Low Carbon? Let's Be Realistic!

28 February 2014 £1.70 the discover the contemporaryFriend quaker way

Low carbon? Let’s be realistic! the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 172 NO 9

3 Thought for the Week: Meeting for Worship at North Gate, Faslane Naval Base John Anderson 4-5 News 6 Fair and sustainable? Sister Gina 7 Faith and practice Stephen Petter 8-9 Letters 10-11 Body, mind and soul Clive Ashwin 12-13 Sustainability series: Low carbon? Let’s be realistic! Gill Westcott 14 Poem: Pilgrimage Mike Farley

Cover image: High winds and waves on Penarth seafront on 3 February 2014. Photo: Ben Salter / flickr CC. See pages 12-13.

The Friend Subscriptions Advertising Editorial UK £76 per year by all payment Advertisement manager: Editor: types including annual direct debit; George Penaluna Ian Kirk-Smith monthly payment by direct debit [email protected] £6.50; online only £48 per year. Articles, images, correspondence For details of other rates, Tel/fax 01535 630230 should be emailed to contact Penny Dunn on 54a Main Street, Cononley [email protected] 020 7663 1178 or [email protected] Keighley BD20 8LL or sent to the address below.

the Friend 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ Tel: 020 7663 1010 Fax: 020 7663 1182 www.thefriend.org Editor: Ian Kirk-Smith [email protected] • Sub-editor: Trish Carn [email protected] • Production and office manager: Elinor Smallman [email protected] • Arts editor: Rowena Loverance [email protected] • Environment editor: Laurie Michaelis [email protected] • Subscriptions officer: Penny Dunn [email protected] Tel: 020 7663 1178 • Advertisement manager: George Penaluna, Ad department, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL Tel: 01535 630230 [email protected] • Clerk of the trustees: Nicholas Sims • ISSN: 0016-1268 The Friend Publications Limited is a registered charity, number 211649 • Printed by Headley Bros Ltd, Queens Road, Ashford, Kent TN24 8HH

2 the Friend, 28 February 2014 Thought for the Week

Meeting for Worship at North Gate, Faslane Naval Base

On the far side of the roundabout Pyramidal orchid, tormentil, silverweed. Three small streams, toppling over rocks, Improvise tranquil cadences While a scrum of compact birch Crowd to the tree line Whence swells the heather hill. High above all, a pair of buzzards With wings outstretched, Bank and turn, Bank and turn on the jostling wind Making effortless altitude.

On this side we sit in silence Tight against the fence, Cramped in between opposing worlds.

Beyond the razor wire, the cameras and dogs Labyrinthine concrete Hems in the drear and dead end jobs Of this death factory. And fear ferments here: For out beyond the horizon, Far out, Deep down, Deep down beneath the innocent waves, There lurks, in the silent black, A primal annihilation.

John Anderson Taunton Meeting

the Friend, 28 February 2014 3 News The Winchester Whisperer A fragile historical document written on toilet paper and housed in the library of Friends House was featured this week in a new BBC world war one project. The Winchester Whisperer was a newsletter written by conscientious objectors in Winchester Prison. The story behind the secret newsletter is told as part of a season of BBC programmes that looks at the impact of world war one on life in the UK. The Winchester Whisperer was written on sheets of toilet paper and handed around the prison by conscientious objectors. It contained articles, sketches and poetry submitted by inmates to the editor. Inmates used ink from their regular allocation © 2014 The Yearly Meeting of the Religious Meeting of the Religious Yearly The © 2014 in Britain. (Quakers) Society of Friends that they had saved in thimbles sealed within blocks of wax. The end of a needle was used to apply William Graham, a prominent Quaker who wrote one ink to the sheets. These were then bound together with of the standard books Conscription and conscience: a the canvas from mailbags. history 1916-1919.’ Prison warders were unable to locate any copies of Due to its fragility the copy is rarely brought out but The Winchester Whisperer. The only surviving edition researchers from BBC South were allowed to see the is housed in the library at Friends House in London. manuscript for the making of World War One At Home, David Blake, head of library and archives at Friends a series of 1,400 stories gathered from around the UK House, said: ‘It’s an amazing document – the effort that broadcast on regional TV and local radio from 24 to 28 has gone into it, the skill that is there. The Winchester February. Details of the programmes are available on Whisperer gives us a remarkable insight into the lives the BBC website. The Winchester Whisperer story will of conscientious objectors in prison during world war feature on BBC Radio Solent and on BBC South Today one. The document came to us from the widow of John on Thursday 27 February. Fairtrade Fortnight highlights ‘banana wars’ Fairtrade Fortnight, which this year runs between 24 February and 9 March, will highlight the struggle of banana farmers around the world. Bananas, along with shopping basket staples such as bread and milk, have become a battleground on which the big four supermarkets – Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys and Morrisons – compete for market share. The typical retail price of loose bananas in Britain is sixty-eight pence per kilo. In 2002 it was £1.10 per kilo. The Fairtrade Foundation is running a Make Bananas Fair campaign during Fairtrade Fortnight to highlight the plight of banana farmers throughout the world. A recent report from the Foundation on the / Eduardo Martino. Foundation © Fairtrade banana supply chain in Britain, Britain’s Bruising than double their current price. Banana Wars, revealed that if bananas had kept Fairtrade products had record sales of £1.78 billion inflationary pace with other food prices over the past in 2013. This figure represented a thirteen per cent ten years they would now be £1.40 per kilo – more increase on the previous year.

4 the Friend, 28 February 2014 reported by Ian Kirk-Smith [email protected]

QPSW supports End Hunger Fast campaign Quaker Peace & Social “rich” society when our resources markets. These are three of the Witness (QPSW) is supporting the are so unequally shared and so biggest contributors to the hunger End Hunger Fast campaign that many people are going hungry. This crisis. calls for urgent political action to situation diminishes us all. The open letter highlights the end hunger in Britain. ‘No one should have to go plight of the poor and vulnerable Many people throughout Britain, hungry in Britain today,’ she and the hard choices that they including some Friends, will be added. ‘That so many people do face. Half a million people have taking part in a national day of means that we have to ask some visited food banks in the UK fasting on 4 April in solidarity with fundamental questions about since last Easter. Five and a half half a million hungry Britons. End whether our economic and welfare thousand people were admitted to Hunger Fast will be launched on 5 system are working properly.’ hospital for malnutrition last year. March – Ash Wednesday. An open letter from twenty- The letter states that ‘there is an Helen Drewery, general secretary seven Anglican bishops and acute moral imperative to act’ and of QPSW, said: ‘Quakers believe Catholic, Quaker and Methodist that the country faces a ‘national that there is something of God in leaders, which was published on crisis’. The welfare state, it asserts, everyone and in this we are all equal. 20 February, calls for immediate must provide a ‘robust last line of We cannot really call ourselves a action on welfare, wages and food defence against hunger’. Woodbrooke Research grants launches online opened up postgraduate courses The Friends Historical Society (FHS) research grants have been made available to more people than ever The first online postgraduate courses before. in Quakerism have been launched by the The awards, which are up to £500 each, will be Woodbrooke Centre for Postgraduate Quaker open for the first time to non-academic researchers. A Studies in Birmingham. maximum of four grants will be made in 2014. The Centre, in conjunction with one of the top ‘We want to make the grants more inclusive,’ said dozen universities in the UK, Lancaster University, Rosalind Johnson of the FHS. ‘The decision was made is now offering the first online postgraduate courses with a view to attracting interest from non-academics in Quakerism: a Postgraduate Certificate in Quaker who are passionate about Quaker history. The research Studies; and an MA in Quakerism in the Modern could be into any period and subject.’ World. The FHS research grants are offered to help historians The development has ‘opened up’ Woodbrooke with their expenses in to students from across the globe. There is no researching Quaker residential requirement. Students, for the first history, or in attending time, from across the UK or anywhere in the world and delivering a paper will be able to register and pursue a postgraduate at a conference or course from where they live. similar event. Grants Ben Pink Dandelion, who looks after the Centre may also be used for for Postgraduate Quaker Studies, will be running publication costs. the courses. He explained: ‘This is a really exciting Rosalind explained: and significant development… We hope that ‘Friends who are we will have a global learning community with interested in applying Friends and those interested in Quakerism from for a grant can find all over the world learning together.’ out more by visiting Both courses are designed to introduce students our website at to theories, issues and processes connected with www.f-h-s.org.uk.’ the history, theology and sociology of Quakerism The deadline for in a global context. The courses will begin in applications is 31 May

October 2014. 2014. House Library. Carn / Courtesy Friends Trish Photo:

the Friend, 28 February 2014 5 Talking point

Fair and sustainable?

Sister Gina raises concerns about changes in prison chaplaincy

t is with some relief, but also with a heavy heart, up yet another screw. It will be all they can manage to that I am about to retire at the age of seventy after cover the so-called ‘statutory duties’: conducting acts nearly fourteen years of ministry as a part time of worship and providing religious education; visiting Iprison chaplain. Most of this time has been spent at prisoners within twenty-four hours of reception; Wormwood Scrubs prison. visiting the Segregation and Health Care units daily; responding to applications to see a chaplain and Until the last few years, there has always been an breaking bad news. opportunity for some of the chaplains, proactively, to dedicate time to seek out those who are self-harming As the number of prison officers has also been or at risk of suicide and to offer regular support to substantially reduced, it has become much more them until the worst of the crisis is over. Very few difficult to access prisoners to give one-to-one pastoral have turned the offer down. For a number of years, I care. If there is only one officer patrolling a landing was ably assisted in this task by a volunteer, who is a he cannot unlock a cell. Anyone visiting a prisoner Quaker, and a Roman Catholic, who was paid from has now only one option: they can talk through the within the chaplaincy budget. crack in the cell door. Running chaplaincy groups has, also, become more problematic because reductions in Chaplains have also been able to offer pastoral the numbers of discipline staff has led to only half the care to the bereaved and to those struggling with landings being unlocked at any one time. This means relationship or other personal issues, irrespective that only half as many men get to our classes as used to. of whether they profess any religious faith or not. Sadly, this vital aspect of chaplaincy care has become At one time prison officers were consistently based impossible to maintain in a consistent fashion because on one wing; so they got to know the men on their the chaplaincy budget has been slashed and, as paid landings well and had their finger on the pulse of the chaplains have left the team, they have not been prison. Now they are drafted from pillar to post simply replaced. in order to keep the regime ticking over. It is small wonder that the number of incidents has escalated The prison service is in the midst of a benchmarking and the number of men at risk of self-harm has nearly exercise to determine the minimum level of staffing doubled. that is, to use the current jargon, ‘fair and sustainable’. In my opinion, it is already proving to be unfair and I think the prison service is moving towards a time unsustainable. when chaplains will have few directly pastoral or liturgical duties but will be responsible for recruiting, The chaplaincy team at Wormwood Scrubs, which training and coordinating a team of volunteers to do serves over 1,250 prisoners, now boasts only two full the work of chaplaincy. I am full of admiration for timers and both of them fulfil a number of other non- the wonderful volunteers I have worked alongside. chaplaincy roles. I sincerely hope my replacement However, I think the task of prison chaplaincy is too will be found and appointed soon. However, if the big to be dependent on high levels of volunteers. experience of other London prisons is anything to go Prisoners will suffer. They are suffering already. by, that may prove to be very difficult. Meanwhile, the pressure on the remaining chaplains will be notched Sister Gina, The Community of St Francis.

6 the Friend, 28 February 2014 Opinion

Faith and practice

Stephen Petter offers a personal opinion on the need for clarity and leadership

etters to the Friend about acceptance of atheism, they cannot do so worship together with integrity? nontheism and God indicate that, despite Can we make acceptable, honest decisions, for discussion over several years, we are no closer to instance, on proposed revision of the phrases such as La resolution of this dispute. The debate has not been ‘the leadings of God’, by our process of seeking God’s helped by the lack of definition of terms, particularly will, if many present firmly reject any such God? The ‘nontheism’. Are nontheistic Friends merely unhappy potential for debilitating dispute is very real. We need with the word ‘God’ while accepting divine guidance? to resolve the matter before we meet to revise Qf&p. Or, do they firmly disbelieve in any ‘God’ (as normally I suggest that we need to cease concentrating on our understood), in which case might they not, more individual beliefs and values, and turn our attention to helpfully, describe themselves as atheists? BYM as a corporate whole. What is to be its position? How have we become so disunited over such an Is it to remain a denomination of the Christian faith, essential issue? Is it because newcomers receive no and active in the multi-faith movement? Qf&p and induction training? Many Meetings no longer even more recent BYM publications make very plain that it read Advices & queries regularly. Our reluctance is supposed to be an association of members who are to engage in anything smacking of indoctrination God-centred and Spirit-led. Should this continue? is justified by two assumptions. First, that Friends One solution to this dispute might be for nontheistic ‘allow God to teach and transform’ them; any didactic Friends to form what might be called the Spiritual introduction to traditional Quaker beliefs might Society of Friends (Reformed Quakers) or Britain interrupt the flow of the Spirit. Secondly, that no-one Reformed Yearly Meeting (BRYM). BYM and BRYM would remain in a religious society if they had no could work together harmoniously on almost all but intention of accepting its religion. In addition, our religious projects. BYM might donate assets to BRYM avoidance of religious language in order not to upset in proportion to the number of members transferring ‘refugees from Christianity’ results, I fear, in an their allegiance. Quaker Peace & Social Witness might assumption that Quakerism is no longer to do with become semi-independent, with governance similar God, Jesus’ teachings or the Spirit. Some Friends may to that of American Friends Service Committee or the have an out-dated, simplistic concept of God, which Quaker UN Office, serving several Yearly Meetings, we do little to dispel. Quaker faith & practice (Qf&p) and free, also, to work for other organisations. shows that the God worshipped by Quakers is very A preferable solution, I believe, would be for different from that which some may reject. nontheistic Friends to accept that in a religious society It is regrettable that we have failed, despite many they should expect and tolerate religious language warnings over the past few decades, to make clear and beliefs. Promotion of atheism is more appropriate to all enquirers and applicants for membership that elsewhere. Other Friends should cease their excessive Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) is an active part of the avoidance of language that nontheists find challenging. Christian church; that members are ‘humble learners Rather, they should accept their responsibility as in the school of Christ’. Many Friends consider members of the priesthood of all believers to make Quakerism to be essentially about testimonies, values, plain the essence of Quakerism: that it is God-centred love, community and a generalised ‘spirituality’ – but and Spirit-led. not God. Can those Friends who have decided to trust in God and God’s Light and those who have firmly decided Stephen is a member of Bristol Area Meeting.

the Friend, 28 February 2014 7 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Forgiveness on the River Kwai of the Society of Friends (1960) – that was in place It was a real pleasure to read John Lampen’s feature when I joined Friends, where I remembered part of about Bill Allchin and his experience of reconciliation the introduction to that book. with Nayasa Takashi bringing his memory alive It was one of the many sections that drew me into the (7 February). Society (Chapter 1: Spiritual experiences of Friends): Bill was a valuable addition to Winchester Meeting ‘This section was first conceived in 1921, after a period and was surprised to find how quietly active members of theological difference, by Friends who longed not were. to be separated by dispute, but to share an experience As a psychologist he helped many distressed which men and women had reached in diverse ways. teenagers pull their lives together. He was our Meeting’s For the Society of Friends might be thought of as representative on Churches Together until he felt that a prism through which the Divine Light passes, to his long-term homosexual partnership was a stumbling become visible in a spectrum of many colours; many block. more in their richness, than words alone can express.’ He stood as a prospective Labour candidate in a I hope our culture has not changed. most unrewarding constituency, which gave him Robin Bennett a platform to put over challenging ideas. When Ludlow Meeting, Shropshire Winchester Cathedral invited him to give the sermon on the ‘victory over Japan’ memorial event, the long God within nave was packed and his sermon was most impressive. Whilst accepting the two ways of seeing ‘God’ put It is important when we revise Quaker faith & forward by G Gordon Steel (7 February), surely most practice that we have contributions from recent Friends have a deep sense of ‘that-of-God-within’. Friends who have quietly kept our vision alive. This is the idea of ‘God-Immanent’ (as contrasted Andrew Rutter with ‘God-Transcendent’). Seeing the Divine in each Winchester Meeting, Hampshire person means we ‘right-relate’ to everyone and our-self. From this follows all our testimonies, especially peace. Reading John Lampen’s moving reflection on the The concept of ‘that-of-God-within’ also sits reconciliation initiative taken at the Kwai Bridge comfortably with having a Quaker-experiential brings to mind an incident during my visit to the area. faith. That is, we each have our own, individualised, When our coach party reassembled, after visiting evolving beliefs (as opposed to dogma or a creed). the cemetery mentioned in the article, I noticed that The meaning and purpose of our spiritual journey is a young couple (early twenties) were very upset. to gradually discover who we are and our raison détre ‘Family?’ I asked. ‘No,’ they replied. ‘It’s just that so as we relate to the divinity in each other. many of them were younger than we are.’ Elizabeth M Angas Harry Hollway Blackheath Meeting, London Chesterfield Meeting, Derbyshire Lent Large Meeting House I was pleased to read Sally Sadler’s letter (21 February). Have the designers of the new roof for the Large However, ‘lent’ is a French word meaning slow, and Meeting House ever considered how it is to be the English word ‘Lent’, according to all my English cleaned? Have they lived in a house with skylights or and German dictionaries, comes from the German sat in a conservatory and heard the hammering of the meaning spring – ‘Lenz’ in modern High German. rain, let alone hail, which makes speech inaudible? Tim Brown Calling the Large Meeting House ‘The Light’ makes Cambridgeshire Area Meeting it sound like a pub in a sleazy district. Please, will Friends think again before we are Ministry of our buildings saddled with a pretentious structure which certainly What is the ministry of each of our Meetings? Is that does not bear witness to our principles of simplicity as ministry enabled by our building, or restricted? expressed in Advices & queries 41. Through some of our historic Meeting houses Sheila Preston we have huge opportunities for outreach – Come- Beech House, Corby Hill, Carlisle CA4 8PL to-Good, with its thatched roof and its setting, is a tourist attraction and Friends there make full use of Spectrum of divine Light that. Rookhow’s original ministry was hospitality. Reading recent articles and letters in our journal Edinburgh uses its building for a ministry around the has taken me back to the version of Quaker faith & Festival, and Oxford works at its ministry to students. practice – Christian faith and practice in the experience Some of us are just a visible presence in our town.

8 the Friend, 28 February 2014 [email protected]

Selling some Quaker buildings has raised money to I rather think James Whiting (21 February) does the invest in making others more environmentally sound. tone of the article a disservice by introducing the How can we use the others? words ‘retrenchment’ and ‘divisions’. When our worship is deep, we find the creative I would like to add my own questions: imagination to think and act radically. • What is the Light other than (that of) God ‘intervening’ Beth Allen, clerk in our lives? Six Weeks Meeting, London • Doesn’t tradition remain the basis of both conservative and liberal views by allowing different formulations, Sustainability but only becoming divisions if we make them so? ‘Sustainability’ (14 February) too often these days I think Gwen Jones expresses it well (21 February). really means ‘we’re using fewer resources than we did The nature of existence, emanating as it does from before’ or even ‘we’re trying to mitigate some of the God, requires differing formulations in order that an harm that we, nevertheless, choose to continue to do’. evolutionary creation should result. If there are no Even the classic Brundtland Commission definition, questions then nothing happens. ‘Development that meets the needs of the present Keep up the questioning Friends and remember that without compromising the ability of future generations questions need answers. to meet their own needs’, asserts a false separation Gerald Drewett between humans and the environment, and requires [email protected] that resources be conserved simply because humans need them for our future generations. QPSW budget My hope is that ‘sustainability’ is used to describe I would like to reassure Joel Wallenberg (21 February) human practices that truly nourish and enliven the and other readers that the budget for Quaker Peace & earth. After all we have drawn from the planet, the Social Witness work is not being cut. Specifically, we time, I think, has come for more sustaining in return. are continuing with the normal budget arrangement John D Gray for funding our one-year peaceworkers in Britain. Two Friargate Meeting, York peaceworkers are paid for from Britain Yearly Meeting funds each year, and then we try to raise grant-funding Saving the Meeting house for one or two more. Opportunities for such external We read with interest the article by Stanley Holland fundraising are, however, thinner on the ground these ‘Saving the Meeting house’ (21 February). days. For the next round of recruitment, this spring, We clearly remember the events he describes and we don’t yet know whether we will be able to fund still today, as you pass along Bournville Lane, you can more than two. But the same was true last year, when see the mark where the roof of the bridge was repaired funding for a third peaceworker was only confirmed at following the dropping of the bomb on the Worcester the last minute. and Birmingham Canal. Helen Drewery, general secretary At the same time that firewatching was undertaken Quaker Peace & Social Witness at the Meeting house, in the adjacent building at the Bournville Day Continuation School, which had been started for employees at the Bournville Factory, a team In essentials unity, of firewatchers was on duty. My father was one of the in non-essentials liberty, team and their base for the night was in the archway over the main entrance to the building. My brother in all things charity. Michael and I were about six or seven years old at the time and we clearly remember him doing these duties. The Friend welcomes your views. Please keep letters Michael remembers going with him on one occasion short (about 250 words) and include your full and spending the night with him. postal address, even when sending emails. Please Father was a conscientious objector (CO) in the first specify whether you wish for your postal or email world war and Michael was a CO in the 1950s. address or Meeting name to be used with your Christine M Johnson name, otherwise we will print your post address or 37 Blackthorn Close, Bournville B30 1SB email address. Letters are published at the editor’s discretion and may be edited. Write to: the Friend, Belief and membership 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ or email I thought that Roger Iredale’s article (14 February), [email protected] based as it was on asking questions, was valuable and Remember if you are online that you can also comment on all articles at www.thefriend.org very suitable for discussion groups in Local Meetings.

the Friend, 28 February 2014 9 Spirituality

Body, mind and soul Photo: William Ismael / flickr CC. William Ismael / flickr Photo:

Clive Ashwin reflects on the gateway to spiritual grace

he fifth edition of Quaker faith & practice seventeenth-century philosopher Descartes believed contains fifty-three separate references to ‘soul’, that we are, each of us, composed of two things: a drawn from more than three hundred years of body, which ages, dies and decays; and a spirit or soul, TQuaker thought. Clearly, the notion of the soul has which is eternal and survives our death. This view of an important place in the history of Quaker beliefs. the human condition, in modern times referred to as Curiously, however, the word does not appear in the ‘Cartesian dualism’, appears in various forms in the index. It includes ‘gravestones’, with only four mentions liturgies and theologies of many faiths, including most in the text, and ‘tobacco’ with three; but not ‘soul’ with Christian sects. fifty-three. Does the traditional concept of ‘soul’ as an eternal spiritual entity with a sense of personal identity The twentieth century saw a steady erosion of these present problems for Quakers? What, if anything, can belief systems. Some philosophers accepted that we ‘soul’ mean to contemporary Quakers? Perhaps, as had bodies and minds, but denied that we have souls Patricia Williams suggests in Quakerism: A Theology for or spirits. By the mid-century, even the notion of our Time, ‘The soul, it seems, must remain mysterious mind became questionable. In his influential book The in order to survive as a concept’. Concept of Mind Gilbert Ryle referred to our traditional idea of ‘mind’ rather dismissively as ‘the ghost in the The concept of the soul has an important and machine’. By the end of the century many philosophers changing place in the history of modern thought. The had adopted some form of ‘physicalist’ principle,

10 the Friend, 28 February 2014 suggesting that everything we know about human death as a deep eternal sleep. Ancient fears about our experience can be explained in terms of a physical body, post-mortem condition have been replaced by anxieties together with its brain and central nervous system, and about the manner of our dying; of pain, distress, that everything that we can do, think or believe can confusion, loneliness, regret or rancour. be explained in physical terms. Cartesian dualism was replaced by various forms of monism, a single bodily One of the great pleasures of the living is the blessing entity. There was no room for soul. of deep, dreamless sleep, a blessing which perhaps few readers feel they regularly enjoy. If it can be Life and death approached with calm resignation, surrounded and supported by love, the prospect of death need not be Where do modern people of faith stand on these alarming. What is more distressing is the thought of issues? The fact of physical death seems inescapable. dying burdened with guilt about our many failings, Anyone who has kissed the dead face of a loved one in of neglected opportunities, of rejected love and of a mortuary will remember the cold firmness beneath destructive grudges. their lips. We long in vain for a few more words from them, or a glance of recognition. But we know it Coming home will not come. People die: that is why we are called ‘mortals’. Not surprisingly, the early church, often with If death is the end of personal self-awareness and the limited scriptural authority, saw these sentiments as end of our ability to respond to or influence the world an opportunity to build a frightening superstructure around us, is that incompatible with the belief that of Judgement, Hell, Purgatory and Damnation. The we have a spirit or soul? I think not. To accept that strategy, still practised by modern politicians, is we might not have an eternal personal soul is not to to invent a ‘bogey man’, and then to claim unique assert that our life here on earth is devoid of spiritual knowledge of the ways to escape its clutches. meaning. We have the grace of access to our spiritual self through contemplation, worship and prayer. Medieval notions of death evolved during a period when life itself was mysterious, unpredictable and For some, that access is sought through the medium frightening. Disease, famine, suffering, conflicts and of programmed worship, with its liturgy and rituals. For death often appeared to strike without sense or me, and I presume for most Quakers, the paraphernalia reason. The world seemed to be dangerous and out of ritual often serves as an obstacle, not a bridge, of control, possessed by destructive demonic forces. to spiritual awareness. Programmed prayers, hymns, This was fertile terrain for an ambitious priesthood, ceremony and sermons can act as obstructions rather claiming the knowledge and the privilege of managing than doorways to our spiritual selves. our fates. Magnificent buildings, costly vestments and elaborate rituals were devised as an insurance policy We bring our bodies to Meeting for Worship; and against suffering in this life and eternal torment in we bring our hearts and minds, often still troubled by the next. the challenges and problems of the past week. We also bring that most treasured possession, our spiritual self, Today, there are few diseases that we do not or soul: a drop in the great ocean of the spirit which understand or are unable to treat. Many of them, we some call ‘God’. discover, are self-inflicted. Although we continue to be plagued with conflicts and wars, we have a much In the gathered and supportive quiet of Meeting for clearer understanding of why they arise and how they Worship we move ever closer to our spiritual selves, a might be avoided. Most of the suffering of mankind, journey that we share with those around us. Rather than although very real, is no longer mysterious. This world the demands and exhortations of formulaic prayers and and its abundant riches is enough for all to live a full, incantations, we approach the gateway to spiritual grace rewarding and peaceful life. and reverently knock. We have no demands to make, no prepared wish list to present. We are there to ask, Saying goodbye ‘Here I am. What should I do? Guide me.’ And we listen attentively. Out of the stillness an answer will always Many continue to have understandable fears about the come. manner of their dying; but for an increasing number the fear of death itself has, I believe, diminished. This is not because they feel assured of life everlasting on the sunlit plains of Heaven, but because they perceive Clive is an attender at Aylsham Meeting.

the Friend, 28 February 2014 11 Sustainability

‘Low carbon? Let’s be realistic! Photo: Somerset levels. Nick Sarebi / flickr CC. Sarebi / flickr Nick Photo: Somerset levels.

In the third of our series on sustainability, Gill Westcott reflects on some of the arguments against Friends becoming a low-carbon community

ecently I have been interviewing councillors reduction certainly falls on the individual and the and council officers about their efforts to reduce organisation carrying them out, but the benefits are carbon emissions and am encountering intensely sometimes uncertain, generalised and imperceptible. Rconflicting opinions and worldviews about this. So, when in a hurry, have I never taken the car instead Take, for example, ‘Mr A’, who says, (I am of the bus? Or wondered whether, perhaps, climate paraphrasing): ‘The scientists can’t even agree about change won’t be as bad as some of them think? Literal climate change, so how can I be sure enough that it is climate denial is only an extreme case. Much more actually due to human activity? It might be the result familiar is minimising or ignoring the threat in order to of natural cycles, activity of the sun and so on.’ And get on with our lives. This is what a recent Royal Society ‘I’m convinced that something is going on – but is for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and that all necessarily a bad thing? A few extra degrees Commerce (RSA) report calls ‘stealth denial’: accepting most summers wouldn’t do us any harm – think of the the facts about climate change, but not the emotional, tourist industry! And in any case what can we do? The personal and practical implications, denying that we Americans aren’t going to change their lifestyle, are have responsibility and that our actions do affect the they? And what about the Chinese? They are opening a problem. new coal-fired power station every week.’ So, rather than focusing on the factual adequacy of ‘Mr A’s’ arguments, I’d like to think about their function. Stealth denial Perhaps they are defending against some real pain and damage, such as: There is validity to some of these points. First of all, • Potential guilt if our lifestyle changes have been it is true that it won’t be enough to make a few small minimal. We like to think of ourselves as good people. changes and everything will be all right. (The cartoon We could be thought fluffy and idealistic, ‘out ahead lady opening the front door, to deluge and flood. ‘So of the crowd’, foolish, in George Osborne’s view, to be it seems it wasn’t enough to change the light bulbs handicapping our economy or lifestyle when others after all!’ she says.) Secondly, the costs of emissions ignore the rules.

12 the Friend, 28 February 2014 • Damage to social inclusion if we live very different Surveys show that many people want the government lifestyles from others. to force them to take steps to reduce climate impacts, • Feeling ineffective and powerless in relation to the because then everyone will do it. issue. • Damage to hope, if we can’t do much about it. Let’s be realistic

No easy promises I have often heard people say ‘Let’s be realistic’. They mean that they are pessimistic about others also acting. Without the ‘minimising’, if we somehow take account of This phrase positions the person wanting to cut carbon what even a 2°C global temperature rise would mean and as being ‘unrealistic’ or idealistic. In fact, the logic of try to alter our lives, we will also have to encounter some their statement is fatalism. Unlike those who rescued of these possible damages. We might, quite appropriately, Jews during the war, but like the bystanders who did feel horrified, helpless and sad about what we might nothing, they take the view that they are unable to make lose when we alter our life choices. Acknowledging and a difference. Rescuers, on the other hand, reported that mourning losses is vital to allow us to move towards new they felt a moral imperative, or felt connected to those ways of meeting our needs and wants. Sadness that we who were persecuted, human beings like themselves, have limited power to ensure a good future is another and that they ‘could do no other’. They felt that what thing. There are no easy promises. they did wasn’t exceptional. Their hope of making a We also need to recognise that many aspects of low- difference was realistic, but a calculation about likely carbon living are against the social mainstream and are success was not in the forefront of their minds. not supported by it; and that the big things are often The situation with climate change is not an exact fixed for long periods. Opportunities for change come parallel. Yet, there is something vital about not in small windows of time – when we move house, discounting the possibilities of change. Just as the gospels change jobs, change the boiler, decide what pets to have show that Jesus did not despair about sinners’ possibility and how many and so on. of turning their life around, the Christian theologian Other ‘big things’ are the result of collective choice. Jürgen Moltman says that hope is true realism, because Here is a second aspect of ‘Mr A’s’ arguments which has it ‘takes seriously the possibility with which all reality is some validity. In The Tragedy of the Commons Garrett fraught’. Hope is not the same thing as optimism. Yet it Hardin shows that, unless there are well established makes possible action that inspires others and can open rules about how common resources are used (such as up opportunities which otherwise remain closed. The Common where people used to graze their stock), everyone is likely to over-use them because they cannot Having more options be sure that their neighbour will not do the same. In practice, stable traditional societies have usually We will not be effective unless we recognise the limits of worked out ways of regulating things like fishing and our responsibility, so as not to overdo what some might grazing rights, even without legislation. Many societies see as ‘guilt and self-obsession’. Many feel called to act to have clear moral rules about what to hunt and when; change the system we live in as well as taking personal but in our globalised society global commons such steps, whether by motivating change in their place as the soil, fish and the capacity of the biosphere to of work or study, campaigning, building alternative process our waste are being over-used and depleted. structures, and so on. As a Quaker colleague said (The benefits are private but the costs are social – just recently, ‘You suddenly a) have more options, b) have like bank bail-outs). options that are creative and done in community and Thus, individuals and local authorities often approve thus fun and c) feel like you might actually be changing measures to reduce climate damage (‘adaptation’), something which is of a scale that is meaningful.’ through flood defences, enhanced water storage and Those who are changing lifestyles have also found the like. Renewable energy installations and energy- that living differently can create community and bring saving measures often bring financial returns, but people together. Hope then gives us the freedom to there is little obvious reward from going further than discover those other joys of living in a way compatible what directly benefits us. Pensioners, thinking about with global justice and alongside each other. renewable energy installations, could say, ‘Obviously the payback period is longer than our lifetime, so Gill is a member of Devon Area Meeting. there’s no point!’ Such people may well be altruistic, aim to pass on wealth to children and grandchildren ‘Transforming Ourselves, Transforming the System’, and contribute to charities, but not view their energy organised by the The Canterbury Commitment Group, is behaviour in the same category. at the Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, 7 to 9 March.

the Friend, 28 February 2014 13 Poetry

Pilgrimage

Somehow, this is not footfall. The tired glance is missing, and the peculiar ache of distance.

Jerusalem, Medjugorje, Croagh Patrick – a list of names. Dust, horizons, remembering.

I can’t see beyond breathing. This is no longer place; not location or even distance.

Cold. Between here and the absence of speech is grey. Droplets on fence lines,

the faint movement of air too still for wind. The breath is its own staircase, rusting the bloodstream.

Come. Walking is more than steps, and the mind is of little use. How far? I haven’t dreamed

and the rain is falling still. Night covers us all. Each breath is its own step – life ebbs towards the light, always.

Mike Farley Swanage Meeting

14 the Friend, 28 February 2014 Ad pages 28 Feb 24/2/14 22:35 Page 2

Witnessing for peace on the centenary of World War I the Friends A free resource pack for Quaker meetings is now available from the Quaker Centre Quarterly The pack contains materials and information to help you develop your ideas and witness, including a World War I timeline and newspaper. Is your meeting planning on running events about WWI? Do you have stories about your meeting and its involvement with Quaker dissent or relief work? Your event can be added to a national listing at www.quaker.org.uk/WWI Quaker Centre, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. [email protected], 020 7663 1030.

Grigor McClelland Memorial Meeting

On Saturday 12 April 2014, family, Ffriends and colleagues of Grigor McClelland will gather to Issue One 2014 out now. celebrate his life. The event will be held at the Assembly Rooms in Newcastle upon Tyne from Kit Welchman 11.30am until 5.00pm. Practical peacemaking Everyone is warmly invited to join with us for Howard Cooper all of the day or for the afternoon. The story of the Jews In the morning, after refreshments, a few speakers will talk about Grigor’s John Lynes varied achievements in civil society, education, business and philanthropy. Prophets or reconcilers? Beyond boycotts Over lunch from 1.30pm there will be an opportunity to chat to others and to add your thoughts and anecdotes. Jim Platts Achievement motivation After lunch, there will be a Meeting for Worship to give thanks for the not utilitarianism grace of God as shown in Grigor’s life. We will gather from 2.45pm to Endpiece 4.00pm. The day will end with tea and cakes. Poverty data from the Joseph The Community Foundation, of which Grigor was founding chair and later Rowntree Foundation vice-president, is assisting with arrangements. To ensure catering and other arrangements can be managed, please confirm your attendance Please send me a copy of Friends with Dawn Porter through email [email protected] or Quarterly Issue One 2014, phone 0191 222 0945 no later than Monday 24th March. price £5 + 50p postage Memorial gifts Please send me a subscription to Grigor’s family have asked that anyone wishing to make a donation, to do Friends Quarterly, starting with so through the Grigor McClelland Memorial Fund at the Community Issue One 2014. First issue free for Foundation serving Tyne and Wear and Northumberland (charity no. new subscribers. 700510). Monies raised will be given to the Millfield House Foundation (charity no. 271180), which Grigor established, to support its work UK £20 pa addressing the causes of poverty and inequality in North East England. Rest of World £22 pa You can give at www.justgiving.com/TheGrigorMcClellandMemorialFund Cheques payable to ‘The Friend’ or send a cheque payable to the ‘Community Foundation’ at 156 Pilgrim Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6SU. Please write ‘Grigor McClelland Name...... Memorial Fund’ on the reverse and include your name and address. Address...... If you have a photograph or memory of Grigor that you would like to share, please send them by email or post to Dawn Porter, details above...... Directions Postcode...... The Assembly Rooms are on Fenkle Street, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 5XU. Return to: Penny Dunn, Newcastle Central train station is within 250 yards and the Central Metro The Friend, 173 Euston Road, station is situated directly opposite. London NW1 2BJ

the Friend, 28 February 2014 15 a look at the Quaker world [email protected]

Artistic connections

The work of two artists with Quaker In London, Graham Torr, of Kingston Meeting, got connections is on display this spring. in touch with Eye when he spotted Martin Creed’s Artwork by Margaret Glover, a New Zealand Friend, exhibition at the Hayward Gallery in London. can currently be found at The Peace Museum in ‘Martin Creed: What’s the point of it?’ offers a Bradford. survey of the artist’s work over the past twenty-five Margaret is a Quaker who ‘combines her two years. The gallery also aims to offer some insights passions (art and peace) through her artwork’. into his influences, including his Quaker background: The museum describes her subject matter as ‘a ‘Though he says he is not religious, Martin Creed fascinating social and historical record of peace acknowledges connections between his art and his activism as depicted through the individuals, scenes Quaker upbringing. and messages… Her subjects are a mixture of known ‘In accordance with their belief in simplicity, and unknown individuals, significant and insignificant Quakers do not have sacred places, and nor does scenes’. Martin Creed: “I like doing work in all sorts of Margaret’s work is also ‘brilliant in its own right… different places, whether it’s in the toilets… or in the her broad brush strokes on the oil paintings are Tate. One isn’t better than the other.”’ particularly eye catching and vivid, while her sketches The Turner Prize winner’s work is described as and drawings in pastels, pencils and Indian ink evoke transforming ‘everyday materials and actions into a sense of urgency’. surprising meditations on existence and the invisible The exhibition, entitled ‘Images of Peace’, will be on structures that shape our lives’. The exhibition will run display until the end of March. until 27 April. Originally published in The Parrot, the Westminster Meeting newsletter. Westminster the Parrot, The Originally published in

Hayley Gullen, editor of Westminster Meeting’s newsletter, The Parrot, has prompted some smiles in St Martin’s Lane, London, with her cartoons. See above.

16 the Friend, 28 February 2014 Ad pages 28 Feb 24/2/14 22:24 Page 3

For details of how to place a notice on this page, please call 01535 630230 or email [email protected] Friends&Meetings Charles Geoffrey HAMMOND Deaths 15 July 2013, in Perth, Western Australia. Husband of Rosalind, Kenneth Edward BAKER father and grandfather. Member of 16 February. Husband of Kathleen. Mount Lawley Meeting. Ackworth Member of Sidcot Meeting. Aged 84. Old Scholar. Aged 79. Enquiries 01934 744772.

Jennifer Proudlove ELLIOTT Changes of address 16 February. Wife of Malcolm, mother of Jonathan, Christopher QUAKER PEACE NETWORKS and Rebecca. Member of Leicester WEST AFRICA (QPNWA) Contact Meeting. Aged 77. Memorial details now: Abdul Kamara, Meeting 2.30pm Friday 28 February, QPNWA, Tindarin, 11A New Road, Quaker Meeting House, Queens Chippenham SN15 1HJ. Tel. 01225 Road, Leicester. Enquiries: 690011. Email: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.qpnwa.co.uk Diary Betty PAFFORD 19 February. Changes to meeting CO-OPERATIVES: HOW TO SET Mother of Kate Ford, grandmother ONE UP AND BE PART OF of Laura and Elizabeth Ford. WIMBORNE MEETING From THEIR REVIVAL Quakers and Member of Bexhill Meeting, previ- Sunday 2 March Meeting for Business Group Spring Gathering ously of Wandsworth, Bridport and Worship will be at 10.30am every Saturday 5 April, Priory Rooms, Eastbourne. Aged 103. Funeral Sunday at the Hanham Centre, Birmingham. Info and booking: 2.30pm Friday 7 March, Eastbourne Hanham Road, Wimborne, Dorset, qandb.org Crematorium, BN23 8AE. Enquiries: BH21 1AS. This replaces the 11am/ [email protected] 6.30pm Meetings for Worship. POSITIVE INVESTMENT: Enquiries: richardwbush@ MAKING OUR MONEY SPEAK Put your family notices in the Friend! btinternet.com / 01202 882697. OUR VALUES NW Regional Gathering, Manchester Mount Street FMH, Saturday 22 March, 10 - 4.30. Speakers: Gill Westcott and Steve Mandel. Range of workshops. All Friends/Attenders welcome. Details: [email protected] PRESENCE Saturday 29 March. Drop the mask of roles and social conditioning and meet at a more authentic level. Explore deeper con- nection and relationship – with ourselves, each other, and the sacred. Trust where you’re led in experi- mental worship. Facilitators: Alex Wildwood & Barrie Hopwood. Jordans Quaker Centre HP9 2SN. Cost £35. Further details email [email protected] or phone 01494 876594. Could become an ongoing group! Part of the Chilterns Quaker Programme.

REVELATION AND REVOLUTION A radical quaker interpretation Conference hosted by Conservative Quakers. Bunhill Fields FMH, London Saturday 22 March, 10.30am. No charge, donations requested. Bring and share lunch. Enquiries: Simon Watson 020 8469 2901. Email Malcolm Winch: [email protected]

the Friend, 28 February 2014 17 Ad pages 28 Feb 24/2/14 22:24 Page 4

Classified advertisements George Penaluna, Advertisement Manager, 54a Main Street, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. T&F: 01535 630230 E: [email protected]

NORFOLK, ARTIST’S COTTAGE. Tranquil jobs conservation village near Blakeney. Three bedrooms (sleeps 5). Traditionally Classified ads HELPFUL EMPLOYMENT ADVICE furnished. Central heating. Sunny garden, for Quaker employers (and employees) is orchard. Birdwatching, walking, sailing. Standard linage 54p a word, semi- available at www.quaker.org.uk/employers Available all year. www.thornage.com display 82p a word. Rates incl. vat. or by phoning Richard Summers, Quaker 07731 842259. Min. 12 words. Series discounts: Life general secretary, on 020 7663 1096. 5% on 5 insertions, 10% on 10 or OLDSHOREMORE, North West Scotland. more. Cheques payable to The Friend. Friends’ holiday cottages, sleep 5/6, well- equipped. Wonderful beaches, hillwalking, Advertisement Dept, 54a Main St SCARBOROUGH QUAKER MEETING birds, flowers, peaceful surroundings. Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL SEEKS A Dilys and Michael, crofters. 01971 521729. T. 01535 630230 E. [email protected] PART-TIME WARDEN [email protected] Working a flexible 25-30 hour week. Accommodation provided in a 3-bedroom OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS bungalow alongside the Meeting House. PEMBROKESHIRE NEAR TENBY. Golden sands. Castles. Coast Path. For further details and application form Two comfortable flats attached to 16th LOS OLIVOS. An inclusive Christian eco- contact Heather Woolley, email: Century farmhouse each sleeping five. retreat in the heart of the Spanish Sierra [email protected] Peaceful surroundings. 01834 845868. Nevada. See our retreats/courses online at Closing date for applications [email protected] www.haciendalosolivos.org 18 March 2014. SUFFOLK COAST WALBERSWICK Self- VIENNA, WORLD’S BEST CITY. contained annexe. Very close to beach. Culture, cafés, outdoor delights. Beautiful, varied walks. Sleeps 2/3. £150– Comfortable garden apartment. Sleeps 4. where to stay £275pw; £50/night. Tel: 01502 723914 Short breaks or longer. 01904 416840. GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS email: [email protected] [email protected] www.holidayapartmentinvienna.co.uk SWALEDALE, YORKSHIRE. Superb CAUTLEY, SEDBERGH, 1652 COUNTRY selection of gorgeous cottages amid Cross Keys Temperance Inn (formerly stunning scenery. Details, photos, virtual home of early Quaker Gervase Benson). tours. www.catholecottages.com Please mention the Friend Quality en-suite B&B £42.50pppn. Evening meals available. Friendly Quaker 01748 886366. whenever you reply to an ad! hosts. 015396 20284. [email protected] www.cautleyspout.co.uk

EDINBURGH. City centre accommodation at Emmaus House. Tel. 0131 228 1066. www.emmaushouse-edinburgh.co.uk the Friend Email: [email protected] Scottish charity SC042957.

FOXWOOD, ISLE OF SKYE. Inspirational setting amid mountains, sea, islands. JOURNALIST Delightful accommodation. Sauna, jacuzzi bath, therapies, special diets. B&B £35. Have you experience of journalism and are you interested in joining a www.scotland-info.co.uk/foxwood small, committed team at this independent weekly Quaker magazine? 01470 572331. The Friend is seeking a journalist to work two days a week (14 hours). The LONDON: B&B IN CENTRAL, quiet com- main responsibility will be to cover news of Quaker life in Britain today. fortable family homes. Double £27 pppn. Single £42 pn. Children’s reductions. You should have an informed interest in the Quaker world, a good 020 7385 4904. www.thewaytostay.co.uk knowledge of current affairs, excellent networking and communication skills, and be computer literate. You will work to the Editor and must COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING have experience of working to deadlines. The position is based at the Friend’s London office. The remuneration is ISLE OF HARRIS (WESTERN ISLES) Coastal cottage. Spectacular views from circa £23,000–£28,000 p.a. pro rata depending on experience. picture window overlooking North Uist and numerous islands. Recently upgraded, To apply please send a covering letter, a CV of no more than two pages cosy summer and winter. Peaceful location. and some samples of your writing to [email protected] or write to: unwind and relax! Photos/brochure on The Editor, The Friend, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ. request. 01445 781225, 07778 168818. [email protected] The deadline for applications closes at noon on Monday 10 March. Interviews will be held in late March. FIND YOUR HOLIDAY in the Friend! The Friend Publications Ltd is a registered charity, no. 211649.

18 the Friend, 28 February 2014 Ad pages 28 Feb 24/2/14 22:24 Page 5

ALL YOUR PIANO REQUIREMENTS accommodation Restoration/removals/sales/part-exchange. www.cambridgepianolacompany.co.uk WANTED Tom Poole 01223 861507. [email protected] Monthly Saturday workshops PROFESSIONAL SINGLE MAN, 50, seeks Laboratory of the Spirit long-term shared accommodation in the FRIENDS FELLOWSHIP OF HEALING VOCAL MINISTRY IN Stockport/Wilmslow/Poynton/Macclesfield Following in the footsteps of George Fox, area. Non-smoker with own car. Contact the FFH seeks to restore the Quaker MEETING 07930 669 177 or [email protected] tradition of healing. 01223 243452. Led by Elizabeth Brown & Alec Davison www.quaker-healing.org.uk Discerning Spirit to minister Coping with the inappropriate courses & events 10am – 5pm Saturday 15 March PASSIVHAUS HOMES Friends House, Euston, London UNLOCK YOUR INNER MUSICIAN. Entry £10. All welcome. No booking. Inspirational courses all levels, complete New build Passivhaus (ultra-low energy) beginner to professional musician. Singing, optimised timber frame housing. www.londonquakers.org.uk sightreading, inner hearing, universal Suitable for self-build or harmony. enquiries@britishkodalyacademy. group custom-build. THE PRIORY ROOMS org / www.britishkodalyacademy.org/ Unique architect, energy modelling and courses_workshops.htm builder collaboration. Meeting and conference facilities in central Birmingham. www.passivhaushomes.co.uk or e-mail [email protected] Comfortable, flexible accommodation miscellaneous with a full range of support facilities and optional hospitality packages. QUAKER LESBIAN & GAY FELLOWSHIP See www.theprioryrooms.co.uk ACCOUNTING SERVICES A welcoming, supportive national net- Tel. 0121 236 2317 work with local groups for Ffriends of all [email protected] Charity Accounts prepared. sexualities/identities. Roy Vickery, Independent Examinations carried out. 9 Terrapin Court, Terrapin Road, London Bookkeeping Services. SW17 8QW. E-mail: [email protected] WRITING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY? Books typeset for your family’s pleasure. Contact David Stephens FCCA Photos and other graphics can be included. on 07843 766685. QUAKER MARRIAGE CERTIFICATES, Contact Trish on 01223 363435. Email: [email protected] Partnerships, commitments, notices and [email protected] other calligraphy. Liz Barrow 01223 369776. Other printed material also prepared.

the Friend, 28 February 2014 19 Ad pages 28 Feb 24/2/14 22:24 Page 6