Quaker Activism Rocked the Country

the3 January 2020 Friend| £2.00

‘Quaker activism rocked the country.’ A news round-up of 2019 6 Dec 20/12/19 14:25 Page 1 the INDEPENDENTFriend QUAKER JOURNALISM SINCE 1843 3 January 2020 | Volume 178, No 1 www.thefriend.org

News round-up of 2019 4 Activism, Meeting houses and more Rebecca Hardy

Letters 8

Everything to play for 10 The power of music David Saunders

Thought for the week 11 Our better nature Alison Leonard

Threshing it out 12 Friends in Finland Sue Glover Frykman

Cake and conversation 14 General Meeting for Scotland Mary Dower

Review 15 Embodiment by Dinah Livingstone Frank Regan

Q Eye: a look at the Quaker world 16

Friends & Meetings 17

And holy resolutions were kindled in our hearts as a fire which the Life kindled in us to serve the Lord while we had a being, and mightily did the Word of God grow amongst us, and the desires of many were after the Name of the Lord. O happy day! O blessed day! the memorial of which can never pass out of my mind. And thus the Lord, in short, did form us to be a people for his praise in our generation.

Francis Howgill (1618–1669), on early Friends

Quaker faith & practice 19.08 right), while a ninety- merits’ and there could News round-up of 2019 one-year-old Friend, John be ‘considerable merit’ in Lynes, from Hastings loosening planning laws. [email protected] Meeting, was filmed on The year ended with Channel 4 being arrested unequivocally good news for blocking Dover however for Quakers who Docks in September. ‘It’s have long-campaigned Quaker activism rocks cynically deployed in my generation that has against arts sponsorship the country defence of this trade’ caused all the trouble so from the petrochemical 2019 was a year in which and agreed to set up an here I am,’ he told the giant BP. National Quaker activism rocked ‘alternative peace fair’. cameras. Galleries Scotland the country. Hundreds Quaker peace activist Sam The Metropolitan announced that it would of Friends took part in Donaldson told the Friend Police were forced to end its relationship with the mass protest against that there was ‘a growing perform an embarrassing the oil company in order the Defence and Security awareness about DSEI, U-turn during the XR ‘to address the climate Equipment International but there’s still a lot of ‘Autumn Uprising’ when emergency’. It said that (DSEI) arms fair in work to be done’. a temporary ban on the after the BP Portrait September, shutting Meanwhile, Art the activists gathering in Award 2019 exhibition, down the road for around Arms Fair provided central London was ruled which opened on 7 nine hours and raising ‘creative resistance’ to unlawful. Friends had December, the Award awareness of the world’s the arms fair, showcasing lined up to condemn the would no longer tour largest arms fair in a work from over seventy Met’s approach, while Paul to the Scottish National sea of peace banners. artists including: Anish Parker, recording clerk Portrait Gallery ‘in its According to Roots of Kapoor, Zehra Doğan, of Britain Yearly Meeting present form’. Climate Resistance (RoR), which Ralph Ziman and (BYM), tweeted: ‘Good campaigners hailed the mobilised Friends, around Guardian cartoonist to see the courts doing news as ‘seismic’. forty people were arrested Martin Rowson. The their job and defending on the ‘No Faith in War’ Amish Kapoor print sold the right to protest. Friends push for child day when police officers for £2,000. The climate emergency smacking ban interrupted around 700 Friends also flocked demands no less.’ Quakers helped changed people of faith during a to join the Extinction It was a busy year for the law last year when Meeting for Worship and Rebellion (XR) climate Young Friends too as Scotland became the ordered them to move. justice movement, which they joined the growing first country in the UK There was good news brought creative and throngs of ‘Fridays for to make it a criminal for activists however anarchic disruption across Future’ strikers and offence for parents to when the Welsh Britain in a bid to raise demanded meaningful smack their children. government said it would awareness of the climate climate action, while The move came after ‘review’ its role in the crisis. Quaker James Swedish climate activist Quakers in Scotland DSEI fair and Hong Kong Deane, from Central Greta Thunberg spoke campaigned for the withdrew its delegation. Meeting in Bristol, was to a packed room at ban. In March, General Rokhsana Fiaz, the mayor one of the twelve partially Friends House in London. Meeting for Scotland of Newham, also called naked XR protesters who Meanwhile, anti-fracking made a submission to the the arms fair ‘abhorrent’ stormed the House of campaigners continued Equalities and Human after the council passed Commons public gallery their witness after an Rights Committee about a motion ‘rejecting the on 1 April and stripped earthquake measuring 2.9 the Children (Equal economic arguments off to a thong (pictured, magnitude caused damage Protection from Assault) to buildings in Lancashire. (Scotland) Bill welcoming The year promised the proposal. It said: WORDS an encouraging close ‘Quakers believe that when the government nonviolence is something announced a moratorium that needs… practice ‘Precious pockets of on fracking, but Quaker throughout a lifetime, Peace & Social Witness and that the grounding (QPSW) later highlighted for a nonviolent life starts calm in an otherwise an article in The in childhood.’ Independent newspaper Mairi Campbell- hectic world.’ revealing a civil service Jack, the former document that said Scottish parliamentary Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, on ‘future applications will be engagement officer for Quaker Meeting houses. considered on their own Britain Yearly Meeting

4 the Friend 3 January 2020 (BYM), called for more Quaker in same-sex NUMBERS resources to be put marriage denied CTE into place as ‘violence presidency never happens in a The news that Quaker vacuum’. She tweeted: Hannah Brock Womack ‘Smacking isn’t the only (pictured, right) had issue children face, and 116 been blocked from resources need to be put The number of people arrested during the ‘Stop DSEI’ her appointment as a week, including many Quakers. into communities to help Churches Together in make children safe.’ England (CTE) president Eighty-four MSPs voted because she was in a in favour of banning same-sex marriage sent outright the physical ripples through the press. punishment of children The decision, which in Scotland, after the sparked sadness and Members’ Bill was anger in the Quaker lodged by the Scottish community, was picked Green Party MSP John up by the national media Finnie, who highlighted with interviews with the damage which Hannah Brock Womack smacking is proven to do running on BBC Radio to children’s long-term mental health. The Bill, Sheffield, BBC TV Look which was supported North (Yorkshire), and by the Scottish National BBC Radio 4 Sunday. Party government, Paul Parker, Britain removes the defence of Yearly Meeting (BYM) ‘reasonable chastisement’ recording clerk, also which exists in English spoke on Premier Radio law. Fifty-seven other alongside Paul Goodliff, counties already prohibit of CTE. the physical punishment While some Friends, of children. particularly from the Womack. Photo: Hannah Brock Photo: Evelina Utterdahl. Photo: Evelina

the Friend 3 January 2020 5 arguably has almost of Friends who had News round-up of 2019 perfect conditions for a rallied to support the spiritual experience…’ group, gathering outside [email protected] he said. ‘We focussed Cheltenham crown court, on providing a calm, the activists later received peaceful space, in the suspended sentences or middle of all the noise community orders in LGBT+ community, all denominations in and clamour, and to offer February. expressed outrage at the membership of CTE an experience of stillness Chelmsford Meeting decision, others, such would accept a president before anything else, with upheld the group and as the Quaker Gender who is married to conversation only coming allowed them to use and Sexual Diversity someone of the same sex. later if it felt necessary… their Meeting house as a Community (QGSDC), Although Hannah Brock a large number of people central base. told the Friend that, Womack remains the did simply rest in the tent despite being ‘saddened’ fourth president, she will with us, in stillness, a Historic England by ‘this discrimination… not be able to take her welcoming invitation that recognises beauty of we continue to uphold place alongside the other they will associate with Meeting houses those leaders in Christian CTE presidents when they Quakerism.’ The beauty of Quaker denominations still gather and will be ‘empty- Joseph Fuller added buildings was officially wrestling in good faith chaired’ instead. that he was ‘convinced recognised when with the concept of equal CTE subsequently put that the particular quality seventeen Meeting houses marriage’. out a statement saying: of the festival allowed were granted listed Hannah Brock Womack ‘An ongoing process of people to reach that [state status or had their listed pointed out that for discussion, listening and of vulnerability and trust] status upgraded by the the first time CTE was prayer has begun.’ with far greater ease than Department for Digital, now ‘embarking on in everyday life’. Culture, Media and Sport conversations about Quakers head to The stand held daily (DCMS) on the advice of sexuality… as a direct Glastonbury Meetings for Worship. Historic England. result’ and that ‘this is Quakers undertook some Described by Duncan no longer an issue to be musical outreach in 2019 ‘Stansted Fifteen’ Wilson, chief executive brushed under the carpet’. when, for what is thought receives suspended of Historic England, She added that, while she to be the first time ever, sentences as ‘precious pockets of ‘could walk away… I feel I it had an official presence The year started with the calm in an otherwise have to stay in this strange at Glastonbury Festival. high-profile news that the hectic world’, the Meeting hinterland position to Writing in the Friend, ‘Stansted Fifteen’ group of houses were based in show solidarity with other Joseph Fuller, from protesters (pictured, right), places ranging from friends who have had Cheltenham Meeting, which included Friend Cumbria to Oxfordshire much worse experiences who was part of the team Lyndsay Burtonshaw, were and Worcestershire to in other churches’. of four who ran a stand appealing their terror- London. Six of the oldest The plans to appoint in the Green Futures offence-related conviction Meeting houses were the member of Sheffield Field, described how received at the end of given greater protection and Balby Area Meeting the experience left his 2018. The members of and recognition by for the Fourth Presidency faith stronger. ‘Amid the the End Deportations having their listed status Group – out of six chance to see some of the group were found guilty upgraded. Hertford presidency groups – were best musicians and artists of blocking the take-off Meeting house, the oldest derailed because not in the world, the festival of a deportation flight in in the world still in March 2017 at Stansted continuous use and built Airport, a charge which in 1670, was upgraded WORDS carried a potential life to Grade I protected sentence. status in recognition of Branding it an ‘abuse its ‘exceptional historic ‘This is no longer an of power’, the lawyers significance’. acting for the group Eleven were listed launched 100-pages of at Grade II for the issue to be brushed submissions in January first time, with new and argued that the judge, listings including the under the carpet.’ Christopher Morgan, Meeting house in had been wrong to Cartmel designed by Hannah Brock Womack, blocked from her appointment overrule the defence of architect of the Natural as a Churches Together in England (CTE) president. necessity. To the delight History Museum,

6 the Friend 3 January 2020 Alfred Waterhouse; the Quakers pave way for NUMBERS seventeenth century climate emergency Aylesbury Meeting declarations House; and the 1970s As 2018 drew to a concrete Meeting house in close with the ominous London’s Blackheath. warnings of the UN Duncan Wilson praised 1670 Intergovernmental Panel the ‘largely unsung The year that Hertford Meeting house – the oldest still on Climate Change in continuous use – was built. group of fascinating report tolling in people’s and surprisingly varied ears – that the human buildings that reflect race had just twelve were also celebrating Birmingham City Council the history, attitudes years to limit the most and ethos of the Quaker as Kirklees Council made the declaration in devastating impacts of passed an emergency June, following a faith movement’. global warming – a steady Ingrid Greenhow, climate motion after calls group-led campaign wave of councils kicked for the commitment, that included Central who clerked the Quaker the year off by pledging Meeting Houses including from a England Quakers, to go carbon-neutral group of local Quaker councillors had linked the Heritage Project, said over the next decade. As she was ‘delighted’ at campaigners. Moved motion to local benefits. councils up and down the the recognition and by a Labour councillor, These included: clean country, from Moray in noted: ‘It is particularly with the support of air, warmer insulated Scotland to Cornwall in heartening to see Labour and Green Party houses, improved public England, declared climate examples of nineteenth- councillors, all parties transport, addressing emergencies, Quakers and twentieth-century had agreed except present splits in society, Meeting houses being led the way, with many for the Conservative and protecting green listed.’ Friends quietly and not so Party councillors, who spaces and carbon sinks. The news led to articles quietly working behind abstained. ‘Passing the motion and pictures in the press the scenes. Around Up and down the presents a major including ITV news ten Cornwall Quakers country, other councils opportunity for Quakers praising Quaker Meeting cheered in the gallery as followed, putting pressure and all the faith groups houses for their ‘quiet the motion ‘Urgency on on the UK parliament, to make a faith-based simplicity’. The listings Climate Change’ brought which eventually in May contribution to tackling followed a national by Liberal Democrat announced a national climate change in survey of Meeting houses councillor Dominic climate emergency. Birmingham,’ Chris still in use or in Quaker Fairman was debated and Chris Martin, secretary Martin told the Friend ownership that was passed. Earlier, Friends to ‘Footsteps – Faiths at the time. ‘The motion commissioned by Historic had handed a minute to for a Low Carbon recognises the social England in partnership Cornwall Council crafted Future’ (FFLCF) and justice, inequality, natural with the Religious Society at Area Meeting. member of Cotteridge environment and health of Friends. Huddersfield Quakers Meeting, said that when issues involved in moving to a low carbon future.’ As we move into 2020, several Quakers have called for Friends to scrutinise these pledges closely to hold the councils to account. Martin Birley, from Kingston and Wandsworth Area Meeting, said: ‘There are many obstacles to progress, such as funding or the allocation of existing funds.’ Cotteridge Meeting became the first UK Quaker Meeting to be given a Gold Eco Church

Photo: Lyndsay Burtonshaw. Photo: Lyndsay award from A Rocha.

the Friend 3 January 2020 7 guideline for myself is: what would

theFriend Letters Jesus have done in this situation? 173 Euston Road I don’t think one can go far wrong London, NW1 2BJ with Jesus as a role model. 020 7663 1010 Barbara Penny www.thefriend.org Harrogate Meeting, Yorkshire The Friend welcomes your views, Subscriptions to [email protected]. Please Vive la difference UK £92 per year by all payment keep letters short. We particularly I am happy, no, thrilled, to see not types including annual direct welcome contributions from only a letter (R Claire Christopher) debit; monthly payment by children, written or illustrated. but an excellent article (Tania direct debit £7.75; online only Please include your full postal Mathias) in the edition of the £74 per year. Contact Penny address, even when sending Friend, 13 December 2019, which Dunn: 020 7663 1178 emails, along with your Meeting gives voice to Friends with different [email protected] name or other Quaker affiliation. political views to the generality of articles published in our periodical. In essentials unity, Advertising Well done! in non-essentials liberty, Contact George Penaluna: Ruth Hustler in all things charity. Sidmouth Meeting, Devon 01535 630230 [email protected] Joseph and carpentry Of things to come? I am grateful to James Robertson Editorial The saddest and most poignant (13 December) for pointing out Articles, images, correspondence piece of writing I came across in that Matthew says Joseph was a should be emailed to 2019 was a handwritten invitation carpenter. I carelessly assumed that [email protected] that I discovered in the window of a Matthew followed Mark on this and or sent to the address above. small supermarket in New Zealand, did not check. It just shows that while visiting my son. The sheet of we must never assume that all the Editor A4, which contained a photograph gospels are the same, and that we Joseph Jones of a young woman and two young must read texts closely. Journalist children, roughly paraphrased, Janet Scott Rebecca Hardy read as follows: ‘I need to raise Cambridge Jesus Lane Meeting, Production and office manager NZ$50,000 for breast cancer Cambridgeshire Elinor Smallman treatment for my sister whose Sub-editor health plan and medical insurance Take decisive action How we debate or argue is at least George Osgerby have run out. She wants to spend as long as possible with her children. as important as what it is we have Arts correspondent Please come to a coffee morning to say. Our exchanges are, I am Rowena Loverance and bring-and-buy at my home sure most of us will agree, far better Environment correspondent (address and date supplied) and for being mutually respectful and Laurie Michaelis help.’ It was heart-wrenching in its ethical. To create a ‘straw man’, Clerk of trustees simplicity and optimism and gave a grossly simplified or distorted Paul Jeorrett me pause for thought: immense version of someone’s argument, sympathy for the family concerned, in order to ridicule or attack it, ISSN: 0016-1268 gratitude for the NHS and anxiety in place of taking on their actual, about how soon such notices might likely far more complex and The Friend Publications Limited appear in the UK. nuanced, argument is something is a registered charity, Jean Harbour that ought not to occur among number 211649 Leicester Meeting, Leicestershire us here. No one ever suggested ‘veganism has all the answers’, so Spluttering and a guideline it is less than ethical to convey an Printed by I have to say I found some content Warners impression that someone has. in the letters pages and among The Quaker business method Midlands Plc, articles (13 December) hard to offers a clear model that allows The Maltings, swallow. In fact, some of it left me us to enjoy mostly good-natured, Manor Lane, spluttering and speechless. constructive discourse, even when Bourne, So, the best response I have there is some great divergence Lincolnshire to give and what I often use as a of views, without the disturbing PE10 9PH

8 the Friend 3 January 2020 intrusion of animus or aggression Experience of connection unknowns. toward another person’s thoughts, An increasing number of people, Known knowns are the health and opinions or self. Let our exchanges including Quakers, recognise social costs borne by society from be amicable and respectful. Any the benefits of eating less conscious manufactured adversities lifestyle option we choose, vegan animal products for reasons of such as warfare (made more likely or otherwise, will carry its own sustainability, climate change and by greater global militarisation), problems and downsides. Everything human health. tobacco and gambling, and an unjust we do, though, needs to be viewed Any progress is encouraging, but administration of the economy. in the light of the fact that we are it saddens me that the Society of Known unknowns are in the initial stages of a climate Friends, as a religious organisation assumptions that may become crisis that may possibly constitute seeking love and truth, invokes known knowns by validation from an existential threat to life on this self-interest rather than compassion scientific research. An example is planet. If we do not take decisive, as motivation for change in our the probability of future health and effective action soon to reduce behaviour towards our non-human social costs from extreme climatic our emissions of greenhouse gases cousins. For me, it is not just about events (due to global heating) but we may let slip from our fingers meat as a commodity, but awareness not when, or where, they may occur. a vanishingly slim opportunity to of the millions who undergo Another is the ongoing research into mitigate an environmental disaster suffering and death for the perceived the effects on public health from air that some living now and most of needs of others. pollution. our descendants may not survive. Human society has created the Unknown knowns are confidential Rajan Naidu false premise that it is ‘us’ here scientific studies by industries into Stourbridge Meeting, and ‘nature’ over there. Humans the effect of their activities on public West Midlands derived from nature, but have health. gradually disassociated themselves, Unknown unknowns are Closer to God constructing a hierarchy of ‘species’, unexpected adversities that arise, I love midweek Meeting. But as I live and calling it scientific fact that apparently from nowhere, such as an hour’s taxi ride from Coventry, ‘Man’ is the pinnacle of evolution. novel contagious diseases and severe my Local Meeting of thirty-seven Thereby comes the justification for and sudden natural catastrophes. years, I sometimes moonlight subjugating others to unrestrained Governments are presently (daylight?) at a quiet, small, exploitation, as an incontestable acutely concerned with how best midweek service at St Mary’s church, right. Looking in a mirror, with to finance an economic transition Lutterworth. Recently the reading the human face central, all else is from dependence on fossil fuels to was from Saint Mark’s gospel chapter background or invisible. Imagine environmental sustainability – with two. Charlie Styles, the rector, asked, seeing through a prism and minimal additional adversity for the from this reading: ‘Why was Jesus something different is revealed. general population. born?’ He reminded us how the Facets change according to the Societal acceptance of first 500 years of Christianity saw light received, and reflect God and manufactured adversities has an intense debate about how much ourselves within all other life forms. economic and a financial cost to Jesus was a man and how much he This oneness is deep reality. society. A financial saving here was God when he was born. Jesus’ I wish we all could share that would go a long way towards whole life was a surprise to early experience of connection which funding a transition and providing theologians, Charlie said, because he evokes feelings of discovery, joy and a national emergency fund to cope was peripatetic, achieved no wealth belonging. That would be a true and with the health and social costs of and was killed. Charlie’s conclusion positive motivation for change. ‘All extreme climatic events (known from this reading was that Jesus told things were new, and all the creation unknowns) and of unforeseen people about God, and about how to gave another smell unto me than natural disasters and epidemics live. Jesus did not stay comfortably before, beyond what words can (unknown unknowns). in the same place but always moved utter’ (George Fox, Quaker faith & With political will and public on. Charlie said that Jesus’ preaching practice 26.03). support, the health and social costs brought those who heard him speak Julie Hinman from manufactured adversities ‘closer to God’ – and he had the Sussex West Area Meeting (known knowns) could be ended; unexpected answer to his question and corporations forced to reveal that ‘Jesus was born to preach’. This Knowns and unknowns the results of their private research is a reflection in the tradition of In an examination of the health (unknown knowns) into the impact George Fox, always seeking the truth and social costs of manufactured of their activities on public health. in the Bible. and natural adversities, there are Geoff Naylor David Fish known knowns, known unknowns, 21 Birch Close, Colden Common, Coventry Meeting, Warwickshire unknown knowns and unknown Winchester SO21 1XE

the Friend 3 January 2020 9 or nearly thirty years I have had the Everything to play for: privilege of making music with people in day centres, mental health hostels, hospitals, residential homes and prisons. David Saunders on the I have been witness to the power of music to overcome disability, like the power of music Parkinson’s sufferer putting a tambourine on his shaking leg and saying: ‘Look, it’s playing itself!’ Or the chronic stammerer who sang every word of a popular song. One day, as I ‘In the fullness of the Spirit began playing ‘Around the world in eighty days’, a man with dementia got to his feet, went over to a woman in the Fgroup, and did a perfect waltz. He did not know his own there is room for all forms name but his wife, now in tears, told me what a wonderful dancer he had once been. of creativity.’ These experiences speak to our human need for delight, comfort, inspiration, joy and consolation. And although I love the classics, all types of music have the power to touch us. Playing songs from Broadway shows I have come across eternal truths within simple lyrics: ‘Love isn’t yours till you give it away.’ Music can energise, transform, delight and heal, to make us more whole. Playing piano in day centres is probably the most religious thing I do. I have also learned to be surprised. At one centre I distributed simple percussion instruments to a group of clients with dementia. One man in particular had perfect rhythm. On inquiry I was told he was the drummer in the Joe Loss Dance Band. Someone else played trumpet with The Temperance Seven! Music is one of God’s great gifts. We know the power of gospel music to generate a spiritual high. Similarly, it was a profoundly spiritual experience for me to play for a smoke-filled room of mental health clients, who gave their all to ‘You’ll never walk alone’ – a song which means so much to the people of Liverpool. Of course, there are other potent sources of inspiration: art, poetry, dance, beauty, colour, and the natural world. They each have the potential to speak to our souls. But my thirty years of music making has shown me the unique power of music to literally strike a chord within us all. I have to acknowledge that music can also be used to manipulate our emotions. Armies use bands; Adolf Hitler misappropriated Richard Wagner’s work to foster Nazi ideology. Film composers use music to heighten the image on the screen. But, all in all, I would argue the influence of music on our species has been benign and, at its best, a source of fun, delight, healing, wholeness and greatness. So it has been a real blessing for me to be involved in bringing succour, joy, laughter, tears to so many people in so many places. How do I reconcile all this with my commitment to silence-based worship? My conclusion is that in the fullness of the Spirit there is room for all forms of creativity. Spirit-led spontaneous singing happens from time to time in my local Meeting for Worship. The growth of community choirs, or the TV programmes enabling people to come together to sing, are testimony to this power. In all its forms music can touch us; it can truly be a ministry to ‘that of God’ within us. Hallelujah! n

David is from Wells-next-the-Sea Meeting. Photo: Denise Jans / Unsplash. Photo: Denise Jans

10 the Friend 3 January 2020 he earth’s magnetic north has begun Thought for the week: to move faster than before, and now travels at the rate of about thirty-four miles per year – faster than it has Alison Leonard calls to been seen since magnetic north was first detected in 1831. our better nature This isn’t a horror story invented by the tabloids, or an allegory from the pen of Philip Pullman. It’s a scientifically verifiable fact. But it does feel like an allegory, ‘My instinct is to choose a symbol, for those on the losing side of the UK’s election, that vital movements have been going on without us Tnoticing which suddenly reveal themselves as unavoidable another option and follow truths. This revelation brings with it an existential shock. I can feel it juddering, both within me and around me. I the trees.’ find myself doing and saying things that show me to be not grounded. Not – in a literal way – sense-ible. I reach for words of counsel. Old liturgical ones: ‘Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render to no one evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted.’ Or the ever-faithful John Woolman: ‘Take hold of every opportunity to lessen the distresses of the afflicted and increase the happiness of creation… Turn all the treasures we possess into the channel of universal love.’ Two words come up through those sentences: cherish and community. And another pair bubbles up too, planet and rescue. That is not so clear. It’s not so much the planet we need to rescue as our behaviour and our attitudes to it. News of another natural phenomenon has emerged. This one about the way trees behave. The ecologist Suzanne Simard writes: ‘A forest is a cooperative system… It’s this network, sort of like a below-ground pipeline, that connects one tree root system to another tree root system, so that nutrients and carbon and water can exchange between the trees.’ She gives an instance: ‘In the natural forest of British Columbia, paper birch and Douglas fir grow together in early successional forest communities [and] cooperate with each other by sending nutrients and carbon back and forth.’ Trees can spread love and care to their own tribe and other tribes; so can we. Back to the electoral earthquake. We can resist this tectonic movement. My instinct is to choose another option and follow the trees. Learn from the natural world to give out cooperative, loving messages. Scatter them everywhere, in this time of great need. Indulge in random acts of kindness. Maybe in systemic acts of kindness, too. But we may have to go deeper than that. I recall Advices & queries: ‘So it is for the comfort and discomfort of Friends that these… are offered, with the hope that we may all be more faithful.’ It occurs to me, with ghastly discomfort, that we may not be able to face the reality of the climate crisis that is upon us. Our nation, which has scarcely recovered from the loss of empire, has been caught in the whirlpool of Brexit, and we still haven’t found a way to describe our economy other than in terms of growth. So, to steady myself, I return to the old mantras: community, courage, love and care. Be faithful. n

Alison is from Brighouse West Yorkshire Area Meeting. Photo: Valeriy Andrushko / Unsplash. Andrushko Valeriy Photo:

the Friend 3 January 2020 11 Threshing it out: Sue Glover Frykman meets with Friends in Finland to discuss discernment

‘We thresh through to find the kernel, the root, the way forward, and discern what Love requires of us.’

eventeen adults and two children Worship for Business. Not only that, it is at the centre aged five gathered for Finland Yearly of how we make decisions in our lives. This can stretch Meeting’s (YM’s) autumn gathering at from marriage to employment, our work in the world, the Ilkko Conference Centre, Tampere, and more. from 15-17 November. The overall Discernment encompasses the whole procedure of theme for the weekend was: ‘Where is making a decision and involves rational and intuitive my spiritual home?’ The first session processes that get to the heart of the matter. It means was a sharing of thoughts on the theme. consulting with our deep inner wisdom and letting the I had been invited to talk about the answer rise up in us. It takes us beyond the rational Friends World Committee for Consultation Europe and and the intellectual to a deep and centred place where Middle East Section’s (FWCC EMES’s) forthcoming God is at work in us. It means listening, allowing and workplan (2020-22) and to lead two sessions on letting go. It is what we learn to do and what our faith Sdiscernment. Finland YM’s Executive Committee supports. had suggested a specific issue for exploration and One of the best tools that we Quakers have to help discernment in advance. During the Saturday us in the discernment process is threshing – where we afternoon’s Meeting for Worship for Business, however, thresh through to find the kernel, the root, the way what appeared to be a short item on the agenda became forward, and discern what Love requires of us. something completely different in the worshipful A threshing meeting or session can be thought of consideration that ensued. Instead of being a quick as a threshold, or intermediate space, before making a glance at the situation with the Finland YM archives, decision in a Meeting for Worship for Business. It offers currently stored in boxes in a Friend’s garage, it became a space in which people can explore and understand a concern that needed much deeper exploration. It a difficult or complex issue. It has been defined as a was therefore suggested in the Business Meeting that meeting at which a variety of different, and sometimes this was a much more pressing topic for threshing and controversial, opinions can be openly, and sometimes discernment – a suggestion that Friends united with. forcefully, expressed, often in order to smooth the At the beginning of the evening session I introduced passage of business at a later Business Meeting. It can the concept of discernment and explained what be arranged in order to share factual information, air a threshing meeting was. My understanding of views about a controversial subject, express preferences, discernment, based on the Quaker writings that have or ask questions. No decisions are made at threshing been published over the years, is that it lies at the meetings. The aim is simply to move towards clarity heart of all that we do as Friends and is the core of our and a greater understanding of an issue and to separate practice in Meetings for Worship and in Meetings for the ‘grain of truth from the chaff’. Such meetings can

12 the Friend 3 January 2020 Photo: Tim Marshall / Unsplash. Photo: also provide an outlet for people to ‘let off steam’ about It is good to allow time for reflection between a a subject before taking the matter to Business Meeting. threshing session and a session for more focused There is no restriction as to how many people can discernment. On the Sunday morning I facilitated a attend a threshing meeting/session. The only rule is that worship-sharing session for discernment on the YM’s we should respect each other’s contributions and treat concern for its archives. Worship sharing helps us to each other with respect. Threshing sessions can be held listen to each other in a loving, prayerful and spiritual in different ways. Some Meetings like to do it in one big way. It draws us into a safe sacred space where we can group, while others prefer to split into smaller groups so speak openly from our hearts and encounter each that everyone’s voice can be other in ‘that which is eternal’. The general rules are: heard, or so that people can to only speak for a second time when everyone has ‘Worship sharing speak their own language. had a chance to speak once; speak only from our own helps us to listen A threshing meeting experience; leave silence between speakers; ensure to each other in a or session is usually that all that is said is confidential to the group; do not moderated or facilitated by comment directly on what others have said; listen with loving, prayerful an experienced Friend, who attention; and do not lapse into discussion. and spiritual is asked in advance to take During the worship sharing in Finland it became clear on this role. The facilitator/ that a plan of action was starting to form. When this w ay.’ moderator is responsible for happened the group went into reflective ‘action mode’ making sure that everyone to write up the steps, guidelines and brief for a working present has a chance to speak and air their views. It is group and the kind of report that would be expected helpful if someone is asked to take notes at the meeting from that group at Finland Yearly Meeting next April. for future reference. This development felt very important for those gathered After introducing the concepts, and clarifying the area and everyone engaged in the discernment. of concern, we split into two language groups (Finnish In the evaluation of the weekend, one of the younger and English) in order to come to a greater clarity and participants said that he would take this way of working understanding of the question in focus and to look at through a concern away with him, because it was an how we might best deal with the Finland YM archives. approach that could be used in many different contexts. It was an adventurous step. Besides responding to the All in all, throughout the gathering it felt as though we leading to take the structure that was offered to learn a had been faithful to the call to do what Love requires. n way, Friends also opened themselves up to what might emerge. Sue is clerk of FWCC EMES, and from Sweden YM.

the Friend 3 January 2020 13 his was the last General Meeting Mary Dower reports (GM) for Scotland to be clerked by Adwoa Bittle before she joins the teams of Yearly Meeting clerks from November’s General in January 2020. Each clerk brings their own style to the task and we’ve Meeting for Scotland enjoyed Adwoa’s service. Because Adwoa was hosting several teenage friends of her son, they joined us for the morning. They had come to report ‘We discussed how to on this summer’s Shindig and the Link weekend. In our opening worship we heard the introduction to Tchapter 29 of Quaker faith & practice (‘Our hope and our witness and to work more experience is that when we are faithful we shall be rightly led.’) Go on read it again! It’s worth it. We recorded both a effectively as a spirit-led new member and, sadly, the death of Ellen Moxley. We’re losing, after great service, both Mairi Campbell- community.’ Jack, our parliamentary engagement officer, and Marion Sharkey, our General Meeting administrator. Mairi goes to a full time post with the Green Party and Marion has steered through our new list of members, a big task any time but huge in these days of data protection forms. We are grateful she is ‘As usual prepared to stay on until her replacement is appointed. General Meeting In March we had asked provided an Area Meetings to consider occasion to eat how we liberate ourselves to focus on spiritual growth, cake before we community building and set off home.’ witness to the world. We went into groups to discuss further how to improve our Meetings, to witness and to work more effectively as a spirit-led community. Our Young Friends played an active part in some groups, which was appreciated. As a result of the feedback we decided we’d be wise to concentrate on three main ideas. Firstly, better communication, including using Zoom video software for Business Meetings, so all island dwellers and others with difficulties being physically present could be take part. This also cuts down on travel. Secondly, providing training and support for role holders, particularly those like treasurers and trustees who may feel alone. We could perhaps do this through a buddy system. If we organised training GM-wide we could invite Woodbrooke to facilitate days or weekends. This itself would go some way towards our third intent, which is to build community by shared meals, walks and other activities, including all-age activities. Obviously some of our Meetings are already doing some of these things but not all of us are doing all activities. As usual GM provided an occasion to eat cake before we set off home, and Perth Friends provided for this in full. We weren’t quite as greedy as usual, speaking for myself, because the Station Hotel had provided an excellent vegetarian soup. We’d asked for a second pot as their understanding of vegetarian sandwiches was less accurate… n

Via Wikimedia Via Commons. Mary is from Aberdeen Meeting.

14 the Friend 3 January 2020 he very last line of this celebratory collection of poems reads, ‘Thank Embodiment, by you, Life!’ The fact that the poet puts the ‘L’ in uppercase suggests that she wants to personify life, to make it a Dinah Livingstone person with whom one can relate. In the mystical vision of Saint John Jesus calls himself the Life. His most beautiful words are: ‘I have come that you might have life and have it abundantly.’ Review by Frank Regan Dinah Livingstone celebrates life in its ordinary ‘everydayness’ and in the moments in which life, and its Tliving, hint at something more. She does not make explicit what that ‘something more’ is. Nevertheless the very title, Embodiment begs the question: of what, or of whom? Let me touch on a few of her successful poems. (I understand by ‘successful’ a poem that, as I read it, reads me.) Only one or two did not read me, in part because I never had a baby. But I did have a cat. Mine was a tabby, same as hers. And he behaved in the same way. The poet writes almost petulantly of the inconveniences, disjunctures and headaches of living with an animal. Still, we can hear, as though in a subtext, that she would not have it any other way: ‘You are a canny animal. / I don’t know why they call you dumb. / I’m under your thumb.’ We’ve all had the experience of a smell which triggers a memory and transports us to the original experience. Our noses are our memory sticks. Livingstone remembers the smell of an English spring, where jasmine brings on a cascade of memory fragments: a yearning for intimacy and warmth, and a fear of frost. Smell brings instant recall. Our poet listens intently to the voices of immigrants. She hears the Arabic words saa iduunis and the Somali I caawi. Both mean ‘Help me’. She goes to the supermarket where heaps of fruit and peppers ‘whisper a dark secret’: ‘we were picked and packed / by immigrants treated like dirt’. ‘Who listens?’ she cries. ‘Something is wrong. / What can we do?’ We must also listen to the earth, whose urgent music is ‘somewhat whalelike’. Our poet invites us to view the oceans, continents, forests and cities. And the people chatting, laughing, calling, pleading. How does it feel to be an earthling? We are invited, we who are evolution’s product, to ‘form the poem / wording Earth’s deep hum’. The poet, despite treasuring moments of quiet at home, leaves to walk up the street. She encounters different, diverse selves: a conversation in Portuguese, a couple kissing, a young man pushing a buggy, men unloading barrels for the local pub. She asks: ‘What is it to someone else?’ It evokes in me the question: will I someday discover that I am they and will I rejoice in that? There is so much more. The seventeenth-century Marathi Indian poet Tukaram said: ‘A good poem is like finding a hole in the palace wall – you never know what you might see.’ These poems of Dinah Livingstone are full of simple, contemplative observation coupled with unadorned yet penetrating expression. They touch on the one thing that makes us unique: our story, with its moments terribly ordinary and ordinarily terrible. n

Frank is from Newton Abbot Meeting.

the Friend 3 January 2020 15 episode looks back at to the technological Q Eye his career and academic constraints of the time, work, most notably a however, what Lewis [email protected] scheme that he designed, Fry Richardson mapped called ‘a forecast factory’. out in his book, Weather Joanna Haigh Prediction by Numerical explained: ‘[It] was Process, is essentially the Political pronouns was required to “thee” essentially going to be method used today by In an article about the and “thou” all men and forecasting the weather. computers. politics of pronouns women, without any This is long before there People of Science also published in November respect to rich or poor, were any computers so it explores the impact that 2019, a writer in The New great or small.’ was entirely in his mind Lewis Fry Richardson’s York Times turned to Teresa M Bevan how these things could Quaker faith and early Friends for insight. describes this as ‘a form work… he referred to conscientious objection Teresa M Bejan, a of egalitarian social it as like being inside in the first world war had professor of political protest… Modern the Albert Hall where on his life and career: theory, wrote about practitioners of pronoun the North Pole is in the ‘Anyone who was a the issue of gender politics can learn a thing top and the equator is conscientious objector pronouns in the context or two from the early around the side and was then barred from of trans, nonbinary and Quakers. Like today’s the other pole is in the having a university post.’ genderqueer activists egalitarians, the Quakers orchestra pit. And you’ve promoting ‘the use understood that what got it marked out into Friendly creativity of gender-inclusive we say, as well as how squares and to each Quakers in Dumfries pronouns such as the we say it, can play a square sits a computer – have been letting their singular “they/their” and crucial part in creating now a “computer” is not creative juices flow, using “ze/zir” (instead of “he/ a more just and equal a machine as we know old copies of the Friend! him” or “she/her”)’. society… If the rules of them, it’s a person who’s Local Friend Jan She suggests ‘we grammar are indeed an doing a calculation and Lethbridge told Eye: look backward for obstacle to social justice, the people either side of ‘Each year at Christmas an illuminating… then the singular “they” that person would know Dumfries Friends express perspective on the represents a path of least the solutions and would their seasonal greetings politics of pronouns’ and resistance for activists pass their solutions to each other on a big describes the way early and opponents alike. It around.’ card. This year’s was an Friends broke the rules may not be the victory Unfortunately ‘the exercise in recycling and of grammar and civility that activists want. Still, it forecast was wrong’ due simplicity.’ when they saw them goes with the flow of the standing in the way of increasing indifference equality. with which modern When Quakerism English distinguishes was emerging, ‘you’ was subjects on the basis of a plural, used by and their social position.’ towards those of higher social rank, like the royal An inspiring vision ‘we’. Meanwhile, those of Series two of People of lower rank were referred Science has seen a Quaker to by ‘thee’ and ‘thou’. take centre-stage. She writes: ‘As one Episode six, broadcast early Quaker explained, on 5 December 2019, sees if a man of lower status Joanna Haigh, professor came to speak to a of atmospheric physics at wealthy man, “he must Imperial College London, you the rich man, but the highlight the work of rich man will thou him”.’ Lewis Fry Richardson George Fox led the way (1881-1953), who was a in Quakers refusing this mathematician, physicist practice: ‘[God] forbade and Quaker. me to put off my hat to Available on BBC any, high or low; and I iPlayer, the five minute

16 the Friend 3 January 2020 Photo: Jan Lethbridge. Photo: Jan 3 Jan 20/12/19 14:55 Page 7

For details of how to place a notice on this page email [email protected] or call 01535 630230. Friends&Meetings Memorial meetings Start 2020 with a Judy CLINTON A Memorial subscription to the Friend! Meeting to celebrate Judy’s life will be held at Painswick Meeting, Help us share the Quaker message, Gloucestershire, 2pm Saturday 15 February followed by afternoon and be part of the continuing tea. All welcome. RSVP and enquiries: revelation at the heart of our faith. [email protected] Use the leaflet in the centrefold. Golden weddings If it’s missing call 01535 630230 or go online to www.thefriend.org Christopher STOKES and Heather ROLPH At Caxton Hall, Westminster, on 7 January 1970. Members of Norfolk and Waveney Pollard & Dickson Trust Area Meeting. Hardship Grants for New year greetings individuals of any age June DRUMMOND and husband We can offer grants of up to £1,500 to members and attenders of Alan send New Year greetings to all Britain Yearly Meeting who are in financial need. our family and friends. We wish you a wonderful time in 2020 and a Please send enquiries and applications to the administrator: bright and peaceful New Year. [email protected] or write c/o 9 Tudor Rose Court, Southsea John Dash, Pollard & Dickson Trust, PO4 0DE. Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. Meetings Friends & Meetings MIDDAY WORSHIP IN THE CITY Bunhill Fields Meeting House, Personal entries (births, marriages, deaths, anniversaries, changes of Banner St, London EC1, Wednesday address, Meeting up, etc.) charged 15 January and 3rd Wednesday of at £40 incl. vat for up to 35 words every month. Meeting for Worship and includes a copy of the maga- 12.45-1.15pm followed by a light zine. Meeting and charity notices, shared lunch. Visitors welcome. (Changes of clerk, new wardens, new Members, changes to meeting, etc.) £33.33 zero rated for Diary vat. Max. 35 words. Three entries £80 (£66.66 if zero rated); six QUAKER AFRICA INTEREST entries £120 (£100 zero rated). GROUP DIARY NOTICES: £36 incl vat for Saturday 25 January 2020. up to 35 words, £30 zero-rated. Priory Rooms, QMH, 40 Bull Street, Three entries £72 incl vat, £60 Birmingham. 9.30 for 10am to 4pm. zero-rated. 6 entries £108 incl. vat Refreshments / lunch bookable. All £90 zero-rated. welcome, to network and learn Deadline usually 12 noon Monday. about Quaker witness in Africa. Entries accepted at the editor’s Contact: [email protected] discretion in a standard house style. A gentle discipline will be exerted to maintain a simplicity of This edition had to go to style and wording that excludes press on Friday 20 December. terms of endearment and words of tribute. Guidelines on request. Please accept our apologies for The Friend Ad Dept, 54a Main St, the omission of any notice or Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. advertisement received after Telephone: 01535 630230 that date. Email: [email protected]

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Classified advertisements George Penaluna, Ad Manager, The Friend, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL T: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] CLAVERHAM, NORTH SOMERSET volunteers Cottage adjoining historic Meeting House For details of how to advertise in rural area close to coast. Ideal for short contact our advertisement breaks or family holidays. Sleeps up to seven. Website: www.claverhamtrust.org.uk manager George Penaluna on BRENTFORD & ISLEWORTH MEETING Enquiries: Tom Leimdorfer, telephone 01535 630230, or email him (WEST LONDON) 01934 834663. [email protected] at [email protected] Seek to recruit a Volunteer Warden who shares our values and CORNWALL, 14TH CENTURY COTTAGE approach to worship. overlooking sea. £210-£250pw. Short OVERSEAS RETREATS Free accommodation is provided in a two breaks. Email [email protected] bedroom house, which is shared with the or see: https://oldcottage.wordpress.com PERSONAL RETREATS, FRANCE. Make other Warden, in return for 20 hours space to reflect and be still. Beautiful old service. The 20 hours of service are MID-WALES, DOLOBRAN Meeting House farmhouse in rural Auvergne offers shared between both Wardens . cottage. Simple, rural, secret, heavenly supportive, nurturing environment for Please send letter and CV saying why retreat. Sleeps 3. Donations. sandsmeade individual retreats. Simple daily rhythm: you would make a good warden to @btinternet.com, 01938 500746, meditation; silence; contemplative/artistic Bessie White www.dolobran.llanhub.uk activities. Walking. Organic vegetarian ([email protected]) food. www.retreathouseauvergne.com who can give more details and job ROOKHOW QUAKER BUNKBARN AND description. woodland, Lake District. Sleeps 16. £250 SPRING/SUMMER 2020. Retreat/holiday Closing date: Friday 17 January. per night. ‘3 nights for 2’ Autumn/Winter residence in quiet SW France village. Near Open Day: Sunday 19 January. offer. www.rookhowcentre.co.uk rail, air, A75. Broadband. www.faugeres.co.uk 07557 919879. [email protected] Mention FHLSoF20. SWALEDALE, YORKSHIRE. Superb where to stay selection of gorgeous cottages amid stunning scenery. Details, photos, virtual courses & events GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS tours. www.catholecottages.com 01748 886366. CAUTLEY, SEDBERGH, 1652 COUNTRY Cross Keys Temperance Inn (formerly THE DELL HOUSE, MALVERN. Cottage CREATIVE EVENTS home of early Quaker Gervase Benson). and apartments. Extensive gardens. Dogs CENTRE QUAKER DE CONGÉNIES Quality en-suite B&B £42.50pppn. welcome. Suit couples, families and groups South of France 2020 Evening meals available. Friendly Quaker of up to twenty. www.thedellhouse.co.uk Find the sun and inspiration in our hosts. 015396 20284. [email protected] 01684 564448. historic meeting house and beautiful www.cautleyspout.co.uk garden between the Cévennes Mountains https://youtu.be/Vr5jCm2C0Kc TRANQUIL NORFOLK VILLAGE. Artist’s and the Mediterranean with experienced cottage, near Blakeney. Accommodates 5. Quaker facilitators to support and CLARIDGE HOUSE RETREAT CENTRE Beamed sittingroom, three bedrooms. encourage you and with space to rest, En-suite B&B, Lingfield, Surrey. 10 miles Sunny garden. Orchard. Sailing, fishing, reflect, explore. Gatwick Airport. Wonderful vegetarian food. walking, great birdwatching. Available all Writing Single £65, double £80. 01342 832150. year. 07731 842259. www.thornage.com Saturday 25 April to Sunday 3 May (5 to 8-day stays) EDINBURGH QUAKER B&B. Except WELSH BORDERS. Comfortable, warm, Writing (or planning) a novel, a script, August. Donations to AM funds. Contact: remote and peaceful barn conversion. poetry, non-fiction or memoir? [email protected] Sleeps four. Unspoiled scenery, extensive Art walks from door. Easy reach Ludlow and Friday 22 May - Monday 1 June Church Stretton. Contact: Ursula 01588 or GLASGOW FRIENDS B&B. £25pppn. 640524 or email [email protected] Proceeds for Meeting House funds. Contact: Friday 18 - Monday 28 September 01505 842380. [email protected] (6 to 10-day stays) WEST CORNWALL. Peaceful Cottage Create Art and friendship in a variety of and Studio on smallholding. Sea views. lovely locations. COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING Dogs welcome. 01736 762491. Music Week www.lowerbalwest.co.uk Monday 15 - Monday 22 June 1652 COUNTRY, HOWGILL, SEDBERGH. (5 to 8-day stays) One-bedroom 4 star holiday cottage. WESTER ROSS, TORRIDON, HIGHLANDS Make music and lift your spirits wit Yorkshire Dales National Park overlooking Spectacular views, comfortable house, new friends. Firbank Fell. Walks and Quaker trails from sleeps 7. 01770 700825. Cost the door. 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18 the Friend 3 January 2020 3 Jan 20/12/19 14:55 Page 9

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Leighton Park School invite all Quakers to their GENERAL MEETING Friday 13 March 2020 10am–4.30pm Greening your school: Sustainability at Leighton Park In addition to regular annual business, General Meeting members will have the opportunity to join in the day’s school-wide meeting, ‘Collect’, and student-led tours of the school. For more information, and to register your attendance, please contact Nicky Tarrant, Bursar’s PA. Tel 0118 987 9607 or email [email protected] www.leightonpark.com Reg. Charity No. 309144