacemaking? Considerable amount of time was given over to ensuring everyone was happy with the wording of this paper. The primary rubrics of the document included: Being Peacemakers, Peace in the Community, Peace with the Earth, Peace in the Marketplace and Peace among the Peoples.
The next meeting of the Commission will be on the 20th and 21st of June, 2018. The gathering will be devoted to a consideration of the paper ‘Together towards Life: Mission and Evangelism in Changing Landscapes’. Quakers will prepare a written response to this document.
Time was given over to a brief period of worship at the start of each day.
Peter H Bennett 27 November 2017
Australian Young Friends Report 2018 (Ref: YM18.52)
Young Friends continue to work to their beliefs especially in the areas of refugees, environment, the arts and first nations people recognition. We connect using technology that the original Friends wouldn't have dreamed of - Facebook and email. We hold monthly meetings online and there are very few of us. It’s an ongoing challenge to get to know each other, form a cohesive group and follow Quaker process. It is especially difficult to welcome new attenders and make them feel part of the online community.
This year’s pre AYM gathering was held at MacMasters Beach and six of us were in attendance. We enjoyed walking in Bouddi National Park, kayaking, helping out at dune care, the usual card games, meeting our 2018 Backhouse lecturer Cho-Nyon Kim and of course meeting for worship. We are feeling the impacts of the change to the entry age of Young Friends and also the change to timing of AYM. We miss welcoming JYFs into Young Friends. Some of the JYFs that would have connected with Young Friends once they turned sixteen have simply dropped off the radar. Similarly challenging has been the change of timing to AYM. For people our age, winter is generally, a time of mid term study or work commitments.
Young friends continue to be challenged by the number of committees we are asked join. There are close to twenty AYM committees that would ideally like to have YF representation. This is in addition to our own nominations and Young Friends committee. We currently have six YFs that have indicated that are able to serve in this capacity. On this note, I would like to acknowledge YF Rossana Stevens for the huge amount of work she has put into developing the new website. We value her expertise and commitment.
I often ponder how sustainable our current AYM model will be into the future. But then remember that the original Friends were Young Friends. The small number of young friends and the challenges we face seem to be a reflection of the Society as a whole. There is a need to simplify the structure because without enough people, it is almost impossible to follow Quaker process. Young Friends are well placed to work out how to support people to work the testimonies in a spirit led community.
But we have work to do.
82 We look forward to continuing our Friendship ‘over the ditch’ with New Zealand YFs by sending representatives to each other’s events and have lots of ideas on how to best use the refugee money from QSA.
Rebuilding Young Friends into a sustainable community is a priority. Over the the next 12 months I hope that a team of facilitators will be welcomed at each Regional meeting to hold a “Young Friends Traveling Roadshow”. We want to reconnect YFs with Quakers process, and explore how to simplify without loosing the spirit or essence. As part of this hold an open practical session for young people - of who there are many, working on climate, refugee and other issues who have never heard of Quakers.
I am excited to be attending the Asia West Pacific Gathering in Hong Kong in September and we also hope to have representation at the Peace Teams International training in January next year.
I have enjoyed my first time as clerk. Attending the clerking course at Silver Wattle was helpful. At time I have found the role to be challenging and somewhat isolating, so I am developing a support committee of Friends. For those that know me, they know my spirit speaks through art - imagery and movement. I am challenged by the wordy process! Gratitude to those that have understood this and supported me through my first year as Clerk.
Gabrielle Paananen Young Friends Clerk July 2018
Australian Junior Young Friend Statement (Ref: YM18.57)
At Yearly Meeting 2018, two JYFs read a statement that was begun at the January 2018 JYF Camp. The JYFs had been inspired by a set of statements from Friends in the UK who had written a Quaker version of the 1990 United Reformed Church’s Charter for Children.
The 2018 Australian JYF Statement tells us what JYFs think it means to be a JYF. It was received warmly, with Friends hoping it would be included in Documents in Retrospect. ______
Australian Junior Young Friend Statement
Who are JYFs?
• A group of hip Quakers from 12-17 years old, hailing from different places around the world • Friends who meet every so often, value and welcome each other and enjoy each other’s company • We are the next generation of Quakers and as we mature into influential leaders, we will be understanding and encouraging of future JYFs • Thoughtful and liberal teenagers who aim to keep an open mind in our conversations
What are our values? Spiritual: Silence, right relationship with the divine, friendship, seeing God in everyone.
Global: Freedom, equality, striving for change, music, compassion, standing up for what we believe in and being willing to take the consequences, taking action, service.
83 Social: Community, learning from each other, empathy, inclusiveness, camp, friendship, understanding others, having fun, diversity in our group.
Environmental: Stewardship, service, sustainability, recycling, simplicity.
Individual: Integrity, compassion, trust, love, honesty, respect, open-mindedness, adaptability and SPICES (simplicity, peace, integrity, community, equality, service/ stewardship/ sustainability).
Fun: Games, high quality memes, milo, food, laughter, sleep, laughing at stupid jokes, living life adventurously, outdoor activities.
What can we offer? Given the opportunity JYFs have many things to offer each other, the Quaker community and the world. We can shine a new light on Quaker values and offer our unique and diverse perspectives on them by offering:
• an openness to learning new things • a welcoming spirit to people seeking the Quaker community • fun, friendship and a good time • much meme sense, very humour • to S.P.I.C.E* up Quaker Meetings with our presence.
What do we need?
• Each other - being together with friends • A sufficiently large supply of MILO to keep us going (It’s good brain food and healthy!) • Well organised camps (planned early, with an ongoing assurance of date, time and financial support) • To be in silent worship together • Intergenerational diversity in meeting • Quality memes • More Quaker books age appropriate for JYFs • Respect – to be listened to and taken seriously • Time together to include silence, fun and learning • All Quakers to be given equal importance • JYFs to be kept in the hearts and minds of Quakers • Have older Quakers share their Quaker ways, history and beliefs with us • Effective transition and support for JYFs going up to Young Friends (YFs)
*SPICES = Simplicity, Peace, Integrity, Community, Equality, Sustainability
Report from Joint Meetings of the Right Holding of Yearly Meeting and the Yearly Meeting Planning Support Committees (Ref: YM18.63)
Members of the Right Holding of Yearly Meeting Committee: Jennifer Burrell, Wilma Davidson, Geoff Greeves, Bev Polzin, Felicity Rose, Anna Wilkinson
Members of the Yearly Meeting Planning Support Committee: Yarrow Andrew, Emily Chapman- Searle, Wilma Davidson, Michael Searle, Anna Wilkinson, Harold Wilkinson
The Yearly Meeting Planning Support Committee together with the Right Holding of Yearly Meeting Committee, have had energetic and fruitful conversations which have given greater clarity to the
84 task ahead. We continued this conversation during our share and tell on Friday afternoon. We imagine this process will be iterative and believe the two committees need to continue to liaise closely. The manner in which this happens will evolve.
We note that Canberra Regional Meeting is preparing a workshop to run for their meeting that we hope will be a model able to be adopted by other meetings.
We propose these revised terms of reference for the Right Holding of Yearly Meeting Committee which will be guided by the Quaker testimonies and the need to conduct business in a spirit led manner, ensuring that Australian Quaker gatherings are designed to fulfil their purposes, are easy for Friends to host and attend, and are equitable and accessible.
1. Engagement - Actively seek input from Friends across Australia in a variety of ways (including workshops and surveys) about: a. the purpose and future of Yearly Meeting gatherings b. ideas about alternative models c. current challenges
2. Data - Collate and discern the relevance of information about the practices of some other comparable Quaker gatherings
3. Testing and further discernment - Develop alternative models which may suit Australia Yearly Meeting better than our present practices. This would include: a. The conduct of business of the Society, including using electronic methods b. The timing, regularity, format and location of Australia Yearly Meeting gatherings c. The conduct of trials and pilot programs of some systems or processes.
4. Reporting - report findings and progress to Standing Committee and Yearly Meeting.
We ask YM18 to accept this report and approve these new Terms of Reference for the RHYMC.
OTHER REPORTS
Turning Points Winter School Reports: Summary
Circle Dancing: Turning our attention to the Earth Annie Rooke-Frizell (NSWRM) Nine Friends attended the 3 sessions allocated and we learnt 10 dances. For the presenter and those attending, it was important that there be a communal physical manifestation of the Spirit in a way such as this. It would be preferable to have circle dance sessions, not as a Winter School, but to be spread throughout the week. Circle dance is gentle, but requires physical stamina. It could help to balance the intense inner/cerebral activity that is so dominant among Friends at YM.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my “turning point”, the discovery of circle dance where: • there are no wrong steps, just variations; • the dance is to a story, a theme, a blend of folk and meditational dance; • the circle is embracing and inclusive; • and one doesn’t need a partner!
Creativity Barbara Huntington (NSWRM) The goal of this Winter School was to encourage each person to get in touch with their own unique
85 inner creative gift. A selection of natural materials, leaves, dry stalks, fabrics, sticks and paper were provided. The making of a Mandala was proposed. Participants were encouraged to use these found or natural materials to make their Mandalas. This medium was selected as it was fairly neutral and didn’t involve any prior skills like painting or drawing which can be intimidating. Each Mandala was very different expressing something individual about each person.
Creative Writing & Storytelling David Evans (SANTRM) 10 mature-aged and experienced Quakerly people enthused about our topic, considering in three sessions: Your interest in Creative Writing/Storytelling: participants recounted their professional/non- professional experiences with writing, reflecting personal involvements and interests. Turning Points in your lives: Particpants chose one they might write about, discussing a little relating to their own experiences. Mention was made of the possibility of us producing a booklet entitled, possibly, VOL 1 Turning Points. If this is successful we may think of a creative writing workshop at Silver Wattle. Your writing/stories: past and present: experiences and more storytelling, focusing on how we individually go about the writing process. There was danger that the stories would never stop.
Condition David Johnson (QRM), Presenter & Sheila Keane (NSWRM), Elder Seventeen participants explored the meaning of “condition” using extracts from the Journal of George Fox, spending retreat time alone, and in sharing experiences and learnings together. Fox’s spiritual trajectory was very close to some of our own experiences. Three sessions focused on three aspects: our own personal condition, our experiences of another’s condition, and the condition of our meeting communities. The Light Within shows us our condition continuously, inviting us to change. Some anguish was felt over the condition of our meetings and the need for more time in silent worship as we are worked upon in our business meetings. The full day program was valuable, allowing a deep experience for this one day of spiritual nurture at a busy YM.
Right Holding of Yearly Meeting Emily Chapman-Searle (TRM) A large group of engaged Friends brainstormed some of our purposes, our challenges, and some suggestions for change. Small groups focused on ideas pertinent to them. The theme of inclusion was emphasised by many present. Friends present confirmed the draft report of the joint meetings of the Right Holding of YM and the YM Planning Support committees during this YM. This report includes recommended new terms of reference which the group found acceptable. The post-its and butchers paper, along with the papers from the Winter School on YM change, were given to the Right Holding Committee to further their work. We hope this is only the start of many more conversations with Friends.
How a new optimal decision science could lead to a far happier, safer and sustainable world Ken Hird (CRM) An overview was presented as to how some technical concepts realistically offer us the potential for a spiritual and intellectual enlightenment by way of an optimal decision-making philosophy, and thus transformed, how we would rebuild our economy and governance to lead to a happier, sustainable, equal, peaceful world. Lively discussions ranged between culture theory, management styles, relationship to communism and many others. Although such a comprehensive, abstract and in many respects challenging - manifesto could not reasonably be assimilated in the time available, attendees participated with enthusiasm and good humour. A follow-up document will offer potential for further discussion. (Contact: Ken Hird [email protected] .)
QPLC Influencing and Lobbying Michael Searle (CRM) This Winter School pursued the Lobbying Workshops that QPLC conducted in March in Canberra. We explored our personal reaction to a simulated request to go and undertake a lobbying task to ask a federal parliamentarian (or their staffer) to commit to supporting the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty. This helped us articulate what resources and support would be helpful/necessary to do the
86 real task. We spent time gaining some of the information and approaches that would be helpful. We then undertook a simulated lobbying meeting in small groups, by way of practising skills. Reflection on this gave us more insights and approaches. We then practised further approaches to parts of the conversation which might be effective. We did this in the whole group, and the insights of those observing added richly to the learning. We understand that lobbying is about a conversation between people. Whilst there is an attempt to convince the recipient—it is respectful, listening, and trying to present the human response to the topic, in a way which will inform the recipient, and provide some emotional content which may be memorable. Since it is these things and is not brow-beating, we are confident that this a wholly Quakerly approach, and that it may yield results that represent good value for the effort applied.
Friends in Stitches Sally O’Wheel (TRM) In the College Church, (aka the morning tea room), we set up the display of panels behind the chairs and sofas, so that there was a barrier between the viewer with his cup of tea and the work of art. The Queensland Friends used the time together to consolidate their ideas about the Kelvin Grove rainforest panel, and by the end of the day they had a draft to take home and to continue working on through the week. Tessa Spratt handled book sales, and a gift copy was presented to Cathy Davies in deep appreciation of her wonderful contribution to Friends in Stitches. Two finished panels were mounted onto the board ready for display, and a start was made on a new panel draft. Friends felt they had had a productive day. We finished with circle of silence during which gratitude was expressed.
Share and Tell Session Reports: Summary
An Audit of Multifaith Australia in 2017 Sue Ennis (VRM). The audit showed there is virtually no government agency responsible for this vital and ever-increasing part of Australia’s social cohesion. The session presented policies and programs around faith/world views which urgently need to be embraced by Federal and state governments. Religions for Peace, Australia is currently lobbying Federal members of parliament about this matter.
Caring & support for damaged and traumatised members - True Duty of Care Mary Grbavac (QRM). Recent experience of Friends trying to recover from deep unpleasantness within the Meeting, showed a lack of useful guidelines. Challenges included identifying useful resources to assist in healing. This session spoke to about a dozen friends of experiences they had, and they offered positive support to each other.
Challenges Facing More Isolated Friends Michael Bayles (NSWRM), Rob Walpole (TRM) and Peter Hillery (CRM). A dozen Friends from small meetings across Australia found they have more in common than differences. While appreciating the deep silence, low numbers requires greater commitment from Friends. New technologies such as ‘zoom’ also offer more opportunities to participate in Regional Meeting committees. The session concluded with a practical session about online meeting for worship on 3rd Sundays at 5.30pm.
Devonshire Street Meeting House Mary Pollard (NSWRM) and other Friends took the opportunity to share information about developments at 119 Devonshire Street, Sydney, the Quaker Meeting House. The session agreed that input from other meetings about their own experiences would be appreciated.
Listening to the Human Condition – Compassionate Song Blog Maree-Rose Jones (TRM). This session allowed several Friends attended to review and use the blog live, to choose lyrics with impact through a tag word search e.g., an emotion or feeling, to find a related song, and be used as a healing resource.
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North Korean Study Tour Sejin Pak (SANTRM). This preparation session for a North Korea study tour in October 2018 was an opportunity to learn more about the peace issues relating to North Korea, based on Sejin’s two visits to North Korea in 2017.
Possible Future Directions for Modern Representative Democracy David Tehr ((WARM). Both Quakers and parliamentary modern representative democracy have their genesis in 17th century Britain. Friendly ways and democratic processes have both evolved since; Friends met to propose and discuss ideas for the futures of both.
Practical Help for Indigenous School Children – a Quaker example Greta Davies and Maree Gilchrist (NSWRM) A discussion followed by Q&A about Hunter Valley Quaker’s experience of providing scholarship funding to indigenous students at two lower Hunter Valley primary schools, Tenambit and Tarro.
Practising Peace through AVP (Alternatives to Violence) Valerie Joy (QRM). A mini-AVP workshop, followed by a presentation by Sue Ennis (VRM) of the 2018 International Peace Training in Pati, Java, Indonesia. Applications for the January 10-23 2019 event are now being welcomed via email to [email protected]. More information about Friends Peace Teams can be found on www.fpt-awp.org, and enquiries can be directed to Valerie Joy at [email protected].
Regional Meeting Governance Jennifer Burrell (NSWRM). A chance to review and become familiar with the requirements of those acting as office-bearers of incorporated meetings.
Religion and Astronomy Michael King (NSWRM). A consideration of the pure common sense of religion as a ‘work in progress’ with astronomy. Michael’s enthusiasm for this topic impressed those attending.
Revolving Door between Homelessness and Recidivism Peter Dwyer (CRM). Peter discussed a project he is leading to turn around the link between homelessness and recidivism in the ACT. They considered the fact that 35% of people entering jails are homeless beforehand, while 52% return to jail within 2 years after release. 75% are from the old psychiatric system after de- institutionalisation in the 1980's.
Right Holding of AYM Jennifer Burrell (NSWRM). A session to discuss the purpose of our yearly gatherings, and for Friends to contribute their visions of our future. Many of the reflections and thoughts generated will be considered as future yearly meetings are planned and organised.
Silver Wattle Volunteering Trish and David Johnson (QRM). More than a dozen Friends including volunteers and past and present Directors gathered to share their experiences and explore opportunities for spiritual nurture service and community at Silver Wattle Quaker Centre. Please note that Silver Wattle would like to talk with Friends interested in volunteering to provide hospitality services at the Centre, facilitating the many courses available.
The Quaker Shop Topsy Evans with David Evans (SANTRM). a fascinating half-hour exploration of the history and development of the Quaker Shop in Adelaide. As well as being available on DVD, it can also be viewed on youtube - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe6Sy6w3U9w . A touching piece of our Australian Quaker history.
Volunteering in Vietnam with Australian Volunteers International Brian and Marie Harlech- Jones (CRM). Brian and Marie are happy to speak to Friends wanting to know about their experience, conditions etc from a year working in Vietnam as volunteers with Australian Volunteers International.
88 STANDING COMMITTEE MINUTES 6-7 July 2018 held on the campus of Avondale College, Cooranbong NSW
AYM Officers Clerk Allan Knight AYM Treasurer Roger Sawkins AYM Secretary Jacque Schultze
Standing Committee representatives Canberra RM (CRM) Brian Turner, David Liversidge (Co-Clerks) New South Wales RM (NSWRM) Jennifer Burrell, Wies Schuiringa (Co-Clerks) Queensland RM (QRM) Taisoo Kim-Watson (Co-Clerk), Christine Venner- Westaway South Australia & Northern Territory RM Yarrow Andrew, Topsy Evans (SANTRM) Tasmania RM (TRM) Emily Chapman-Searle, Maddy Walker (Co-Clerks) Victoria RM (VRM) Dale Hess (Co-Clerk), Sieneke Martin West Australia RM Allan Knight (Clerk), David Tehr Young Friends (YF) Gabrielle Pannanen (Clerk), Joelle Nininahazwe
Timetable Friday, 6 July 1.00 - 2.00pm Lunch 2.00 – 2.30 pm Meeting for Worship 2.30 – 4.00 pm First Session of Standing Committee 4.00 - 4.30pm Afternoon tea 4.30 – 5.15 pm Second Session of Standing Committee 5.30pm Dinner Saturday, 7 July 9.00 – 10.30 am Third Session of Standing Committee 10.30 – 11.00 am Morning tea 11.00 – 12.30 pm Fourth Session of Standing Committee 12.30 – 1.30 pm Lunch 1.30 – 3.00 pm Fifth Session of Standing Committee 3.00 – 3.30 pm Closing Worship 3.30 – 4.00 pm Afternoon tea
89 SC7.18.1 Introductory Matters SC7.18.1.1 Acknowledgment of Traditional Owners The Co-Clerk of NSWRM, Wies Schuiringa, paid respects to the Awabakal people, the traditional owners of the land on which we met.
SC7.18.1.2 A Short Period of Worship During the opening period of worship, Allan Knight, Clerk, Standing Committee, read from Advices & Queries 19 (Australia Yearly Meeting, 2008):
Do you respect that of God in everyone though it may be expressed in unfamiliar ways or be difficult to discern? Each of us has a particular experience of God and each must find the way to be true to it. When words are strange or disturbing to you, try to sense where they come from and what has nourished the lives of others. Listen patiently and seek the truth which other people’s opinions may contain for you. Avoid hurtful criticism and provocative language. Do not allow the strength of your convictions to betray you into making statements or allegations that are unfair or untrue. Think it possible that you may be mistaken.
SC7.18.1.3 Introduction of Committee Members Allan Knight, Clerk of Standing Committee, welcomed the representatives from Regional Meetings and Young Friends and invited them to introduce themselves.
We give Christine Venner-Westway, YF Clerk Gabrielle Pannanen permission to fully participate in Standing Committee, as she not in membership of the Society.
SC7.18.2 Use of urgent decision-making procedures for AYM appointments Members of Standing Committee acknowledged our concern for our Presiding Clerk, Jo Jordan and her husband Joseph Juchniewicz, and that we are holding them in the Light during Standing Committee and Yearly Meeting.
SC7.18.2.1 Appointment of Acting YM Clerk (a) Clerking of Standing Committee 7.18 and YM18 Formal Sessions 1 and 2 An urgent decision-making meeting was convened on 28 June (following the procedure in 5.2.3 of the Handbook of Practice and Procedure in Australia) to consider steps to address the need for our Presiding Clerk to step aside regarding YM18 duties:
Our Presiding Clerk, Jo Jordan, has let us know of the sudden illness of her husband Joseph Juchniewicz, and his need for immediate chemotherapy. After much thought and prayer, Jo decided that it would not be in the interests of Yearly Meeting, of Joseph or herself, to be the Presiding Clerk at YM18. She determined that she needed to be with Joseph, taking an active part in his care as well as plans for his future.
At this meeting, Representatives from Standing Committee met via Zoom to discuss the following items:
90 • Who will serve as Clerk for Standing Committee on 6-7 July? (Follow on discussion with this person on how to best manage preparation for this.) • A preliminary discussion about the Clerking arrangements for Yearly Meeting 2018, 7-14 July
Roger Sawkins convened the meeting. After a period of silence, and checking everyone was comfortable with the Zoom meeting room arrangement, the meeting began.
Arrangements for the handling of some of the Presiding Clerk’s YM duties were discussed: • NSWRM Co-Clerks will convene the First-timers’ meeting on Saturday at 4.45pm. • Taisoo Kim Watson will introduce the Backhouse Lecturer on Monday 9 July at 7.15pm. • The introduction of the Elder at the Welcome to Country ceremony will be handled by Hunter Valley Local Meeting
We discussed Friends who might be asked to serve as Clerk for Standing Committee on 6-7 July. This person would need to be able meet with the AYM Secretary prior to start of Standing Committee, on Thursday if possible or Friday morning.
Allan Knight (WARM Clerk) was asked to serve as Clerk for Standing Committee and the first two Formal Sessions of Yearly Meeting. He has agreed to do this. The AYM Secretary will send him SC documents to help him prepare.
The members present discussed possible clerking arrangements for the remaining sessions of YM18. It was agreed that Allan will ask Ann Zubrick (WARM) if she would consider having her name brought to Standing Committee to take on clerking the remainder of the YM sessions (Sessions 3-9).
At Standing Committee 6-7 July, all SC representatives will discuss and finalise the clerking for subsequent sessions of Yearly Meeting.
It was agreed that: • Jo Jordan, Presiding Clerk, would be informed of this committee’s decisions • that the AYM Secretary send an email to all RM Clerks informing them of these decisions and ask the RM Clerks to inform their RM members/attenders
Standing Committee heard that: • David Purnell has agreed to introduce Cho-Nyon Kim, the Backhouse Lecturer. • The Elder who was to do the Welcome to Country is unavailable. Instead an Acknowledgment of Country involving a brief history of the local First Nations People will be given, followed by a reading of the Uluru Statement from the Heart. This session will be introduced by Wies Schuiringa, at the originally scheduled time of 5.45pm on Saturday 7 July. We appreciate the efforts of Hunter Valley Local Meeting over many months to organise the Welcome to Country which have now sadly fallen through.
(b) Clerking of YM18 Formal Session 3-9 Standing Committee agreed to accept Ann Zubrick to serve as Clerk for the remaining sessions (3- 9) of Yearly Meeting. We accept that there will be one person supporting Ann as needed in her role. Ann will make the suitable arrangements for the person supporting her in this role.
We ask the Nominations Committee in consultation with the Presiding Clerk, to consider options for handling post-Yearly Meeting Presiding Clerk duties should it become necessary.
91 Section A: Reports with financial implications
SC7.18.3 AYM Treasurer’s Report and Budget report
There were corrections to the Treasurer’s Report: • NATSI Ecumenical Committee item (Donations) was not meant to appear in the proposed budget and was removed. • The Friends Peace Team Donations amount should be $1000. • The $3000 subsidy to Young Friends for the 2018/19 financial year was removed at the request of Young Friends. We note the removal of this subsidy has led to the reduced quotas to regional meetings.
Standing Committee accepted the report of the AYM Treasurer as amended, which is shown in Section D below.
Section B: For decision and recommendation to Yearly Meeting
One task of the SC meeting is to approve the agenda for Yearly Meeting, ensuring that all Concerns arising in AYM committees and from Regional Meetings are brought to Yearly Meeting for consideration.’ [Handbook of Practice & Procedure, 6th edn, Appendix D]
SC7.18.4 Right Holding of Yearly Meeting Committee
We hear that the Committee members feel the need for greater clarity in their Terms of Reference in order to forward the work of the Committee.
We ask members of the Right Holding of Yearly Meeting Committee who are at Yearly Meeting to meet with the Yearly Meeting Planning Support Committee to consider how the work of the Right Holding of Yearly Meeting Committee may forward its work and to prepare a report for a formal session at this Yearly Meeting.
SC7.18.5 AYM Appointments
Standing Committee agrees for Nominations Committee to include these names on the overall Nominations list at YM:
Jim Palmer (VRM), Margaret Bywater (TRM) and Judith Pembleton (QRM) for the Website Monitoring Committee, for a proposed membership of three years, to YM 2021.
Ann Zubrick to serve as AYM Presiding Clerk from mid-2019 for three years. The appointment would commence at the end of YM 2019.
SC7.18.6 Special Session at Yearly Meeting on increased weapons exports government policy
Standing Committee considered a request from WARM Friends who feel strongly against the Federal Government’s increased weapons export policy, for there to be a special session at YM
92 2018 to consider ways in which Friends may address this issue. We ask Adrian Glamorgan to Clerk this session, subject to consent.
SC7.18.7 Acknowledging new members at Yearly Meeting
We are not in unity about acknowledging new members at Yearly Meetings. We ask Taisoo Kim Watson to prepare background information on this matter, and also the possibility of a Meeting for Celebration during Yearly Meeting, and to share this with all regional meetings for their consideration.
We hear the suggestion that financial assistance be provided by regional meetings to encourage those new to membership to attend Yearly Meeting.
SC7.18.8 Drafting Letter addressing government rejection of Uluru Statement from the Heart
Standing Committee asks that this matter be considered at the First Nations People’s Concerns Preparatory Session. We ask that the draft letter be posted on the Yearly Meeting 2018 website and on notice boards prior to the session, and that it is announced in the first Formal Session.
SC7.18.9 Draft Statement of Principles and Procedures from Yearly Meeting Archivist
Standing Committee recommends that the report (Appendix 1) be sent to regional meetings for consideration. Once regional meetings have considered the report and the recommendations, the report would appear in Documents in Advance 2019 and come to YM19 for discernment. We ask that this report be placed in Documents in Retrospect 2018.
SC7.18.10 Appointments for the duration of Yearly Meeting
(a) Standing Committee recommends the names of Jennifer Burrell and Wies Schuiringa for the role of Assistant Co-Clerks to Yearly Meeting 2018.
(b) Standing Committee notes that Sheila Keane will give the State of Society address and that the Summary of Epistles by Peter Hillery.
(c) Standing Committee accepts the names of the following Friends to serve as elders for the duration of YM18: CRM: Marie Harlech-Jones and Brian Harlech-Jones NSWRM: Lyn Dundas, (Convenor) and Sabine Erika QRM: Ross Cooper and Mary Grbavac SANTRM: Jenny Stock, Roger Keyes TRM: Felicity Rose and Julie Walpole VRM: Catherine Heywood, Tessa Spratt, Bev Polzin WARM: David Tehr
(d) Standing Committee accepts the names of the following Friends to serve as pastoral carers for the duration of YM18: CRM: Chris Larkin, Vidya 93 NSWRM: Susan Freeman, Elaine Polglase QRM: Trish Johnson, Jude Pembleton SANTRM: David Evans, Yarrow Andrew TRM: Kerstin Reimers, Margaret Bywater VRM: Bruce Henry, Sieneke Martin WARM: Virginia Jealous
(e) Standing Committee accepts the names of these Child Protection Contact Friends who will be present at YM18: NSWRM: Linda Page SANTRM: Yarrow Andrew TRM: Maddy Walker
(f) Standing Committee accepts the names of these Safe Quaker Community Contact Friends who will be present at YM18: QRM: Jude Pembleton TRM: Robin Mclean, Jenny Seaton
(g) Standing Committee notes the names of Convenors and Recording Clerks for Preparatory Sessions at YM18: Session Session Name Date and time Convenors Recording Clerks Number 1 Peace Sessions Mon 9 July Sieneke Martin QPLC P&SJ Fund 9.30-11am Committee 2 Earthcare Mon 9 Jul 1 Ray Brindle 11.30-1.00 2 Child Protection Mon 9 Jul Judith Emily Chapman- 11.30-1.00 Pembleton Searle 3 Children and JYF Mon 9 July Christine Larkin 2-3.30pm 3 Friends in Stitches Mon 9 July Taisoo Kim Jude Pembleton 2-3.30pm Watson 4 QSA & QSA Linkages Mon 9 July Beverly Polzin Committee 4-5.30pm 5 First Nations Peoples’ Tues 10 July Harold Concerns Committee 11.30-1.00pm Wilkinson 6 Handbook Revision Tues 10th July Allan Knight Ann Zubrick 2.00-3.30pm 7 Backhouse Lecture Tues 10th July David Purnell Feedback 4-5.00pm 8 Publications Committee Wed 11 July Ann Zubrick Allan Knight 11.00am- 12.30pm 8-Part II Safe Quaker Community Wed 11 July Jim Palmer Committee 7.15-8.15pm 9 QLA and Meeting for Thurs 12 July Brian Turner Roberta Turner Learning 11.30-1.00 9 Ecumenism, NCCA & Thurs 12 July Dale Hess Inter-faith 11.30-1.00 10 IT Committee Fri 13 July Yarrow Andrew Joelle Nininahazwe 11.00am- 12.30pm
94 REPORTS FWCC & FWCC-AWP Tues 10 July Adrian Visitor 7.15-81.5pm Glamorgan The Friends School/ Thurs 12 July Jenny Stock Quaker Values Committee 7.30- 8.00pm Silver Wattle Quaker Thurs 12 July Topsy Evans Centre 8.00 -8.30pm Young Friends Friday 13 July Gab Paananen 11.30-1.00pm
SC7.18.11 Participation of non-Members at YM18
Standing Committee accepts and recommends the following names of those not in membership who have been approved by their Regional Meeting to attend this Yearly Meeting:
NSWRM: Jasmine Payget, Donna Mulhearn, Myra Hutton, Ellan, Richard Griffith, Bastien Fox Phelan, Carlyn, Beryl Dolamore, Elizabeth Milsom, Gaby den Hollander, George Barnes, Kristine Hodyl, Greta Davies, Mary Copping, Gregg Heathcote, Alan Ible, Zac Bonham (JYF), Xanthe Lemont (JYF), Bobbie Miller. Christine Sargeant, David Swain, Peter Cooper, Paul Carter, Sam Wright (JYF), James Wright (YF), Michael Griffith, Rose Griffith, Max McFadden, K Woodhouse, member BYM and attending WLM, Linda Page, Danny Miles and Nick Penty, Laurie Strathdee, Lisa Geiger QRM: Christine Venner-Westaway, Judy Wollin, Will Cameron (JYF), Claire Cameron (JYF), Alice Cameron (JYF) SANTRM: Sejin Pak TRM: Lisa File, Alexandra-Rose Brosnan (YF), Beatrice Farquhar-Jones (JYF) VRM: Claudia Barduhn, Wendy Salter, Myf White, Josh Crane (JYF), Kaidan Crane (JYF), Miriam Hope (JYF), Caleb Hope (JYF), Lizzy Bingham (JYF), Elaine Henry, Sofie Brown (JYF); Brendan Caulfield-James WARM: Elizabeth PO’, Charlie Lane (JYF)
SC7.18.12 Names of Friends who have died since YM17 to be read during the Meeting for Remembrance at YM18 A special Meeting for Worship for Remembrance is held during Yearly Meeting. The names of all Friends who have died since the previous Yearly Meeting are read aloud during this Meeting, providing an opportunity for reflection on or ministry about the Grace of God expressed in their lives. Handbook of Practice and Procedure in Australia 4.8.5
Standing Committee hears the names of the following Friends who have died since YM17. These names will be read during the Meeting for Remembrance on Wednesday 11 July at 8.30am.
NSWRM: Pera Marion Webb, Don Nash QRM: Frances Kendall, Barbara Bostock, Lilla Adams, Tony Arden, Sylvia Florer and Marion Sullivan SANTRM: Alice Caseleyr, Patricia Allman-Ward TRM: Hilary Martin, Jean Hearn, David Willson and Joyce Hudson, Wendy Webber VRM: Bill Jaggs, Bob Flack WARM: Christina Lyall, Marco McClintock, Salamah Pope
95 SC7.18.13 Changes to the timetable of YM 2018
Standing Committee notes the changes to the timetable in Documents in Advance 2018. Old New What Thurs 12 July 7.30-8.00pm Thurs 12 July 7.15-7.45pm The Friends School & Quaker Values Committee Report Thurs 12 July 8-8.30pm Thurs 12 July 7.45-8.15pm Silver Wattle Quaker Centre Report Saturday 7 July 5.45pm Acknowledgement of Country Welcome to Country Wednesday 11 July 4.00pm Weapons Export Policy Session
Note: There may be a need for second Peace Reports Session, and should this be needed this will occur on Wednesday 11 July 11.30am
Note: The first Formal Session on Saturday night 7 July begins at 7.30pm. All subsequent evening sessions begin at 7.15pm.
SC7.18.14 Arrangements for reading testimonies at YM18
Standing Committee accepts the reading of testimonies as below at Yearly Meeting 2018.
Regional Meetings are asked to ensure that a Testimony or compilation of Testimonies for reading during Yearly Meeting does not exceed 500 words. Copies of the unabridged Testimonies are available at Yearly Meeting. Handbook of Practice and Procedure in Australia 4.8.5
Formal Session Testimony Reader 3. Tuesday, 10 July, 9.30am Sylvia Florer QRM David Johnson
4. Wednesday, 11 July, 9.30am Christina Lyall, WARM David Tehr
5. Thursday, 12 July, 9.30am Compilation of Testimonies for Anne-Maree Johnston Joan Mobey, Don Nash, Bruce Ann Britton Fleming and Pera Webb, NSWRM 6. Thursday, 12 July, 2.00 pm Patricia (Pat) Allman-Ward, Topsy Evans SANTRM 7. Friday, 13 July, 9.30 am Compilation of Testimonies for Catherine Heywood Bill Jaggs and Bob Flack, VRM Tessa Spratt 8.Friday, 13 July, 2.00 pm Hilary Martin, TRM Nelson Fyle
SC7.18.15 Statements on behalf of Australia Yearly Meeting
Standing Committee notes the following letters and other public statements made by the Presiding Clerk since YM17. We welcome the increased number of postings on social media, including Facebook and Twitter, have significantly increased public awareness and comment about statements made by YM and by QPLC. Copies of the letters and media releases will be available in a folder at the Help Desk.
Copies of the public statements are available on the Australia Yearly Meeting website www.quakersaustralia.info
96 Date Sent to Concerning 30 July 2017 PM Malcolm Turnbull Deep concern over treatment of asylum seekers on Manus and Nauru Islands 2 August PM Malcolm Turnbull Australia’s non-participation in the 2017 Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty
17 August PM Malcolm Turnbull Support of Marriage Equality 2017 Individual letters to all Senators 3 October PM Malcolm Turnbull Quakers opposition to Adani Mine 2017 Annastacia Palaszczuk development 7 November PM Malcolm Turnbull Quakers speak out over Manus Island 2017 Asylum Seekers treatment by government 22 November PM Malcolm Turnbull Marriage equality vote 2017 Individual letters to all Senators 14 February Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Australia’s increased role in arms trade 2018 Affairs; PM Malcolm Turnbull (Defense Export Strategy) Bill Shorten 19 April 2018 Julie Bishop, Minister for Foreign Ongoing violence in Gaza Affairs; Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs
OTHER 11 December Brendan Nelson, Australian War White poppies for peace at the War 2017 Memorial Director memorial during 2018 6 February All Australia Yearly Meeting Carbon offsets and consider how they 2018 officers and committees and also handle the impact of travel for Quake- to all Regional Meetings related activities
The Society, over the signature of the Presiding Clerk, has added its name to:
Date Organiser Concerning 6 November Change.org Joint letter to PM Save the Manus refuges 2017 Jacinta Ahern, NZ 11 November Equality Campaign Joint Statement Marriage Equality 2017 28 November ACOSS (Australian Joint Statement Call for Australian Parliament to 2017 Council of Social respect and back full Uluru Services) Statement from the Heart 9 February Lee Rhiannon Letter to Members of Letter supporting change in 2018 Senate statement read out in Parliament to one that is inclusive of all beliefs 26 April 2018 Pax Christi-Victoria Letter to Julie Bishop Urging Australia’s participation in international consultations on Nuclear Disarmament
Standing Committee notes the following media communications distributed since YM17.
11 August 2017 Letters to editor, Sydney Morning Herald, supporting marriage equality 17 August 2017 Australian Quakers call for marriage equality 14 February Quakers express alarm at government decision to “bring Australia into the 2018 top ten arms trading nations”
97 SC7.18.16 Greetings from Yearly Meeting
Friends are asked to give to the Convenor of YM18 Pastoral Care Committee, names and email addresses for greetings of those Friends who are to receive e-cards from this Yearly Meeting. E- Cards for greetings will be sent at the end of YM18.
For those Regional Meetings that wish to send paper cards of greetings, these will be displayed on a table set aside for that purpose during Yearly Meeting and need to be collected by the RM nominees by 3pm Friday, 13 July.
SC7.18.17 Future Mid-Year Standing Committees SC7.18.17.1 Standing Committee January 2019, Canberra Regional Meeting Standing Committee heard from CRM of preparations for hosting SC and the AGM. The proposed dates are 18-20 January 2019. We ask Canberra Regional Meeting to confirm the dates by 6 August 2018. SC7.18.17.2 Standing Committee 17-19 January 2020, Queensland Regional Meeting Standing Committee heard from QRM on preparations for holding SC and the AGM in January 2020. SC7.18.17.3 Standing Committee 15-17 January 2021 (NSWRM) We note NSWRM will report to Standing Committee at SC January 2019.
SC7.18.18 Future Yearly Meetings SC7.18.14.1 Yearly Meeting 6-13 July 2019 to be hosted by TRM TRM SC representatives reported on preparations for YM2019 in Hobart at The Friends’ School. TRM Friends are trying to address the challenges of weather and hills at Friends School. Friends are encouraged to arrange their own accommodation early as other events in Hobart at the same time as Yearly Meeting mean accommodation may be limited for late bookings.
TRM Friends would welcome assistance in planning for parts of YM that don’t need to be done by the host meeting. Friends willing to assist should contact the TRM Co-Clerks.
SC7.18.14.2 Yearly Meeting 4-11 July 2020 to be hosted by CRM Standing Committee heard from representatives from CRM on arrangements for YM2020. A venue is booked with on-site accommodation. Near-by extra off-site accommodation is available. SC7.18.14.3 Yearly Meeting Post 2020 The timing of the next YM after 2020 is yet to be finalised due to the review of our current cycle of Yearly Meeting. A host for this Yearly Meeting is yet to be confirmed. Standing Committee asks QRM to consider hosting the post-2020 Yearly Meeting. It is noted that some aspects of organising Yearly Meeting can be done by Friends in regional meetings other than the host regional meeting.
SC7.18.19 Visitors to Australia Yearly Meeting 2018
Visitors attending YM18 will be: Lesley Young (YM Clerk, Aotearoa/New Zealand); Anthony Hopkin, FWCC AWP Visitor to Yearly Meeting (International Member of the Society of Friends, attending Singapore Worshipping Group). Liz Stone, NCCA Associate General Secretary and
98 Fr Shenouda Mansour, NSW Ecumenical Council General Secretary were invited to attend the Ecumenical, NCCA and Inter-Faith Preparatory Sessions by NSWRM, at YM18.
Part C: For noting
SC7.18.20 Appointments
Standing Committee notes the following appointments brought to Standing Committee January 2018, and recommends these appointments to YM18: AYM Committee Appointment/s End of term Friends in Stitches (Australian Nancy Tingey (CRM), Jacqueline Schultze 2020 Quaker Narrative NSWRM) Embroidery) Committee QPLC, Regional Meeting Jackie Perkins (NSWRM) 2021 Correspondent
SC7.18.21 Yearly Meeting Responsibilities
Standing Committee notes the following allocations for responsibilities at Yearly Meeting 2018 for Doorkeeping and Epilogue: Regional Date Responsible for Meeting Saturday 7 July Doorkeeping & Epilogue NSWRM from 5.30pm – 9.00pm; Welcome to Country; Opening Session Saturday 14 July Doorkeeping from 8.15am – 1.00pm; MforW, Formal Session, MforW, Epilogue QRM Sunday 8 July Doorkeeping & Epilogue from 8.15am – 9.30am, MforW; 7.15pm – 9.00pm, Formal Session, Epilogue Monday 9 July Doorkeeping, no Epilogue SANTRM rom 8.15am – 8.15pm; MforW, Prep Sessions and after Backhouse Lecture Backhouse Lecture TRM Tuesday 10 July Doorkeeping & Epilogue from 8.15am – 9.00pm; MforW, Prep Sessions and FWCC-AWPS Presentation, Epilogue WARM Wednesday 11 July Doorkeeping & Epilogue from 8.15am – 1.00pm, MforW, Prep Sessions; Peace witness and excursions in the afternoon, 7.15pm – 9.00pm, Prep Session, Epilogue VRM Thursday 11 July Doorkeeping & Epilogue 8.15am – 3.30pm, MforW, Formal & Prep Sessions; 7.15pm – 9.00pm, Reports, Epilogue CRM Friday 12 July Doorkeeping & Epilogue 8.15am – 3.30pm, MforW, Formal & Prep Sessions; 7.15pm- 9.00pm, Concert, Epilogue NSWRM Saturday 14 July Doorkeeping 8.15am – 1.00pm, MforW, Formal Session, MforW
99 Section D: General Fund Budget General Fund budget for the year ended 30 September 2019
2015/16 2016/17 ------2018/19 2017/18 - Actual Actual Estimated Budget Propose d full year Budget $ $ Outgo $ $ $ Salaries and fees 63,173.41 50,399.28 Secretary's Salary 53,200.00 53,200 56,000 5,265.50 4,787.98 Superannuation 5,100.00 5,100 5,300 935.20 572.40 Workers Compensation 1,100.00 1,100 1,200 4,500.00 4,600.00 Auditors fees 4,800.00 4,700 5,000 5,400.00 0.00 Other salaries 0.00 0 0 2,007.50 128.15 Bookkeeping Fees 0.00 0 0 81,281.61 60,487.81 64,200 64,100 67,500 Office Expenses 1,326.18 1,666.22 Office Supplies 13,500 9,000 9,000 4,883.91 6,274.83 Photocopying 695.26 190.03 Postage 1,609.00 1,068.72 Telephone 822.66 469.00 Computer 4,000.00 0.00 Home Page/Internet 12,585.00 8,800.00 Rent 8,500 7,800 7,800 25,922.01 18,468.80 22,000 16,800 16,800 Travel 9,000.00 7,700.00 Yearly Meeting Travel 7,700.00 7,300 9,000 3,000.00 3,000.00 Young Friends 3,000.00 3,000 0 11,000.00 22,000.00 Travel Fund 8,000.00 8,000 8,000 23,000.00 32,700.00 18,700 18,300 17,000 Other expenses 7,000.00 0.00 Australian Friend 0 0.00 0 16,000.00 Communications Fund 17,000 17,000 18,000 subsidy 23,000.00 12,000.00 Yearly Meeting subsidy 4,000 4,000 4,000 11,254.18 11,904.47 Liability insurance 12,250 12,000 13,000 243.00 Officers’ expenses 500 500 500 668.99 362.61 Subscriptions 350 350 350 1,536.00 1,690.00 NCCA 1,850 1,550 1,900 5,130.00 6,167.45 Committee expenses 21,500 24,500 21,500 627.48 856.98 Bank & other charges 400 750 400 49,459.65 48,981.51 57,850 60,650 59,650 Donations 1,500.00 1,500 Silver Wattle 1,700.00 1,700 1,700 1,750.00 1,750 FWCC World 2,000.00 2,000 2,000 3,500.00 3,500 FWCC A/W Pacific 4,000.00 4,000 4,000 2,500.00 2,500 QUNO 3,000.00 3,000 3,000 750.00 750 Woodbrooke 850.00 850 850 750.00 750 Pendle Hill 850.00 850 850 1,000.00 1,000 Friends Peace Teams 1,000.00 1,000 1,000 100 11,750.00 11,750.00 13,400 13,400 13,400
191,413.27 172,388.12 Total outgo 176,150 173,250 174,350
Income 167,600.0 166,800.0 RM Quotas 170,200 170,250 171,350 0 0 4,649.66 3,816.91 Investment Income 3,000 3,000 3,000 4.96 0.00 Other 0 0 172,254.62 170,616.91 Total Income 173,200 173,250 174,350
- -1,771.21 Surplus / Deficit -2,950 0 0 19,158.65 76,168.09 57,009.44 Balance at beg. of yr 55,238 52,288 57,009.44 55,238.23 Balance at end of yr 52,288 52,288
Possible Quotas 2017/18 Relative 2018/19 YM Net Change Quotas Mem's * Quotas Travel amount from last year Canberra 17,200 92 17,200 900 16,300 0.0% New South Wales 39,900 222 41,400 1,100 40,300 3.8% Queensland 18,900 93 17,400 1,800 15,600 -7.9% Sth. Aust. & N.T. 20,700 113 21,100 1,200 19,900 1.9% Tasmania 25,600 140 26,100 26,100 2.0% Victoria 32,300 175 32,700 600 32,100 1.2% West Australia 15,600 83 15,500 3,400 12,100 -0.6%
170,200 918 171,400 9,000 162,400 0.7% (Per adult 182 member) 183 0.6%
* based on three-year average number of adult members each year.
Roger Sawkins, AYM Treasurer, July 2018
101 Appendix 1
Yearly Meeting Archivist Report
1. Introduction
Minute 17.34 from YM 2017 states:
“We ask the Australia Yearly Meeting Archivist, in consultation with Regional Meeting archivists and others to bring a draft statement of principles and procedures to YM2018 in relation to:
1) A retention schedule for records 2) The physical safety and preservation of archival records 3) Dealing with records in a confidential manner.”
For the record, it must be stated that the following statement of principles and procedures are my own observations without input from Regional Meeting archivists and others.
2. Retention Schedule for Records
Friends have, historically, taken great care in preserving records relating to their meetings and activities. However, meetings generate a considerable amount of paper and other material and there is often confusion as to what records should or need to be kept and, if so, for how long. It is therefore useful, and good records management practice, for meetings at all levels (from Local Meetings to Yearly Meeting) to develop and maintain a retention schedule for records.
In essence, a retention schedule should identify three classes of records:
a. Records for permanent retention
These are records that are important for the historical identity of the meeting. and applies to all meetings from Local Meeting to Yearly Meeting. These include not just written records, but also photographs and even objects.
Among the particular records that would be marked for permanent retention are: • a master set of minutes and agenda, including agenda papers and other supporting material; • minutes/ notes etc. from committees, such as Elders, Nominations, Overseers/ Ministry and Care etc.; • important legal records, such as title deeds to meeting houses; • important administrative records, including membership registers; • material that is historically and otherwise intrinsically significant, including meeting house plans, photographs relating to the meeting and its members, list of office-bearers, attendance books, a copy of any newsletters produced and the like. As well, this material should include books etc. written by meeting members, including pamphlets commemorating important anniversaries of the meeting.
If the protection and preservation of such material becomes too onerous for a meeting, it is essential that the relevant Regional Meeting Archivist or the Yearly Meeting Archivist is contacted in order that it can be preserved in an alternative repository such as the relevant State Archives.
b. Records that need to be kept for a period of time
Undoubtedly the major category of such records are financial records. These records should be kept for a minimum of seven years and then reviewed for their significance for permanent retention (e.g. major banking records) or destruction (e.g. everyday receipts).
102 However, there are other classes of records that may, either by statute or for insurance purposes, need to be kept for extended periods of time. In particular, there are the records associated with the involvement of children and minors within the Religious Society of Friends, that are referenced in the Society’s Child Protection Policy and Procedures. Our insurer has requirements for the retention of such material and the Report of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse recommended a retention of such material for at least 45 years.
c. Records that do not need to be preserved beyond their usefulness to the meeting
This relates to a range of material that is either ephemeral or does not illuminate the work and activities of Quakers. Even where this material does relate to Quakers (e.g. a Regional Meeting Newsletter) the onus for preservation lies with the entity producing the material, or in whose name it is produced, and it is not incumbent upon a Local Meeting to similarly preserve the material beyond the period of its usefulness to the meeting.
Wherever the archival material is stored, it is good practice for (at least the records of legal and historical significance) to be kept in a fire-proof safe.
The almost universal use of electronic means of recording data and information throws up vital questions in relation to the preservation of such material. Simply saving to memory stick, CD, DVD and other forms of electronic storage is problematic since such media are prone to degradation and, over time, technological irrelevance. It is therefore not recommended that archival retention of data and information is undertaken by means of electronic storage. However, if this is the case, it is imperative that such is periodically copied and restored on the latest standard form of electronic storage.
Accordingly, particularly in respect of core records (such as the meeting minutes) it is important that there is a master copy of such material produced in printed form on acid-free paper. Although there is some cost, it is good practice to have the master set of meeting material preserved in bound form. This provides easy access and the process of getting material ready for binding provides a check that there are no lacunae in the relevant run of records.
Photographs should be stored in archival-quality conditions such as in Mylar sleeves or archival standard albums. Where photographs, paintings, prints or other material are displayed on walls, it is important that the place of hanging is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Where archival material is stored in cupboards it is important to ensure that these cupboards are not immediately adjacent to water pipes. As well, it is important that there is barrier protection against insects, particularly silverfish, to lessen the possibility of damage to, or even destruction of, the records. Good housekeeping practice includes periodic inspection of the archival material to check that it remains in good condition and has not been subject to deterioration from mould, insect attack and the like.
4. Dealing with Records in a Confidential Manner
There are some meeting records that include documents of a confidential nature, particularly those recording personal information. This particularly relates to records produced by offices (e.g. Elders/ Overseers) or committees (Ministry & Care) that have a significant element of pastoral care. It is important to ensure that the confidentiality of such material is preserved.
Better practice, that has been formalised in at least one Regional Meeting, is that such sensitive records should be kept in a fire proof safe in a compartment with a separate key and that access is only given to the Clerk and an Elder. Where there is a requirement to report to a Meeting for Worship for Business, the minutes, notes or other material should, unless there are extraordinary
103 circumstances, only be circulated in a redacted form that preserves privacy and confidentiality.
Where such documents are transferred to a permanent archive this should be accompanied by a clearly articulated and very lengthy access embargo period.
Alan Clayton, Yearly Meeting Archivist July 2018
YEARLY MEETING 2018 REGISTRATION
Given name Surname Regional Local meeting Memb Age meeting rshp program Vidya CRM Canberra Northside M A Yarrow Andrew SANTRM Adelaide M A Marion Armstrong NSWRM Hunter Valley M A Tania Aveling QRM Brisbane M A Claudia Barduhn VRM Friends Eastern Meeting A A Ellise Barritt CRM Canberra Northside C JYF Jason Barritt CRM Canberra Northside M A Helen Bayes VRM Melbourne City M A Michael Bayles CRM Wagga Wagga M A Margaret Bearlin CRM Canberra Northside M A Anna Bell NSWRM Wahroonga M A Lizzy Bingham VRM Geelong C JYF Belinda Bonham NSWRM Devonshire Street M A Zachary Bonham NSWRM Devonshire Street C JYF Andrew Bray CRM Canberra Northside M A Miles Bray CRM Canberra Northside C JYF Rosie Bray CRM Canberra Northside C JYF Ray Brindle VRM Kyneton M A Aileen Britton VRM Northern Suburbs M A Ann Britton NSWRM Kiama M A Alexandra-Rose Brosnan TRM Hobart A YF Anne Brown VRM Melbourne City M A Sofie Brown VRM Melbourne City C JYF Vikki Brown VRM Melbourne City M A Jennifer Burrell NSWRM Blue Mountains M A Eve Buscombe NSWRM Blue Mountains M A Margaret Bywater TRM Hobart M A Alice Cameron QRM Brisbane C JYF Claire Cameron QRM Brisbane C JYF Will Cameron QRM Brisbane C C Paul Carter NSWRM Wahroonga A A
104 Brendan Caulfield-James VRM Melbourne City A A Connor Chaffey YF Young Friends A YF Emily Chapman-Searle TRM Hobart M A David Cooper NSWRM Devonshire Street M A Ross Cooper QRM Brisbane M A Mary Copping NSWRM Hunter Valley A A Joshua Crane VRM Friends Eastern Meeting C JYF Wilma Davidson CRM Canberra Northside M A Cathy Davies NSWRM Wahroonga M A Sarah Davies NSWRM Wahroonga M A Dana Davies-Rapson NSWRM Wahroonga C C Gabriela den Hollander NSWRM Hunter Valley A A Garry Duncan NSWRM Wahroonga M A John Dundas NSWRM Wahroonga M A Lyn Dundas NSWRM Wahroonga M A Peter Robert Dwyer CRM Canberra Northside M A Renee Ellerton QRM Brisbane M YF Sue Ennis VRM Northern Suburbs M A Sabine Erika NSWRM Blue Mountains M A David Evans SANTRM Eastern Suburbs (SA) M A Eleanor Evans SANTRM Eastern Suburbs (SA) M A Halcyon Evans NSWRM Wahroonga M A Heidi Fallding NSWRM Mid-North Coast M A Martin Fallding NSWRM Hunter Valley M A Samuel Fallding NSWRM Hunter Valley C JYF Beatrice Olivia Farquhar-Jones TRM Hobart C JYF Elizabeth Field NSWRM Blue Mountains M A Lisa File TRM Hobart A A Nelson File TRM Hobart M A Graemme Frauenfelder NSWRM Hunter Valley A Susan Freeman NSW RM Central West M A Adrian Glamorgan WARM Fremantle M A Helen Gould NSWRM Wahroonga M A Andrew Gradon CRM Wagga Wagga M A Geraldine Gradon CRM Wagga Wagga M A Mary Grbavac QRM Brisbane M A Geoffrey Greeves SANTRM Adelaide M A Michael Griffith NSWRM Wahroonga M A Rose Griffith NSWRM Wahroonga A A Richard Griffiths NSW RM Devonshire Street A A Pauline Groves NSWRM Northern Rivers Meeting M A Ruth Haig NSWRM Northern Rivers Meeting M A Brian Harlech-Jones CRM Goulburn M A Marie Harlech-Jones CRM Goulburn M A Gregg Heathcote NSWRM Hunter Valley A A
105 Judy Henderson NSWRM Mid-North Coast M A Bruce Henry VRM Northern Suburbs M A Elaine Henry VRM Northern Suburbs A Dale Hess VRM Melbourne City M A Catherine Heywood VRM Northern Suburbs M A Peter Hillery CRM Bega Valley M A Ken Hird CRM Canberra Northside A A Carol Holden VRM Mornington Peninsula M A Caleb Hope VRM Ballarat C JYF Miriam Hope VRM Friends Eastern Meeting C JYF Margaret Hopkin Singapore Singapore Worshipping Group M A Tony Hopkin Singapore Singapore Worshipping Group M A Elspeth Hull NS RM Blue Mountains M A Barbara Huntington NSW RM Mid-North Coast M A Catherine Hutchison VRM Melbourne City M A Myra Hutton NSWRM Blue Mountains A A Allan Ible NSWRM Devonshire Street A A Tonya Jensen WARM Mount Lawley M A David Johnson QRM Atherton Tablelands M A Trish Johnson QRM Atherton Tablelands M A Anne-Maree Johnston NSWRM Devonshire Street M A Maree-rose Jones TRM Hobart M A Jo Jordan SANTRM Eastern Suburbs (SA) M A Valerie Joy QRM Brisbane M A Sheila Keane NSWRM Hunter Valley M A Barbara Kearney NSWRM Devonshire Street M A Roger Keyes SANTRM Adelaide M A Cho-Nyon Kim Seoul Daejon Monthly Meeting M A Korea Michael King NSWRM Wahroonga M A Jeanne Klovdahl CRM Canberra Northside M A Allan Knight WARM Fremantle M A Xanthe Lamont NSWRM Hunter Valley C JYF Charlie Lane WARM Mount Lawley C C Christine Larkin CRM Canberra Northside M A Rae Litting NSWRM Wahroonga M A Jenny Madeline NSWRM Devonshire Street M A Sieneke Martin VRM Melbourne City M A Alison McConnell Imbriotis TRM Hobart M A Ryan McLaren CRM Goulburn C C Tina McLaren-Bell CRM Goulburn A A Robin McLean TRM Hobart M A John McMahon VRM Friends Eastern Meeting M A Danny Miles NSWRM Northern Rivers Meeting A A Bobbie Miller NSWRM Kiama A A Elizabeth Mitchell NSWRM Blue Mountains M A
106 Rowe Morrow NSWRM Blue Mountains M A Marie-Joelle Nininahazwe SANTRM Eastern Suburbs (SA) M YF Melissa Nininhazwe SANTRM Eastern Suburbs (SA) M YF Ellan NSWRM Blue Mountains A A Samantha Nolan TRM Hobart M YF Suellen O'Brien CRM Bega Valley M A Sally O'Wheel TRM Devonport M A Sejin Pak SANTRM Adelaide A A Jim Palmer VRM Melbourne City M A Susan Parritt VRM Mornington Peninsula M A Jasmine Payget NSWRM Blue Mountains A A Arthur Pearsall NSWRM Northern Rivers Meeting M A Judith Pembleton QRM Brisbane Western Suburbs M A Nicholas Penty NSWRM Central Coast A A Jackie Perkins NSWRM Blue Mountains M A Elizabeth PO' WARM Fremantle A A Elaine Polglase NSWRM Wahroonga M A Mary Pollard NSWRM Devonshire Street M A Beverley Polzin VRM Melbourne City M A David Purnell CRM Canberra Northside M A Robyn Radford NSWRM Devonshire Street M A Kerstin Reimers TRM Kingborough M A Annie Rooke-Frizell NSWRM Hunter Valley M A Felicity Rose TRM Hobart M A Chris Sargeant NSWRM Wahroonga A A Heather Saville NSWRM Thirroul M A Roger Sawkins QRM Brisbane M A Wies Schuiringa NSWRM Wahroonga M A Jacqueline Schultze NSWRM Wahroonga M A Michael Searle CRM Canberra Northside M A Jenny Seaton TRM Hobart M A Jackie Smitheringale CRM Canberra Northside M A Alexander Spratt VRM Friends Eastern Meeting C JYF Kevin Spratt VRM Friends Eastern Meeting M A Tessa Spratt VRM Friends Eastern Meeting M A Dennis Stanton CRM Bega Valley M A Jenny Stock SANTRM Adelaide Hills M A Laurie Strathdee NSW RM Blue Mountains A A David Swain NSWRM Wahroonga A A Jean Talbot NSWRM Hunter Valley M A David Tehr WARM Mount Lawley M A Lorraine Thomson CRM Canberra Northside M A Brian Turner CRM Canberra Northside M A Roberta Turner CRM Canberra Northside M A Jenny Turton VRM Geelong M A
107 Anne Udy NSWRM Wahroonga M A Christine Venner-Westaway QRM Brisbane A A David Wainwright NSWRM Hunter Valley M A Rosina Wainwright CRM Canberra Northside M A Madeline Walker TRM Hobart M A Julie WALPOLE TRM Launceston M A Robin Walpole TRM Launceston M A Taisoo Kim Watson QRM Brisbane M A David Webster NSWRM Hunter Valley A Ruth Webster NSWRM Hunter Valley A Myf White VRM Northern Suburbs A A Harold Wilkinson CRM Canberra Northside M A Judy Wollin QRM Gold Coast A A K Woodhouse NSWRM Wahroonga A A Samuel Wright NSWRM Wahroonga C JYF Lisa Wriley NSWRM Wahroonga M A Lesley Young Northern Mt Eden Worship Group M A M.M. A/NZ YM Ann Zubrick WARM Fremantle M A
108