The Australian

ISSUE 0619 JUNE 2019 ISSN 1326-0936

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Spiritual Growth

Journal of The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Australia Editorial

n the last issue we complained that we lacked articles on how to nourish our spiritual life. So this time we are grateful to Wilma Davidson for sending us an article about going on retreat, stressing the need to be rather than to do. Also to Lyn Dundas who writes about the Living Experimentally Circle at Wahroonga, where Friends are nourished by listening to eachI other’s spiritual adventures and challenges . One of the ways in which Friends have always found spiritual nourishment and mental stimulation is through reading, and through listening to talks by experienced Friends. We include reviews of two of the annual Quaker Lectures from New Zealand, one on the subject of Can Religion Speak Truth, the other on Crime and Punishment. Both have much to say to us. We have not taken our eyes off the wider world, and John McMahon has written a review of the peace movement in Japan, and of the contribution which Quakers have made to it. In our next issue we will be looking at issues dealt with at, and arising from, our Yearly Meeting in Hobart – including the issue of whether we should hold Yearly Meeting in Hobart in July! Are there better ways to manage our business? Do we have too much business and too little time for wise thought and new insights? Are we addressing our own deepest needs? What can we say and what should we do at this time?

THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND EDITORIAL TEAM

This is our regular feature in which we briefly record interesting publications and websites that have come to our attention. Inclusion of an item in this format does not Noted … preclude a possible longer review in a later issue. We welcome suggestions for inclusion. HEATHER HERBERT OF CANBERRA ‘Some of this awareness has been to the Light from both without and REGIONAL MEETING HAS SENT US SOME involved in the founding of every within. BACKGROUND NOTES TO HER WINTER religion and every denomination and ‘A group of mystics and psychics SCHOOL A SPIRITUALITY FOR THE 21ST version of each – affected always by the in the Friends’ General Conference CENTURY. culture, experience and understanding in the U.S. produce a quarterly, What of the recipients, and to a degree, it Canst Thou Say?, each edition around seems, by the level of the sender on the a different topic, which is beautifully SHE SAYS: Other Side. nourishing too. I’ll be 90 later this year. I’ve been ‘Our Quaker fore-fathers and ‘Maybe the mystics and psychics and nourished all my life by some spiritual -mothers had this sense of Godness as any others interested among us could experiences I had as a small child and ‘the Ground of our Being’; and hence ally ourselves with that group.’ some later; and by those I’ve heard or deep within us as within everything read of from others equally fortunate. else. They encourage us to be open

2 THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 Contents

FEATURES REGULARS

4 Know Thy Friend: Kerry O’Regan 2 Noted 6 Nourishing our spiritual lives 16 Review: 8 Reflections on Japan’s seventy-four years Can Religion Speak Truth? without waging war The 2018 Quaker Lecture 10 By Elizabeth Duke How we nourish our spiritual lives 20 12 Review: Global Action for Climate Change Crime and Punishment 14 QSA Notes The 2019 Quaker Lecture By Terry Waite 21 Book review: William Penn: A Life By Andrew Murphy Review by Garry Duncan

Cover photo: Spiritual growth

THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 3 Know Thy Friend: Kerry O’Regan KERRY O’REGAN | XXXX REGIONAL MEETING

hen I reflected on how I to put on sandwiches for lunch. Perhaps coloured pencils in beautiful wooden came to be a Quaker, I other stuff as well, but it’s the butter I cases. I only ever had a small pack of kept going back and back, remember. War meant sacrifice and six half-size pencils, and no pencil case. Wfollowing the strands of influences deprivation, even in the domestic realm. It’s the little things you remember – the in my life, to my earliest memories of And the one-armed men, little inequalities childhood. So I think, in order to answer returned soldiers Mum said, who After a shaky start (school the question, I’ll have to start there and operated the lifts in department stores. being nothing like my loving home develop the answer in a meandery kind My mother was the guiding environment) I came to enjoy school of way, following those various strands light of my life and she would talk to and do well at it. I remember after forward until now. me about war. Two of her brothers had one test, having to admit that mine I’ll be seventy-five this year, which served in the Great War and an uncle wasn’t the top mark. (Being ‘a clever means I’ve been alive for three quarters had been killed. Dad had been in the little thing’ was a role I played in the of a century. The world has changed army during World War II. Only family.) When I told Mum whose was so much in that time and, probably, so posted in Australia, but away in army top, she chided me with, ‘Fancy letting have I. Being born during the war, I camps much of the time, leaving Mum a boy beat you!’ That was a message I’ve don’t qualify as a Boomer, and I don’t at home with eight children to care carried all my life. As a girl, as a woman, even know if our generation merited for. Mum would tell me that ‘War is a I had a particular task to fulfil. I was a label or if we’ve just had to manage terrible thing. Ordinary men sent off encouraged to excel, and being female without. to fight and kill other ordinary men. A was never presented as a limitation or I don’t, of course, remember terrible thing.’ So that’s what I knew impediment. In fact, it was a challenge. anything of the war years, but I do about war. I was a feminist for life. recall something of the aftermath. I had such a happy childhood. I was None of my older siblings had Searchlight beams crisscrossing the the ninth of ten children my mother completed high school, but I was offered night sky, my mother explaining that gave birth to, twenty years between the an Education Department scholarship their purpose had been to locate enemy eldest and the youngest. Imagine. Good that would pay me an allowance for aircraft. I have no idea why they were Catholics of course. my final two years at school. Higher still being used, but they certainly form Coming at the end as we did, my education was a strange land which was part of my childhood memories. A bit younger brother Michael and I were totally foreign to me and to my family. scary, even if no aircraft were likely to the darlings of the family, cooed over But as my time at school neared its be caught in the beams. and coddled by devoted older siblings. end, the nuns there – bless them – said, Mum had some friends who would I didn’t even know we were poor. Not ‘We think you should apply for this’, come and visit each week, and, while poor enough to go hungry, though and gave me a form to sign. I really rationing was no longer a thing, they’d there were little things. At school, I had no idea what it was. Turns out it each bring their own little pat of butter envied the girls who had collections of was an application for an Education

4 THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 Department Fellowship which would Of course, I thought that Love mystical side of my Catholicism might fund me to study at university for four Conquers All, and so, when I finished find a home. I even looked up Quakers years – a Science degree plus a Dip university and a week before I started in the Encyclopaedia Britannica, but I Ed. And that’s what I did. Thank you teaching, we were married. found the talk of ‘clerks’ and ‘minutes’ Sisters. Our future does not have to be Early in the piece I realised that, if just plain puzzling, as well as very determined by our past. Privilege (or our marriage were to survive, I would bureaucratic sounding. I didn’t know lack of it) is not necessarily inherited. have to let go of my Catholicism. That where else to go with it, so I just let it My family were very devout. was more traumatic than I can say. The be. Catholic to our bone marrow. A picture loss of something precious that was so In the early 1980s we went to live in of the Sacred Heart on the dining room much part of my identity. My alienation Mackay in North Queensland. (Yes, we wall, a small statue of the Blessed Virgin from family. The pain that caused them. were still married, and now with three in the lounge room, a crucifix on the And me. A pain we could never speak children.) There I met my first real cabinet beside my parents’ bed. We said of. Quaker. Someone whose name I can’t the Rosary as a family every night and So I went along to the Methodist even remember, and who wasn’t around attended Mass together every Sunday. church (not that one on the corner) for very long as it turned out. And Jess Being Catholic was something that and tried to fit in, but it was never really and Peter Daughtry who were also what permeated our lives – an unquestioned right. I always felt like something of an you might call Quaker-ready. Anyway, and essential part of our collective interloper, a misfit. So, after a while, we we started having little Meetings for identity. just stopped going. And I entered into a Worship together. Probably highly It was in that context that, in my spiritual wilderness. irregular, but we just did it. third year of university, I fell in love. But there was still, undeniably, a We must have become official at Unwisely. There were many reasons why spiritual part of my being. Something some stage, because we became involved it wasn’t a good idea, one of them being that needed nurturing and connection. I with occasional gatherings of North that three generations of his family had had come across Quakers in my reading Queensland Friends, including David proudly worshipped at the Methodist over the years and there was something and Trish Johnson, Susannah Kay, and church on the opposite corner to our there that appealed to me. It felt like a on one occasion, the visiting Topsy and Catholic church. That mattered. It place where my pacifism and feminism, David Evans. Not a bad initiation into mattered a lot. my sense of social justice and the Quakers. In 1988 we moved to Adelaide, and I went along to the North Adelaide Meeting House, seeking to become a proper Quaker. The first person I spoke to immediately asked, ‘Are you a member or attender?’ I did find that a little confronting, but it didn’t deter me totally and look, here I am. As to the other threads to this story. My parents both died around the time of our move to Adelaide, and my marriage finally unravelled. Since then, my relationship with my siblings has mellowed (we can now even use the Q word), and I am particularly close to Ann, the Sister of Mercy. My children are all doing wonderful things. And that’s the story of how I came to be a Quaker – and the person I am today. Kerry and Michael with Sster Ann.

THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 5 Nourishing our spiritual lives: The ‘Living Experimentally’ Circle at Wahroonga LM LYN DUNDAS | NEW SOUTH WALES REGIONAL MEETING

t was more than ten years ago that moments, we find the extraordinary, promptings of the spirit or their inner the first Circle at Wahroonga was and our spiritual teachers and lessons. light. held. lt was begun and facilitated by our Friend lan Hughes, who had I Some projects over the years Questions for Reflection worked with Learning Circles at • The art of mindful walking through the 1. What is the title or one-line description universities and wanted to see how of my project? Old Testament they might be adapted to the Quaker 2. What did I intend to do? • Creator, creation and creativity setting. I had spent three months at 3. What did I actually do? Pendle Hill, the Quaker Centre in • Peace, within and without 4. What did I observe or experience? Philadelphia, experiencing living in a We use a structure of set questions • Speaking truth to power 5. What did I or might I learn from this? – community where spiritual nurture, (see below) and a set time – usually 15 • Care of the earth reflections on the experiences growth and learning were central, and minutes6. What per do Iperson. intend to do in the following • History of the early Seeker movement on my return, I longed for a deeper month? experience of sharing and community • Practising presence 7. What help can the Circle give me now? within my Meeting. For me, the Circle • Exploring death and dying has become that space of deep spiritual • Seeking simplicity nourishment and community, through Within this structure, the • Living in my 80s and finding my writing our focussed sharing, deep listening transformative power of ‘being listened voice and prayerful holding of one another. into being’ happens. ‘Reflecting and Parker Palmer’s Circles of Trust have writing on my project each month is also contributed to our evolving vision We meet once a month after healing in itself – but speaking it out and practice. Meeting for Worship, for about 3 hours loud to others and being listened to ln the university setting, the focus (with short breaks for the sharing of with attentiveness and support and is on individual learning and research food.) At the beginning of each year we love is very powerful and empowering’. projects; for Quakers, the ‘project invite anyone interested to come and ‘l experience an energy, a spirit in itself becomes a background and an experience how a Circle ‘works’. We the Circle that is quite palpable and anchor upon which to base our own then ask participants to commit for the life-giving, binding, flowing and personal growth, together with a year. To help develop trust and depth, evolutionary – moving me into deeper deeper understanding of others’. ‘The the Circle becomes a closed group for faith and hope and love’. ‘l have experience of sharing transcends the that year. Numbers have varied over the experienced a profound sense of love, importance of the projects themselves.’ years, from 6 to13 participants. Eight or community, trust, growing and learning 1 [1] Though the project titles give nine is the ideal maximum number. The through being part of the Circle’. focus and direction, what very often heart of the Circle is the round-table becomes most important is the journey: individual sharing by each person in We find acceptance, trust and the people we meet along the way, the turn, and the deep, attentive, prayerful, courage as we share what is important, conversations we have, what we pay active listening that accompanies and meaningful, exciting, challenging, attention to – in our daily, ordinary, lived supports each person in following the dark, confusing, mysterious, passionate

6 THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 David, this page needs a small filler but I had thought that the gray boxes might move to the top of the second page. They don’t really flow within the text and might benefit from highlighting. What do you think?

and joyful in our lives. We come to often the help that the Circle provides take place.’ know each other ‘in the things that is in ‘just listening’ – no judgment, are eternal’. Often a word, words or a no rescuing, no advising – but loving, personal story will resonate strongly supportive, attentive, trusting presence. with our own experience, and connect In turn, we feel ‘blessed’ and ‘privileged’ us to each other and to the spirit that to be able to accompany others in their gives life to all. ‘There is an echo of my journeys. Having an encouraging and [1] Quotations are participants’ own own story in everyone’s story, which supportive spiritual community has increased a deep sense of recognition, helped some people to try new things, tenderness and compassion’. be courageous, take detours, extend Some of us bring pain, loss, health themselves, be more faithful to a calling. concerns and unresolved issues into ‘l have been touched by your loving the Circle. For some, reconciling and support as I transitioned into a new way words, unless otherwise attributed. balancing the busyness that comes of being.’ ‘l feel ‘held’ and encouraged by with being involved in all that we love the Circle’. ‘l doubt whether I would be doing, and the desire for simplification, able to do this work without the Circle’. is a continuing struggle. This and other ‘l feel a little braver in speaking my struggles offer opportunities for deep truth’. ‘l feel less alone in my concerns, listening within, to discern what love thoughts and actions’. and faithfulness might require of us. I am blessed to have some very dear We also recognise and honour our gifts, Friends, whose deep spiritual friendship and times of wonder, clarity, conviction, over many years I value greatly. I am energy, laughter and sweetness. ln the also blessed to have had opportunities Circle we practise waiting, in love and for personal ‘retreats’ through the in silence, holding all that is being generosity of Friends. These have fed shared in that sacred space. my spirit. But the Circle ‘nourishes my We appreciate the opportunity to set need for belonging and connection’. intentions each month and reflect on The Circle is the place where both the past month’s experiences. Looking individual and community are valued back like this, and especially over the and tended. ‘The dynamics of the group whole year, we can see growth that is not was amazing. We started with our own always apparent at the time. ‘This year individual quests, and through sharing, I experienced a real sense of progress, the energy built to where I recognised though the black dog of self-doubt still our SAME journey.’ sniffs around regularly.’ Like Rufus Jones, ‘l pin my hopes ‘Being accountable to the group has to quiet processes and small circles, in been most important.’ However, most which vital and transforming events

THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 7 Reflections on Japan’s seventy-four years without waging war JOHN MCMAHON | VICTORIA REGIONAL MEETING

I will illustrate achievements of peace activists in Japan, from this country’s unconditional surrender in 1945 until 30 April 2019, when Akihito abdicated the Chrysanthemum throne.

he Japanese Emperor, Hirohito this time Tokyo was one of six major Following Japan’s unconditional wanted a woman to teach Japanese cities, devastated by firestorms surrender, an American General, his eleven-year-old son after that American napalm bombings had Douglas MacArthur, became Supreme Japan’sT unconditional surrender in created. Historian Paul Hams recorded Commander of Allied Powers (SCAP), 1945, to bring some feminine influence that ‘most of the inhabitants of these for the Occupation of Japan. Some into Akihito’s life. He required a cities were either dead, wounded, or Japanese found the task of accepting Christian tutor, but not a fanatic. At her forced to flee to the countryside, and an occupied Japan difficult, but many appointment, Elizabeth Gray Vining, Japan was utterly defeated but had not embraced MacArthur’s emerging peace an American Quaker teacher, said her yet surrendered.’ In these circumstances, proposals with enthusiasm. Kazuo instructions were: to open windows Hirohito, although hampered by Kawai, a Japanese scholar, in August to a foreign way of life for the crown a coup, and the atomic bomb on 1945 wrote about why most people in prince. She said that she did not want Hiroshima, constructed his peace- war-torn Japan, the ‘hungry, homeless, to view the job as ‘selling America’ to seeking message. Speaking to his people and shame-laden Japanese’ were eager Japan’s future leader but saw the need through radio tapes, in the upper-class for peace: to ‘set him free – to teach him how to Japanese language, he claimed that They were disillusioned, demoralised, have fun.’ She tutored him privately, unconditional surrender would take and paralysed…war had reduced and at the elite school he attended. place, and would prove to be difficult many of the Japanese to an inner state During this task she read with him, for his people. Japanese were surprised bordering on panic. Surrender came to discussed Gandhi’s philosophy of at Hirohito’s peaceful decision, because them as a heaven-sent relief; a welcome nonviolence; they shared hopes for it was different to what they expected … deliverance from annihilation. world peace while also becoming from their Government’s combative friends. In these ways Vining as a peace ideology, and the weapons hidden in Kawai further claimed that the activist helped Akihito to free himself Japan to repel fighting invaders. character and presence of MacArthur from the shackles of cruel Shinto- Other peace advocates were the influenced the Japanese to accept the supported Japanese war ideologies Allied Powers. Prior to 1945 they had occupation fully. He believed that and their violence. During his thirty met at Potsdam and decided on terms MacArthur’s ‘dedicated sense of mission, years as emperor, Akihito followed for the proposed Japanese surrender. the sincerity …of his vision resonated Vining’s peaceful advocacy and became Their Proclamation included peaceful with the Japanese people.’ MacArthur a loving and peaceful activist for his pathways for a Japanese unconditional insisted that the occupation be used to country. He got away from the palace surrender, with some restrictions. For reform Japanese social and political life, to help Japanese people in distress. example, ‘we insist that the new order to accord with democratic and Christian Vining’s efforts in setting Akihito free of peace, security, and justice will be principles. As SCAP he organised the culminated when he married Michiko impossible until irresponsible militarism repatriation of three million Japanese Shodo, following a love affair between is driven from the world,’ ‘Japanese who were fighting abroad at the end the crown prince and a commoner. military forces, after being completely of the war. MacArthur also promoted Another peace maker was Akihito’s disarmed, shall be permitted to return the development of democratic reform father, Emperor Hirohito. In early to their homes with the opportunity of for Japan. Taking other strong steps 1945, listening to debates between leading peaceful and productive lives, towards a peaceful occupation, SCAP Japanese peace and war factions in with freedom of speech, religion and used the existing national political the protective bunker attached to his thought.’ The Proclamation implied legislature, to exercise control. This was palace, Hirohito made an historic and that the traditional, hierarchical social the traditional way in which Japan had peaceful decision: to agree to the Allies’ system would, under the Proclamation previously been governed. He ordered request for unconditional surrender. At survive. the release of all Japanese political

8 THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 prisoners. SCAP forced the Emperor Arthur MacArthur. He observed to renounce his divinity but supported the social and medical plights of the him remaining as the symbolic leader German people, in the Allies ill-fated (promoting peace) for his people. The occupation of Germany. He didn’t new Showa Constitution, in which wish to see the Japanese nation suffer MacArthur played an advocate role, loss of self-respect and self-confidence guaranteed that the Japanese military evident in the conquered German forces were only to be raised for the people he had seen. It predisposed him defence of Japan, rather than renewal of to proclaim more positive outcomes their global military expansion. In such for the Japanese. William Manchester, ways SCAP’s demands enabled Japan a historian of the General’s motivation to embrace more peaceful pathways for in all his peaceful actions quoted many following generations. MacArthur: ‘I was brought up a In addition, MacArthur decided to Christian and adhere entirely to its supervise humane and peaceful social teachings.’ i [i] ways for Japan. In 1946, noticing that Another American, the lone Emperor Akihito announces his abdication. the Japanese people were dying of Quaker, Floyd W. Schmoe, a professor starvation, he did something about it. of dendrology, promoted a peaceful people. He demanded that Northcott, As SCAP he stated, ‘lack of food for the reconciliation. He decided an apology the Australian commander draw defeated people was the main problem, to the Japanese people for dropping the up a non-fraternisation policy to be making all other problems seem trifles.’ bomb on Hiroshima was insufficient. implemented by troops and the 130th So SCAP demanded that food be sent Schmoe, driven by deep urges for AGH staff. Northcott demanded the from America. Shunsuke Tsurumi, a expiation and reconciliation, in 1949, Australian BCOF to conduct something Japanese historian wrote: ‘tons of flour against the wishes of his Quaker like a cold war against the Japanese. He were released by the occupation: flour, Meeting, came to Hiroshima, and with wrote ‘you must be formal and correct’ corn and milk were the main items.’ carpenters assembled with his own and ‘you must not enter their homes He thought in 1987 it had generated hands and theirs, 212 Japanese-style or take part in family life.’ Northcott’s peaceful friendships in the seven years houses for victims of the bomb. negative views limited financial and of the occupation that are still felt by In January 1946 soldiers of the social support that Australians could Japanese living today. Australian-led contingent, together with provide for the demoralised, starving Also, MacArthur’s intervention for Great Britain, New Zealand, and India, Japanese. Non-fraternisation became health improvement, possibly resulted formed the British Commonwealth a policy too strict for some Australian in Japan experiencing the most rapid Occupation Force, (BCOF), to soldiers and nursing staff to peacefully eradication of deaths from preventable join the American occupying force. obey. diseases for any country in history. Australia occupied the Chugoku Female members of the 130 AGH The SCAP team, headed by Brigadier region of Honshu Island. It included decided to act in a more loving and General Crawford Sams organised the Prefecture of Hiroshima, and Ita peaceful manner. Nurse Lorna Weir wrote about meeting Japanese women, 8000 Japanese to staff 800 district Jima Island, where they established some of whom had never seen a white health centres, where American doctors the 130th Australian General Hospital woman before, when buying souvenirs: organised the mass immunisation of the (130 AGH), with my late aunt Monica At first, they looked sad; but somehow, entire population. ‘Thirty-five million McMahon as its Matron ii [ii]. The with gestures and chatter, we always people were vaccinated by 1950: a 40% wrecked city of Hiroshima with its left them smiling… We visited several reduction from tuberculosis deaths; and high levels of radioactivity made places and the second time around were there were reductions ranging from it a dangerous BCOF location for greeted with bright smiles and happy 76% to 90% for diphtheria, dysentery, Australia’s contingent. chatter…On these occasions our limited typhoid and paratyphoid death rates, Australian contingent and supply of sweets was never enough. reductions from Japanese encephalitis American occupation commanders and endemic typhus diseases.’ had opposed views about their Also, the Australian Army provided MacArthur’s motivation for peace- country’s fraternisation with the an opportunity for nursing Sisters to making achievements in 1945 arose Japanese. Lord Louis Mountbatten make peaceful friendships with Japanese from his visit to Germany after the end wanted Australian personnel to adopt of World-War I with his father Colonel a stern attitude towards Japanese CONTINUED ON PAGE 13

THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 9 How we nourish our Spiritual lives Contemplative practice WILMA DAVIDSON | CANBERRA REGIONAL MEETING

or some of us it’s easier to do said ‘I said ‘thank you’’. And walked To allow oneself to than to be and to give rather away. I now thank the Spirit for alerting than to receive. It has been my for me, through this dear friend, how be carried away by a aim for many years to embrace these difficult it was for me to receive thanks. multitude of conflicting giftsF and, like aiming for perfection, Since that moment I have been aware I know it will never be reached. The of many others for whom receiving is concerns, to surrender learning is in the journey. a challenge, particularly in my role as oneself to too many Long before I was a Quaker I clinical supervisor to councillors and practiced Vipassana meditation, advocates. demands, to commit attending regular ten- and twenty-day Now being is integral to my spirit oneself to too many courses, one-day courses and local practice and to my everyday way of life. group sits. The first Quaker retreat I attended was projects, to want to help This I think is where I was first in Galong, a beautiful convent with a everyone in everything challenged to be rather than do. I labyrinth. After the six days we stopped. would happily offer service caring for I was just getting into a deep space with is to succumb to violence. other meditators, and through the deep the Spirit and we stopped. This was More than that, it is work during a ten-day course, realised the shortest retreat I attended since cooperation in violence. It I was there to be, to reach deeply into practising Vipassana meditation. equanimity and peace. And be waited I spoke to the Spiritual Director destroys one’s own capacity on! about this dilemma and he asked how for peace. It destroys the As women we are conditioned long did I think I needed. Quaker to care for – partners, children, and worship and Quaker mysticism was so fruitfulness of one’s own eventually our parents – and many of us new to me then, I said I thought about work, because it kills the find it difficult to be the caree. a month, and happy to be alone with It was a simple remark from a Friend his guidance. root of inner wisdom that helped me realise the challenge for He found The Cliffs Retreat which makes the work me of receiving. in Shoreham on the Mornington I had done something for this friend Peninsula, Victoria, a retreat centre run fruitful. and she said ‘thank you’. I then began by Father Brian Gallagher, a member of my usual speech about how it was the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. Thomas Merton nothing/I was doing something similar The centre had two little Hermitages anyway/it was a pleasure. My Friend with all the facilities needed to be alone

10 THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 with the Spirit. Brian was happy to with it for a time. We begin to pray my time at Shoreham. This was such a have me there. with a text when we refrain from gift! Being alone yet together in silence I have now completed my ninth visit analysing it, simply reflecting on it in in worship with Friends, and this year to Shoreham. I attended for a month our hearts and looking for others with often in a truly gathered meeting. a few times, and then six weeks, and whom to share and discuss its meaning I come away with many gifts and now attend for eight weeks. Unlike for our lives (p. 11). clear direction. This year (a) I named at Vipassana, I do read and write – and least one daily gift with in my hermitage, For the past two or three years much paint and sew and other creative and brought home with me thanks and of my worship holds: activities. I am in worship four or five gratitude to all of you who have given to My being is a vast mystical presence times a day – though my spiritual me physically, emotionally, spiritually. (Drew Lawson Mystical Meadows, director reminded me about stitching (b) I became aware of so much beauty, p. 147) ministry and painting ministry and even in damaged places, and (c) the walking ministry and suggested when I which also comes with me to importance of time for rest: shop – necessary after four weeks when worship when I’m home. I’m there for eight weeks – I ‘take the My reading is vast and varied, Time silence with me’. And I do! though certain writers seem to join me Time is where it wants to be And I am blessed with the ability often – Evelyn Underwood, J Brent My friend, there for me to be constantly present. Father Bede Bill, John O’Donohue, Annie Dillard, Making no demands Griffith tells us: Mary Oliver to name a few. Each visit Giving gifts The peppermint tea and crochet time The Supreme is present among us also introduces me to new writers. Stretches to Jack* and we must be aware that every This year they included Wendell Berry, Neck massage and ball throwing time moment and in every place, we are in Trebbe Johnson, Elise Boulding and And the Spirit, a constant companion the presence of that divine mystery. Sue Monk Kidd. of time (Shirley Du Boulay, Beyond the Reading John O’Donahue’s Devine Smiles and knows Darkness: a biography of Bede Griffith, Beauty led me to a new practice that has After ball throwing it will be our time Alone, in the worship chair p. 171.) continued. His work encouraged me to The Spirit surrounding me in look closely at colour – to gaze is how Spiritual direction is integral to this Unconditional love. Trebbe Johnson describes it – and I sat practice. We meet by face time or Zoom 17 February 2019 on a rock at the beach and counted the and after sharing my experiences, come many blues in the sea and the wonder * This year was slightly different as I away with homework that leads me of it. Now my beach walking ministry cared for the resident kelpie Jack, while further along the path. includes a time of worship on this rock, Brian was on Sabbatical. Alone in silence there are two or another rock on the other beach in practices that have always gone with walking distance to me. Mary Oliver And then home. This year it has me. I go with no plans, a bare page tells us: taken me longer to settle into meetings ready for the guidance of the Spirit and emails and other ‘doings’ and social Nature and art are in this way twins: – a very different practice for me the events. At home I do have a silent day they are both beautiful, and dreadful, consummate planner, yet not at all – don’t try to contact me on Tuesdays. and in love with change. (Winter difficult. And I do only one thing at a Friends, I am uncontactable. I know Hours) and I would add Spirit led. time – alas except that I eat and read, every year I feel closer to a more though I am working on this! I have a special chair where I sit to contemplative lifestyle. I question if my I am often given to worship on a worship and be quiet and look out to the worship and holding, as I am led to do theme. To quote Mary Kay Rehard bush and the sea, and since beginning these days rather than physical works, (Bringing God Home Pendle Hill this practice, at 10.00 am on Sundays, I is useful, and I am blessed with many Pamphlet 362): ‘attend’ Canberra Meeting for Worship. friends who ensure me this is the case. God meets us when we settle on a text At home I attend several on-line I am indeed blessed. and rest in it, grow familiar, and live MFW, and last year included these in

THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 11 Saima Goudie

Global Action for Climate Change: How Friends World Committee for Consultation involves us all

VIRGINIA JEALOUS | WEST AUSTRALIA REGIONAL MEETING

A reflection on an Asia-West Pacific Section webinar

n April 2019, twenty or so Friends in Aotearoa/New Zealand, Australia, to amplify the voice of Quakers, in the from different time zones and India and Japan attended. context of our long-standing reputation countries joined Lindsey Fielder We learned about FWCC’s role in for bridging the gap between personal CookI (QUNO Geneva) and Susanna global negotiations on climate change. and political action. She attended many Mattingly (FWCC, London) in a Lindsey Fielder Cook described Civil Society side-events, including webinar. This was exactly what it how QUNO staff create and use an inter-faith co-ordination working sounds like: a seminar conducted in opportunities to talk with diplomats, group. This hopes to better align and real time via the internet. It provided an negotiators and scientists from many communicate the voice and action of extensive overview of current issues in nations, focussing on last December’s faith groups on climate change, and to the climate change sphere, and offered COP24: the informal name for the ‘24th build political will to mitigate its effects. an encouraging view of Quakers’ roles Conference of the Parties to the United Susanna also works on developing within it. Nations Framework Convention on a coherent message about climate First, we reminded ourselves what Climate Change (UNFCCC)’. The change that speaks to the wide and who the acronyms stood for. Friends conference was intended to provide an spectrum of Quaker traditions. She World Committee for Consultation implementation strategy or ‘Rulebook’ spoke, for example, about the benefits (FWCC) is the global network to which for the Paris Agreement, and to of coming together to develop many Quaker meetings and churches strengthen the resolve of countries in common approaches to climate change, belong. Because FWCC is a worldwide reducing their greenhouse gases. The recognising that while Friends come organisation, it holds recognised results were mixed. While there was less from different theological positions, accreditation that allows Quaker United commitment from developed countries we face a shared concern of caring for Nations Office (QUNO) to be involved for greater finance and mitigation the earth. Finding a way to articulate as an ‘influencing agency’ at the United strategies, there were some new this together is offering a model for all Nations. QUNO has an office at both financial pledges for various climate Friends to find common ground. the UN General Assembly and UN funds. Common ways to measure Lindsey reinforced that awareness Security Council. emissions and assess global mitigation and the level of concern about climate Closer to home, the webinar was efforts have been developed, but there change are shifting rapidly. There’s coordinated and hosted by Ronis was less focus on human rights and the increased attention to how humans live Chapman, Secretary of the Asia-West impact of climate change on indigenous on the planet, and a growing concern Pacific Section (AWPS) of FWCC – peoples. Clearly, how you define the of many people to leave a suitable this is the section to which Australia results of the conference depends on legacy. Building a new and sustainable Yearly Meeting belongs. Its purpose your perspective. economic system is another emerging was to explain FWCC’s increasing Susanna Mattingly outlined her role priority—perhaps Quakers can play a focus on sustainability throughout the as the Sustainability Officer at FWCC role by pushing the boundaries here. Quaker world and how, as a region, and also focussed on the significance A human rights, peace and justice we might contribute. E-participants of the COP 24. Susanna’s work aims emphasis – i.e. the right to a healthy

12 THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 Resources: environment – is another area of focus. and are widely acknowledged for their The importance of inclusive solutions, long experience of considered decision- There is practical, innovative rather than imposed solutions, is also making and non-violent protest action. information on the two organisations’ an increasing focus. It was similarly encouraging for Lindsey websites: http://fwcc.world and https:// Both Susanna and Lindsey asked us to hear that Quakers in Aotearoa/New quno.org as AWPS to share our resources and Zealand and Australia are involved stories of actions with them: Susanna with the gathering XR movement here. A Negotiator’s Toolkit is particularly Mattingly ([email protected] ) It is also very useful for Lindsey and useful: https://quno.org/resource/2018/4/ and Lindsey Fielder Cook (lfcook@ Susanna to be able to quote true-life negotiators-toolkit-second-edition quno.ch). Our stories are valuable to examples of climate change impacts, and It provides a short, coherent line of them, giving them inspiration and of actions real people are taking which argument for each of the arguments that energy to continue in their work. We demonstrate community concern. They can arise in discussing climate change. heard, for example, from Lindsey that tell us that negotiators easily lose sight Quakers in the UK are involved with of the ‘real people’ – that’s us – and that Highly recommended. the burgeoning Extinction Rebellion actual stories help ground them. (XR) (ausrebellion.earth) movement Do you have a story to tell?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 women. Using reparation funds, the children…We had blokes with us who testimony, love, and friendship achieved Army paid Japanese women to do the were good linguists. Every attempt this great miracle. Authors Richard laundry for the Australian nurses and to talk to these kids was left with Wilkinson and Kate Pickett’s book, The perform other menial tasks at the 130 some blank stare. The consensus was Spirit Level, iii [iii]claimed that Japan AGH. They were poor widows, grateful, that these children were somewhat in the twenty-first century became one working hard, and with excellent shell-shocked and terrified to the stage of the most economically developed relationships with sisters, and service of muteness from the bombing and countries, which had the best longevity, men. Australian women’s peace-making strafing that occurred at Kure and its with a greater capacity than other highly friendship meant providing them with environs. developed countries, for healing of food that was left over, such as porridge social and political predicaments, such for breakfast and discarded newspapers Sisters and nurses became aware as teenage pregnancy, obesity, poverty, which these impoverished women used of the carnage caused by the atomic to line the walls of their homes. bomb and its lethal radiation effects. homicide, but with the exception of the Some soldiers of the Australian Encouraged by Matron McMahon, status of women. They ranked Japan as Army also showed compassion for sisters ignored the non-fraternisation arguably the happiest country in the Japanese children. Colonel Michael rules and volunteered to visit world. These were the fruits of peace Conners wrote about his encounters Hiroshima where they offered friendly in the twenty-first century, following with homeless children. He wrote: help and professional nursing skills to Japan’s seventy-four years without ‘the kids of Hiroshima were always Japanese nursing sisters, working with waging war. courteous, they appreciated small Dr. Saski at the Red Cross hospital. In 1946, nurse Jean Waddell, a constant luxuries (which he gave them) more [i] Manchester, William, 1978. volunteer, was shocked by the partial than in other areas, probably because American Caesar: Douglas MacArthur destruction of the hospital and the smell they had less.’ Also, one unnamed 1880-1964. Published by Little, Brown of burnt human beings she experienced. British soldier wrote that abandoned & Company (Boston/Toronto) ISBN children of Kure found it necessary to L. Lacey in An Unofficial History of the 9780316024747 form vital survival relationships with BCOF claimed that the percentage of [ii] McMahon, John, 2016. Monica’s Australian soldiers, soldiers who had these women who later died of cancer War Published by Boolarong Press ISBN become activists for peace, about food: in Australia was a horrendous figure. 9781925236453 I have only respect and admiration Akihito was on the Japanese throne for the Australians. They always made for only the last 30 of Japan’s 74 peaceful [iii] Wilkinson, Richard and Pickett, sure that there was part of their meal years. But he and peace activists helped Kate, 2009. The Spirit Level: Why More left untouched to give to the kids. Men to verify Mari Yamaguchi’s report Equal Societies Almost Always Do Better did it as naturally as breathing… as: ‘the first modern emperor whose Published by Bloomsbury Press. ISBN Mascots in the form of animals showed reign had not seen a war’. Inspired 1-84614-039-0 more emotion (gratitude) than these by Christianity, the Quaker peace

THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 13 QSA Notes Refugees at home and abroad

JACKIE PERKINS | QSA ADMINISTRATOR

The finished quilt showing the botanical theme to the embroidery

Friends may recall that QSA received Waste to Wonderful Project. This group family. The Waste to Wonderful project a bequest enabling support of refugees functions in a supportive and social is a great example of a community and asylum seekers, both here in way, and a woollen quilt has been made development project that works! Australia and overseas. In this edition from blanket squares, dyed in indigo It brings together women from a of QSA Notes, we thought we would and then embroidered with a botanical range of Australian backgrounds share some of the projects supported theme. It has already been exhibited at and women from the new refugee- from the bequest. the Art from Trash Exhibition. Looks initiated communities in a project that From Tasmania Regional Meeting great everyone! circles around creativity, fellowship, and Jen Newton, we have heard of their All the women interact with the shared meals, and the laughter of little project. It provides small payments children and it is so lovely to see some children, sharing our lives, cultures and to individuals and groups, including of our older women stepping into yummy food throughout the year as contributing to the wages for a child Grandmotherly roles so that these well as our camping trips and picnics. carer, a young Somali woman, and for a children have a sense of an extended Sometimes the conversations are about

14 THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 craft, but often they are about things ‘I found it has just broadened my relating to their mental health and like how to negotiate repayments on a horizon tremendously to understand wellbeing. Telstra bill. The project supports single what the refugee problems are. What Permaculture training in mothers with small children who would these women, who were on their own, Bangladesh with new project partner, otherwise be isolated, by opening with children, went through, trying to Bangladesh Association for Sustainable doors to friendship with other women. settle in a new country and make new Development, began at the start of the The other women also benefit from lives – that’s broadened my horizon. year. Two courses have been provided, the friendships, from their increased They’re a wonderful group of women. I and now on-going mentoring and understanding and knowledge of other love them.’ cultures and by their increased skills ‘We’ve done a lot of great things support of the trainees will help them in supporting women from minority together and built wonderful to develop their food gardens and work communities to negotiate their lives friendships. together for support to achieve greater here. Advocacy is a role that we step Sounds fantastic, and so very food security. Currently food supplies into often with our women and their supportive of people needing additional for the refugees in camps is provided by families, with Government providers, help at such a vulnerable time in their UNHCR, and due to the huge numbers charitable organisations, landlords, lives. in the camps, it is subsistence food only. Telstra, power, etc. and interpreting In West Australia, Henry There are limited opportunities for notices and letters which can appear Esbenshade has sent a report from the fresh vegetables except those now being official and threatening. ‘It takes a Village’ project, which is being grown by the trainees. The chance to From Jo Flanagan CEO Women’s run by Save the Children. Funding was provide extra food for the family is Health Tasmania, which held a provided to support their work and a great motivator. More information consultation with the women who it has enabled them to increase their use the services – here is some of the capacity to provide one on one practical about this particular project can be feedback from the women who have support to mothers and families on found in the latest edition of the QSA participated in Waste to Wonderful: humanitarian and spousal visas; and to Newsletter, available from the QSA When I came here I didn’t have provide additional mentoring, guidance office at [email protected]. many friends or people that I knew and professional support to bicultural in Hobart. When I came to the group staff so that they can increase their We are soon approaching the end of they helped me. I had twins and knowledge and skills in a range of the financial year. When you consider they just turned one when I joined settlement and well-being areas. Long where to give your end-of-financial- the group, so I had help from these term support has been given to four year donations, please spare a thought women and now we’re like family. mothers originally from Afghanistan for making a tax deductible donation to We learnt a lot of sewing and craft and one from Myanmar. Four were QSA to help us continue our projects from the ladies here. We go camping supported with antenatal and perinatal together, we go to picnics together, we care, and one was supported with family and the support of project partners in eat together, we share our cultural issues relating to domestic violence, India, Cambodia, Uganda, Zimbabwe, food together, so we do a lot of stuff! alcohol abuse, intergenerational conflict Malaysia, Bangladesh and Australia. It’s just like my family here in and school attendance. In addition, two On behalf of the community groups we Tasmania really.’ were experiencing significant issues support, thank you Friends.

QSA is a member of the Australian Council for International Development and is a signatory to the ACFID Code of Conduct. The purpose of QSA is to express in a practical way the concern of Australian Quakers for the building of a more peaceful, equitable, just and compassionate world. To this end QSA works with communities in need to improve their quality of life with projects which are culturally sensitive, as well as being economically and environmentally appropriate and sustainable.

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Unit 14, 43-53 Bridge Road, Stanmore, NSW 2048 Australia • [email protected] PHONE+61 2 8054 0400 • FAX: +61 2 9225 9241 • ABN 35 989 797 918

THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 15 REVIEWREVIEW

Can Religion Speak In dealing with her central concern, seeks to find and to approach power Elizabeth knows that she has to do beyond the material, in humility Truth? more than address the question of recognising that we cannot control it, THE 2018 QUAKER LECTURE (AOTEAROA/ NEW ZEALAND) truth; her focus is on truth in religion and so relating to it through modes such Written and delivered by Elizabeth Duke. and therefore she recognises a need as prayer which subordinate the human The full text of this lecture can be downloaded to explain the relationship between to the divine; magic, through formulae at http://quaker.org.nz/quaker-lecture. religion and other human concerns and practices, seeks power over the such as science, spirituality and even material and the divine. (p.14) Elizabeth has a distinguished magic. For Elizabeth ‘spirituality’ is If religion can speak truth, then we ecumenical and Quaker heritage. She to do with the ‘more than....’, it is must ask ‘which religion speaks the was born into an Anglican family but that which goes beyond the human truth – some, all?’ for there exist joined the Religious Society of Friends condition. Spirituality is relational, it is in 1976. She has served as the General how we stand in relation to the ‘more religions that make competing episte- Secretary of Friends World Committee than...’. She argues that religion is mological and theological claims upon for Consultation and her academic ‘spirituality done together’. In defining their adherents – they can’t all be ‘true’. background is in Classics, Theology religion in this way she is linking the We also have the problem of morphing and Maori Studies; her lecture strongly concept of religion back to the word’s semantics over time. Does the concept reflects her studies and personal etymology: ‘religion’ from the Latin of ‘truth’ have the same logical criteria background. religare meaning to bind together. She for its application as the concept had Can Religion Speak Truth? is a carefully writes: ‘I understand ‘spirituality’ as our 350 years ago? In response to the first constructed and thought-provoking relation to what is beyond human, more of these questions Elizabeth argues address that does not limit itself to than human, other than human, and that whilst all religions may sometimes a purely epistemic response to the ‘religion’ as ‘doing spirituality together’. get it wrong, all religions and philoso- question it proposes for consideration. In this sense religion involves some phies ‘incorporate some form of the It would have been easy for Elizabeth degree of communal practice.’ (p.5) search for truth.’ (p.7) This sentiment has echoes of Voltaire’s marvellous merely to address the question of truth But what of science, and magic? as the correspondence between proposi- aphorism – cherish those who seek the tions and reality. Instead she has a much Both science and religion strive to say truth, beware of those who claim to more expansive and nuanced notion of and assert that which is true about the have found it. As for the shifting sands truth. ‘My approach is that truth goes Universe. Both science and religion of linguistic application, Elizabeth far beyond statements of beliefs; we seek to make claims that are driven by cautions us to be ever mindful of how live it – it is incarnate in action, in rela- a desire for the truth, as does magic, individual words’ meanings may change tionships and in the nature of all that according to Elizabeth. The line of over time. is.’ (p.3) Her reference here to truth as demarcation that separates science, In the central part of her address, ontologically incarnate reminded me of religion and magic, however, is humility. Elizabeth turns to the Bible and the encounter between Jesus and Pilate: Science makes assertions supported in particular the first four chapters ‘‘What is truth?’ retorted Pilate’ (NIV) by empirical evidence and tests and of Genesis to explore the matter of – and although it was staring him in observations that are repeatable. It truth in scripture. She undertakes an the face, he didn’t stay around for an (i.e. science) stands before truth with exegetical examination of a number of answer. Elizabeth does stay around humility, magic does not. key narratives: the story of Cain and for the answer. Truth, she argues is not Science seeks to understand the material Abel and the first recorded instance merely what is taught by religion, it is world and to enable us to live in it of murder; the naming of the animals lived. (p.8) through material technology; religion by Adam; the temptation of Eve by

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Satan and the ‘fall’ of humanity and in the Platonic dialogue by the same is ‘more than...’ And the ‘more than’ lies the birth of moral consciousness; the name in which Socrates wonders: Is at the heart of what cannot be spoken. Biblical explanation for the emergence the pious loved by the gods because ‘Of its nature, mystery points to what is of nomadic humans compared to city- it is pious, or is it pious because it is beyond knowing.’ (p.30) And here we dwelling humans, as well as a number of loved by the gods? Is the ‘good’ good enter into silence, into what cannot be other stories. At the heart of this exegesis because God declares it to be good, or spoken of. is Elizabeth’s wish to demonstrate does God declare something to be good the difference between literal truth because of some quality it possesses So what is Elizabeth’s answer to the and metaphorical or figurative truth. that transcends God? If so, that would question she poses – can religion speak These stories and narratives contain mean that there is something ‘greater’ truth? She writes: profoundly important and deep truths than God – Goodness Itself – and Religious thought, expressions, faith about the human condition and such a claim would be to border upon and practices can speak truth only if we humanity’s special relationship with blasphemy and apostasy. live the truth in ethical integrity and God. They explore great truths about In the last part of her address, Elizabeth humility. Humility subjects itself to the what it means to be human and what turns to the difficulties that arise when test of reason, and what goes beyond it means to be in this particular world. we seek to enunciate truth through She writes: ‘The truth in Genesis is not language and the application of reason; it recognises that we know in in the historicity of the story, but in concepts. It is arguable that all language part, while being content that ‘the last, the inner meanings it conveys... These is metaphor and therefore the rela- the utmost’ is mystery. (p 31) [italics Genesis stories are exemplars of myths, tionship between the enunciation of Duke’s] stories which call our imagination to a proposition and the truth is deeply find truths beyond the literal narrative.’ mysterious. Elizabeth writes: ‘Using Elizabeth Duke’s lecture is profound (pp. 18&20) In the exposition and human language and concepts, we are in and thoughtful. It addresses its subject analysis of these foundational stories the sphere of imagery, metaphor, myth with a broad brush and does not limit we note not only the scope of what it or story. In the end we find ourselves itself to a purely epistemic analysis of means for something to be true, but in mystery, in that which is hidden the concept of truth or knowledge. She also the pivotal place of hermeneutics. but may make itself known to us.’ digs deeply into the question examining (p.29). Her reference here to knowing It is not merely what the story ‘says’ but the nature of truth in relation to other what we bring to the story. is salient and interesting. Any episte- human concerns. It deserves more than In the latter part of her address Elizabeth mologist worth his or her salt will tell one reading. She does a marvellous job turns to the relationship between ‘truth’ you that ‘truth’ is a necessary condition and ‘goodness’. She notes that in the of knowledge. But in so doing we come of attending to an enormously complex English language the word ‘true’ is full circle to where Elizabeth began her question with perspicacity and intelli- sometimes used to mean ‘good’. She lecture. ‘Truth’ is so much more than gence. She concludes via negativa – in gives examples: a true friend, a true love. the mere correspondence of that which the end it is what cannot be said about ‘Truth in religion merges into a wider is real to propositions. As intimated by truth, religion, spirituality and mystery. concept – integrity.’ (p.24) ‘Integrity’ is, Elizabeth, we move here into deeply In the end we are reduced to silence. She of course, one of the Quaker testimonies mysterious territory. When Pilate finishes by quoting Pennington: ‘And and conveys powerfully notions of both demanded to know what Jesus meant the end of words is to bring [people] to truth and goodness, of ‘wholeness’ by truth and if truth can, as Elizabeth and ‘completeness’. A bridge, or other has suggested, be ‘incarnate’, then there the knowledge of things beyond what structure whose integrity has been is a meaningful sense in which the truth words can compromised is not a good bridge, it was standing before Pilate’s very eyes. PETER H BENNETT is not true. Elizabeth ponders also the And we remember here that Elizabeth famous Euthyphro Dilemma found has explained spirituality as that which Victoria Regional Meeting

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Crime and be a venue for the harsh, cruel treatment disorders: psychosis, anxiety/depression, that sensational media reports may personality disorder, alcohol misuse Punishment sometimes call for. The purpose of or drug dependence. They report the THIS WAS THE 2019 QUAKER LECTURE DELIVERED BY TERRY WAITE TO THE prison is rehabilitation. statistics for the same diagnoses for the RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF FRIENDS IN Does this mean he’s pressing for general British population as 10%–15%. AOTEAROA/NEW ZEALAND. offenders to receive no negative conse- This statistic alerts us to the cruelty The full text of this lecture can be downloaded at http://quaker.org.nz/quaker-lecture. quences for their crimes? Of course not. and harm of increasing stress on people Waite describes vividly, and disturb- already compromised in coping with ingly, the inevitable realities of a lived life. When Terry Waite, who is both an prison sentence, of its serious depri- Waite also points out that statistically Anglican and a Quaker, decides to share vations and stresses. He points out it is the poorer members of society who his thoughts on crime and punishment, that the reality of prison is a serious wind up with sentences, the very people one listens, humbled, reminding oneself punishment in itself. who are already disadvantaged in life. that the wisdoms about incarcera- My own convict ancestor, a scrawny, Speaking to New Zealanders, he points tion that underline his 2019 Quaker teenaged, highway robber with out that Maori are more represented in Lecture come experientially from his sentimental tattoos, seemingly had prison populations than Pakehas. And own period of imprisonment . it easy: he was assigned to a farmer, we Australians learn from the current In 1987, while he was an envoy for learned how to farm, and eventually TV advertisement that an aboriginal the Church of England attempting established the successful agricultural youth is much more likely to end up in to negotiate the release of hostages business my family runs today. But he gaol than in university. in Lebanon, he was kidnapped and also left us the lovingly treasured letter In the light of the above statistics Waite imprisoned in Beirut. He spent nearly written by his sister in England, in expresses great concern about the sensa- five years in strict solitary confinement, which she grieves, and fantasises how tionalism and focus on gory murders in in chains and sleeping on the floor. they might, someday, meet again. the popular press. He considers that For three years he was allowed neither Waite cites Alexander Maconochie, this approach invites an impression that books, nor papers, and had no conversa- secretary to Sir John Franklin, the viscousness is more typical of offenders tion with anyone at all beyond cursory Governor of Van Diemans Land. than it actually is, and contributes words with his guards. Maconochie wrote: to disgust of offenders that prevents He has powerful opinions about the The convict system, being fixated on empathy. consequences of incarceration. His own punishment alone, released back into He finishes with examples of rehabili- imprisonment was political rather than society crushed, resentful, bitter men, in tation programs that actually do work. criminal, but Waite is able to use it to whom the spark of enterprise and hope He cites an early rehabilitation facility, shine a search light on the sociology was dead. Grendon Underwood, in the UK, and social psychology of crime, impris- which also was among the first to paint onment, and of corrective interventions. Maconochie lost his job because of the facility in pleasant pastel colours He is not arguing to do away with taking this stance, but he eventually was rather than the accustomed, punitive prison sentences. appointed Commandant of the penal brown! Grendon Underwood adopted a He agrees with Alexander Paterson, settlement. therapeutic community model in which Commissioner of Prisons and Director Disturbingly, Waite cites the British the community of peers and staff become of Convict Prisons in the UK during National Council for Health and Care the healer, resulting in impressive the 1940s, whose observation was that Excellence. It reports that more than statistics on reduction of re-offending. people are sent to prison as punishment, 90% of prisoners in Britain suffer from I have, myself, worked in such a not for punishment. Prison should not at least one of the following psychiatric therapeutic community in Canada in

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the 1960’s and 70’s. Our unit was not quote from Elizabeth Fry, that great in-between space opening royal doors labelled a penitentiary, but a hospital. Quaker prison reformer: of consideration for the derided Quaker We had nurses and psychiatrists and When thee builds a prison, thee had dissenters. Coming to prominence as psychologists and social workers, not better build with the thought ever in an advocate for religious tolerance, warders. Admittedly our patients were your mind that thee and thy children his Holy Experiment led Penn down carefully selected, but they included may occupy the cells’. a path close to bankruptcy as setting some of the most violent offenders up a new colony took its financial This review touches on only on a in Ontario. Staff as well as patients toll. More of a visionary and less of sample of Terry Waite’s wisdoms in the attended Ward Meetings presided a practical administrator, his second 2019 Lecture. I strongly recommend over by an elected patient Ward Clerk wife Hannah Callowhill Penn took the acquiring a copy of this 2019 Quaker and Secretary. Many aspects of ward reins steering Pennsylvania for nearly Lecture for your Local Meeting administration and conditions were 14 years going into the 18th century Library. discussed and voted on in these Ward during Penn’s later years as he suffered Meetings, and problematic behaviours ACEY TEASDALE a series of strokes. scrutinised and consequences dealt A great amount of mythology remains NSW Regional Meeting out. Staff whom the ward thought had in the legacy of Penn. This has left behaved improperly were discussed many people wondering where the and sometimes sanctioned in the same truth lies. Murphy skilfully unpacks forum. William Penn: A Life each myth by going back to the original I cherish a recollection of a particular, BY ANDREW MURPHY source documents. Several new pieces shy, Inuit patient, who had committed a Published by Oxford University Press (2018). of information have emerged since the very violent offence. I asked him which ISBN 9780190234249 previous biographies and these shed intervention on our ward he thought new light on the motivations of Penn had been the most valuable. He Marking 300 years from the death at key points in his life. A worthwhile answered that he had been sitting on of William Penn is a new biography scholarly read, William Penn: A Life his bed talking to his room mate about about his life. William Penn: A Life is accessible for a range of readers the offence, and his room mate listened by Andrew Murphy takes a fresh interested in knowing more about with concern. ‘And when he listened to approach to explore the extraordinary the progressions throughout William me, I started listening to myself, and life of the second generation Quaker, Penn’s life. Highly recommended for a suddenly I began to understand how I William Penn. Seeing a void in the read on a cold winter’s night. came to do what I did’. biographical space, Andrew Murphy GARRY DUNCAN Waite also alludes to Warren Hill, sets out to tell the story of William a facility in the East of England for Penn from all aspects of his life. This NSW Regional Meeting people with life sentences, and people he accomplishes well showing the who are serving sentences of Impris- complexity and contradictions of the onment For Public Protection. These 17th Century social reformer and David: who is are people who will not be released. He founder of Pennsylvania. this – Andrew Penn or Garry describes it’s welcoming attitude for Of all the early Quaker pioneers Duncan? new prisoners: ‘From the moment you William Penn is remembered most get off the bus they shake your hand fondly in retrospect, though this was and give you a cup of tea. Everyone not universal at the times in which lives and works side by side’. he lived. As a gentry convert to Terry Waite closes with the following Quakerism, William Penn occupies an

THE AUSTRALIAN FRIEND | JUNE 2019 19 The Australian Friend is published online at Coordinating editor: David Swain AustralianFriend.org four times a year, in March, June, September and December. Editorial panel: Garry Duncan, Rae Litting, Contributions Wies Schuiringa Contributions (articles, poems and other items) are Production welcome as an email attachment to CAustFriend@ Quakersaustralia.info. Please ensure that images are Mailing list [email protected] sent as separate attachments, and not embedded in Layout Sheelagh Wegman, Hobart TAS. word files. We prefer images in jpg format, and a Printing and distribution National Mailing and resolution of at least 300 dpi. Marketing, Canberra.

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