18 & 25 December 2015 £1.90 the discover the contemporaryFriend quaker way

Season’s greetings the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 173 NO 51

3 Thought for the Week: 14-15 What love will do Hope Laurie Michaelis Ian Kirk-Smith 16 James and the Jerusalem Church 4 We can do something… Michael Wright Stevie Krayer 17 Life on Kos 5 Friends and family Rachael Swancott Craig Barnett 18-19 Montage: Quaker artists 6-7 The bond that links us 20 Letters Tim Cook 21 Christmas crackers 8-9 Language of the heart A young Irish Friend Carole Christman Koch 22-23 From the archive: 10-11 Celebrations at Rovaniemi 1915: Looking back Roger Babington Hill compiled by Janet Scott 12 Light 24 Christmas greetings Marisa Johnson 25 Friends & Meetings 13 Poem: Simple Gifts for a King Cover image: Northern lights. Iain Strachan Photo: Joshua Strang / USAF via flickr CC. Photo: Rory / flickr CC. Photo: Rory / flickr

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2 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 Thought for the Week

Hope

t would be understandable if many Friends approach this Christmas as Friends may have done one hundred years ago – with a growing sense of apprehension. There has been much Idarkness in 2015. The opening of a poem by WB Yeats resonates with a chilling familiarity: Turning and turning in the widening gyre The falcon cannot hear the falconer; Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold. Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world, The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere The ceremony of innocence is drowned… These words were penned a year after the carnage of the first world war, and at a time when Ireland was experiencing further conflict. The falconer, it has been argued, was a symbol for Christ. Today, violence is constantly in our news. Was it ever so? Quakerism emerged after a terrible period of conflict. At that time George Fox wrote these words: I saw also that there was an ocean of darkness and death, but an infinite ocean of light and love, which flowed over the ocean of darkness.

The faith of Friends is rooted in a belief that there is ‘that of God’ in every man and woman. The spirit of Christ is within. It is an optimistic conviction and prompts a positive approach to people and to life. We must cherish it. We must live it. It is central to the Quaker vision of people and our witness in the world. Victor Hugo once wrote, in Paris, a significant line: ‘Hope is the word that God has written on the brow of every man.’ Paris was also the scene, in November, of a coordinated terrorist attack in which scores of people died – the darkest moment of 2015 in Europe. The same city, a month later, hosted people from all over the world dedicated to finding a solution to climate change. The unity they achieved represents a victory of light over darkness. It offers hope for the future. This special seasonal issue of the Friend provides a range of personal responses to the world today. The topics cover everything from climate change to the plight of refugees, spirituality and faith, and Quaker history and life. We hope you enjoy it. The issue is a kind of mirror reflecting the witness, concerns and lives of Friends today. This is, of course, what the Friend does every week of the year. It has done so for over 150 years. 2016 will be the 174th consecutive year that the Friend has been produced. It is one of the oldest continuously published magazines in the world and was founded the same year as The Economist. The Friend is a completely independent publication, not tied to Britain Yearly Meeting or any Quaker organisation, which enables it to be free of any influence. The staff and trustees of The Friend Publications Ltd, which also publishes the Friends Quarterly, are extremely grateful to our subscribers, contributors and advertisers. Your loyalty and support is deeply appreciated. One gift we would heartily recommend you give to someone for 2016 would help keep a doughty old magazine afloat and to sail on to new waters – an annual subscription. We would like to wish you seasonal greetings and a happy and peaceful 2016.

Ian Kirk-Smith

Editor, the Friend

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 3 Seasonal reflection

TBCWe can do something.... Photo: letavua / flickr CC. Photo: letavua / flickr

The multitude and complexity of the problems of recognition is beginning to dawn that the human race is oppression and injustice often seem to overwhelm one people, living on a shared planet, and we must find us. We can do something… a way to come together to deal with the shared crisis. from Quaker faith & practice 24.49 But how? We know our leaders lack the vision and will to be radical, to think of the long term. Their answer to Our beautiful, life-filled planet is threatened and every problem is more of the same: more growth, more impoverished as never before. Quakers have a vision fossil fuel, more ‘austerity’ for the poorest – and more of how different the world could be, and should be, bombs. Even the people who do have the vision and will if we all lived in the light of love, compassion and are struggling to see how they can convince humanity respect. We are called to live in that light ourselves – not excluding themselves – to look beyond narrow and to work to bring about the reign of Love in allegiances and short-term self-interest. the world, each following our own leading in the recognition that we share one common purpose. We don’t need to wait for that to happen. We can do from an early draft of Our faith in the future something now. And it doesn’t have to be something huge and dramatic. The work I personally was given to y husband didn’t want me to go because the do over the past two years was helping to prepare Our weather was so awful. But on 28 November I faith in the future, the new touchstone for our work and took the train to Cardiff to stand on the steps witness. Reading through all the consultation responses, Mof the Senedd, the National Assembly of Wales, as the I was left in no doubt that Quakers were on fire with rain swept horizontally across on the gale from the ‘the vision and will to be radical’. They asked only to be bay. There were a couple of hundred other shivering reminded of the firm foundations of our Quaker faith souls – birdwatchers, cyclists, school kids, parents, and practice that, if we hold fast to them, will help us climate activists, musicians, a smattering of politicians, stand united through the trials ahead and join with a sprinkling of Quakers… Next day there would be others who share our hopes, to bring in the reign of Love. a lot more of us – hundreds of thousands around the world. And on the streets of Paris, thousands of pairs of Whether or not we actually have ‘faith in the future’, empty shoes symbolically marching to demand action on we are called to act as if our hopes for a green, climate change. I wasn’t alone. compassionate, peaceful and loving world are going to be realised. We are called to join in with the efforts of The Paris climate summit we were demonstrating the many millions of others who share those hopes. By about has now ended. Although the final deal was acting this way, we are already changing the world. alarmingly vague on almost everything but aspirations, the parties have certainly ‘done something’. It seems that Stevie Krayer we have reached a moment when, at last, a universal Southern Marches Area Meeting

4 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 Seasonal reflection

Friends and family Photo: Kelly Sikkema / flickr CC. / flickr Sikkema Photo: Kelly

hen I joined Quakers twelve years ago I In Zimbabwe we discovered how Sheffield Friends had was drawn to becoming part of an ‘extended become ‘our people’. They showed us generous care family’ of Quakers past and present. It is a beyond anything we had anticipated. Even people who Wfamily which contains some wonderful ancestors and knew us slightly wrote letters and sent parcels, and gave fascinating far-flung cousins, as well as its full share of money to support us when we needed help. rather peculiar aunts and uncles. By becoming a Quaker, I felt that I was being accepted into the shared life of this For me, this experience was a reminder of our worldwide, centuries-old Quaker family. I was no longer participation in what early Friends called ‘a gathered just an individual seeker on a solitary spiritual journey, people’. A gathered people is not just an association of but part of a people, with its own stories and culture; individuals who happen to share overlapping values sometimes baffling or infuriating, but now also part of or interests. It is formed by the raising and quickening my story too. of a new spiritual life and power within each person. When we recognise the life of the Spirit being kindled Those of us who have grown up in British society in another person, it calls forth an answering response have been taught to value above all else the virtues in us; this is what early Friends meant by ‘answering of freedom, privacy, independence and individuality. that of God’ in others. Recognising this same Spirit These are important values, but without a balancing at work in each other draws us into a bond of mutual experience of rootedness in a wider community the belonging, which is lived out through caring, conflict absence of belonging leaves many of us with a pervasive and forgiveness. This is the experience described by the sense of emptiness and isolation. These are symptoms of early Quaker Francis Howgill in this famous passage the starvation of our soul-needs for connection, identity, from Quaker faith & practice 19.08: ‘And from that day meaning, value and purpose. forward, our hearts were knit unto the Lord and one unto another in true and fervent love, in the covenant of In more traditional societies, such as Zimbabwe, Life with God; and that was a strong obligation or bond where I lived with my family at the Hlekweni Friends upon all our spirits, which united us one unto another.’ Training Centre a few years ago, this condition of drastic solitude is very rare. In rural Africa you know who you As modern Quakers, how can we recover this exper- are through your kinship relations and the shared stories, ience of being a gathered people? It means recognising ancestors and religion of your people; as expressed in that we are not just isolated individuals on our own the ubiquitous African proverb: ‘a person is a person spiritual journeys. We are also part of a living community through other people.’ Zimbabwean families can, of and a current of spiritual awakening that links us to course, be places of conflict and oppression, particularly Friends in the past and future throughout the world. for women and young people. But they also hold their members in a web of relationships and responsibilities Craig Barnett that grounds their identity as part of a people. Sheffield & Balby Area Meeting

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 5 Christmas

The bond that links us

Tim Cook considers what it means to celebrate Christmas

Is it to possible to celebrate Christmas and be or other festivals in their worship in a particular way, an atheist? We’d love to hear your views, so do because every day is sacred – so perhaps atheists can be send us an email, text us or Tweet us – you’ll more celebratory about Christmas than Quakers are? find the address on our website. And now our next piece of music is something that should At this point I noticed that the porridge, which I’d really get you moving, if you’re still struggling to been absentmindedly stirring, had congealed, stuck to kick start your day... the bottom of the saucepan and was beginning to burn. Hastily, I pushed the pan under the tap, turned on the p to this point, I’d been enjoying the classical cold water and shoved the irretrievable mess into the music station that forms the backcloth to my sink to soak. I felt the usual tranquillity of my routine morning rituals, without perhaps giving it my had been intruded on, in some indefinable way, and I Userious, undivided attention. But I found myself jolted was struggling to regain my equanimity. I went outside out of my routine by the announcer’s words, even to do my body prayer, which normally centres me and though they were delivered in her usual bright, breezy leaves me focused for whatever the day has in store. and brisk tones. Cards and mince pies Every day is sacred The simple routine of gathering, focusing, opening, What does she mean by ‘celebrating Christmas’, I found Receiving, accepting and offering did calm me, for the myself wondering? Is she talking about giving presents duration of the exercise; but afterwards I found my and having family and friends round for celebratory mind inescapably returning to those questions, and meals? I don’t suppose atheists have any problem with turning them into a mental dialogue with the radio that. And mince pies – I expect atheists do eat those. presenter as I imagined how she might respond and Watching the ‘Queen’s Speech’ on Christmas Day has what I would say in my turn. I found it impossible always seemed bound up with Christmas somehow for to settle down peacefully to any of the tasks that me – are atheists royalists or republicans? I’d planned for my morning, such as writing some cards or making mince pies or wrapping presents. Or is she thinking about carol singing, midnight Why should it matter to anyone whether atheists services at church, watching Carols from Kings on celebrate Christmas, I found myself irritably asking my television on Christmas Eve? That would certainly be imaginary interlocutor? more problematic. But then, again, if you turn the thing on its head, if you don’t celebrate Christmas, does that I’d almost reached the point of adding to this the make you an atheist? Obviously not – because other faiths question, ‘And what’s the big deal about Christmas don’t celebrate Christmas, and they choose to worship anyway?’, followed by a ‘Bah Humbug’ for good measure, their God in different ways. And to bring it right home, by the time I’d made lunch and sat down to watch the I’m a Quaker and Quakers don’t celebrate Christmas One O’clock News while eating it.

6 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 A face pinched with cold

A picture came into focus on the screen and I struggled to make sense of it without any accompanying words or sounds. In the foreground were some makeshift tents – pieces of wood tied together and covered with plastic sheeting. Huge swirls of snow swept across the scene, and the force of the wind driving them threatened to topple the ramshackle shelters.

Then the picture changed to a small child, with a face pinched with cold, wrapped in a white shawl, held closely in the arms of a woman with large, expressive, deep brown eyes. Belatedly, I realised that the mute button on the television had been left on and reached for the control to turn on the sound. As it came up, I heard the reporter’s commentary:

This is baby Majid. He’s two days old. His mother had to be rushed to hospital through a snowstorm to give birth. Now they have to live with neighbours in the next shack because theirs got flooded. ‘Water came through and everything got soaked,’ she says. ‘We had to borrow blankets and everything from the neighbours.’ Her husband showed me the shack they had to abandon. He says he had to borrow the £100 or so to pay the hospital for the birth. ‘I have nothing,’ he says. ‘No money, no bread, no sugar, no wood for the fire.’

Unless something changes

The reporter continued: ‘Lebanon has already taken in over one million Syrian refugees and yet they keep coming despite the appalling conditions that they face here… Unless something changes, this is where baby Majid will be spending his childhood.’

So, now I have an answer, if not to the radio announcer’s question, to my own one about what the big deal is: a baby’s need in a harsh and threatening world; a mother’s love and protection of him; a father’s care for his family; and the generosity of neighbours in sharing the little that they have.

These are things to give reverence and respect to, and celebrate by recognising the bond that links us all together. Simple, really. I wonder why I sometimes make it so difficult? Part of a miniature Nativity scene in the Cathedral of Santiago de Composteia, Spain. Photo: Mark Freeth / flickr CC. / flickr Nativity scene in the Cathedral of Santiago de Composteia, Spain. Photo: Mark Freeth of a miniature Part Tim is a member of High Wycombe Meeting.

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 7 Spirituality Language of the heart

Walking a labyrinth, which can be used to facilitate prayer. Photo: zoxcleb / flickr CC. / flickr Photo: zoxcleb

Carole Christman Koch considers the history of Christian devotion

icture a person kneeling with hands palm-to- The joining of hands palm, fingers interlocked, eyes closed and head bowed. Immediately, one recognises an attitude of Later, arms were pulled inward, folded across the Preligious devotion. This posture, though associated by breast, the heart being the seat of emotions. The actual most Christians with piety, is only one of many postures joining of hands is a new practice that first appeared in used in praising God. These bodily gestures speak the the Christian church in the ninth century. The posture silent language of the heart. derived from the feudal custom of the vassal presenting Scripture contains numerous references to the body himself to his lord with folded hands, an act of homage as an expressive instrument of the soul; they include and submission. standing, raising the eyes and hands towards heaven, Although standing to pray with eyes and hands bowing, kneeling, prostration, even dancing. held heavenward was the most common attitude of Standing, with some exceptions, was the normal prayer, there were other postures. Bowing, a slight nod practice of the Jewish people, as a posture of prayer in of the head, kneeling, a slight bend of the knee, and reverence to their God. In the Old Testament, it was prostration, a gradual incline of the body after a fall to Hannah, the mother of Samuel, who said: ‘…I am the the knee and touching the forehead to the ground, were woman you saw standing here, praying to the Lord’ used in the early Jewish community. (I Samuel 26). In the New Testament, Jesus advised: ‘And These postures denoted respect, reverence and when you stand and pray, forgive anything…’ (Mark humility toward their God. Jacob, when meeting Esau, 11:25). Furthermore, the universal feeling was that the bowed ‘himself to the ground seven times’ (Genesis heavens were the dwelling place of God. Isaiah 66:1 tells 33:3). Luke tells us that Jesus ‘went down on his knees us that God said: ‘The heavens are my throne.’ God also and prayed…’ (22:41). The psalmist called for bowing called ‘the firmament Heaven’ (Genesis 1:8). and said, ‘let us kneel before the Lord’ in worship (95:6). In addition to standing, the two postures used to The bow, a slight nod of the head, body, or knee, or express an upward movement towards heaven were the genuflection – kneeling with the knee touching the eyes and the hands. Postures such as these are found in ground near the left ankle – convey respect, adoration, I Kings 8:22. After the covenant box was brought to the humility and homage. In Christian usage, the gesture Temple Solomon ‘…stood in front of the altar, where became a sign of respect and courtesy for popes, he raised his arms and prayed’. Mark 6:41 tells us that bishops, images of Christ, the saints and religious Jesus ‘looked up to heaven…’, and his early followers objects, such as the altar. A more intense expression of (I Timothy 2:8) ‘In every church service… lift up their the same is prostration, being stretched out with face hands in prayer…’ on the ground.

8 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 Kneeling was first a practice for private prayer and Christian blessing for public penitence. It became a liturgical gesture, by the time of the Counter-Reformation, emphasising the Eventually, the early Israelites used oil in sacred adoration of Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Tertullian, anointing ceremonies of their priests and prophets. an early Christian writer, states that a Christian ‘should The Old Testament records that God gave Moses kneel with arms extended to God, let the hooks dig into instructions on how to make ‘sacred anointing oil’ us: the very posture of a Christian in prayer makes him (Exodus 30:25). This oil was used to anoint kings, to ready for every punishment’. heal the sick and even to prepare a body for burial. The To Tertullian kneeling was a sign of atonement laying on of hands, known in the Greek and Roman era and penance, but standing was a sign of joy. Thus, as well, was adopted from the Jewish usage, associating the first Council of Nicaea made standing obligatory the laying on of hands with the Holy Spirit. Also, a on Sundays and during the Easter season. Although carryover into Christianity was the anointing with oil, a standing for prayer was common for the Jewish people symbol of the Holy Spirit, used in baptismal rites. of biblical times, sitting was common when listening In the anointing with oil, came the Christian blessing to the Word. Luke 10:39 tells us Mary sat to listen in the Sign of the Cross – tracing the cross with thumb to the words of Jesus. Due to the Reformation, after and two fingers (symbolising the Trinity) on the the sixteenth century, when pews became part of the forehead, breast and alternate shoulders – as a defence church architecture, it became common to sit for against evil. This sign usually is given with the words: prayers. ‘In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.’ The origin of this blessing is found in the Dance vision of Ezekiel (chapter nine) where God ordered ‘a mark to be made on the forehead’ of the righteous Another expressive form of prayer was in the bodily living in Jerusalem. The Jews believed this mark to movement of the dance. The psalmists instructed be a T, the last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, and a the Jewish people to ‘clap hands,’ ‘praise with loud fitting symbol of ‘the end’ of the city that was about to songs’ (47:1-2) and in his temple ‘praise him with be destroyed. Tertullian urged the early Christians to trumpets, harps, and lyres’ (150:3). In Exodus 15:20, make the sign of the cross in their daily life. after the delivery of the Israelites from Egypt, Miriam, a prophetess, took a timbrel and with other women The silent language of the heart danced in celebration and joy (15:20). King David, after the Ark of the Covenant was returned to Jerusalem, Tertullian also advocated the Sign of Peace, or the Kiss ‘danced before the Lord with all his might,’ (2 Samuel of Peace, a neighbourly greeting of love in the form 6:14). of a kiss, as ‘a seal of prayer.’ This Christian custom The gesture of laying on of hands, placing the hands existed among the Jews (Acts 20:37). Saint Paul ended on another’s head, signified the transfer of power from most of his letters with ‘Greet all the brethren with a one to another. holy kiss’, and Peter associated the kiss with peace by The Hebrew word samakh, meaning ‘to lean upon’, saying ‘Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to is used in Leviticus 3:2, ‘the man shall put his hand on you all who belong to Christ’ (I Peter 5:14). Depending the head of the animal and kill it…’ In this manner a on the period in history and the status of a person, person’s past deeds were transferred to the sacrificial the kiss could have been on the hand, foot, or knee. animal. In the Protestant Church, this gesture varies according Sometimes a blessing is given by the laying on of to custom, in the form of a handshake, with greetings hands, as Israel did with the sons of Joseph (Genesis such as ‘Peace be with you’, ‘Grace and peace be yours’, 48:14). Other times the laying on of hands symbolised or just a friendly ‘Good morning’. the appointment to a special task, as Moses did An extension of this kiss was the symbolic kissing of when he transferred the leadership of the people a holy object, such as a crucifix, the altar or the Bible, to Joshua (Deuteronomy 34:9), or when persons as a sign of devotion for the holy object and what it are commissioned to be missionaries, as Paul and stood for. It was the custom of the ancient Jew to touch Barnabus were (Acts 13:3). Jesus used the laying on phylacteries (small boxes containing scripture verses of hands to heal (Mark 5:23) and blessing children ‘… which were strapped to the forehead) in taking oaths. placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them’ No matter which custom or position of any (Mark 10:16). His disciples continued these practices. denomination, the silent language of the heart is filled The laying on of hands is also associated with the with love overflowing. Try it. It will do your soul good. anointing of oil, to one who is given authority or ‘set apart.’ Carole is a retired church secretary from Pennsylvania.

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 9 Quakers in the world

Celebrations at Rovaniemi

Roger Babington Hill celebrates the work and history of Friends in Finland

ver the weekend of 2 to 4 October some forty However the Russians had not taken into account people, Friends and others, met at Rovala, the several factors, of which the key one was sisu: a Finnish Finnish Settlement Building in Rovaniemi, the word describing a central Finnish characteristic. It Ocapital of Finnish Lapland. It is also known as the home means courage, persistence and never giving up, of Father Christmas. The purpose of the weekend was whatever the difficulty; that, coupled with a very hard to remember and celebrate the work done by Friends winter with temperatures reaching minus fifty degrees and members of the Settlement Movement in the centigrade, inadequate rations for the Russian troops not restoration of Lapland after world war two. containing the fat and protein needed to survive in such harsh conditions and the lack of camouflage clothing, Background meant that the heavily outnumbered but very mobile Finnish troops were able to put on a guerrilla campaign. Finland was a reluctant participant in world war two. In this campaign the Finnish troops mounted surprise For 600 years it had been part of Sweden and then attacks and disrupted, and destroyed, the cumbersome in 1809, after Russia’s defeat of Sweden, Finland was convoys of Russian tanks and lorries. This ‘winter war’, annexed to Russia as a semi-autonomous region. The in short, was won by a brave and resolute ‘David’ against country gained full freedom and independence after the an ill-equipped and misled ‘Goliath’. But not for long. Russian revolution in 1917, but not without its own civil war between the ‘reds’ and the ‘whites’. Twenty years The border between Finland and Russia stretches later it was still war-weary and recovering from its scars. for 800 miles through very difficult terrain. The Finns knew that they could not properly defend it, and that At the start of world war two, Finland’s attempts to the Russians would come back. None of the allies was maintain neutrality had been rejected by Britain and willing to provide assistance so Finland turned to Sweden. The country was faced with the impossible Germany for military aid. Throughout, it maintained choice between aligning itself with the ‘Scylla’ of the its independence as a nation and had no other political Soviet Union or the ‘Charybdis’ of Nazi Germany. Its links with Germany. Its Jewish population, for example, hand was forced in November 1939, when Eastern was mostly well protected. Finland was invaded by the massive army of the Soviet Union. The Russian generals had promised to deliver German troops took up positions, particularly in the Finland to Josef Stalin, as a sixtieth birthday present for north of the country where they were able to link with him, in December of that year. their forces in north Norway and where the important

10 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 ‘sisu’… means courage, persistence and never giving up, whatever the difficulty Lapland, Finland. Photo: Jane McGonigal / flickr CC. McGonigal / flickr Lapland, Finland. Photo: Jane nickel mines were. The Germans and the Finns on the Chaired by the clerk of Finland Yearly Meeting, Jaana whole cooperated well until Finland started to work Erkkilä of the University of Lapland, herself a life-long towards a lasting peace agreement with the Soviet Union. Friend (her parents had met at Viittakivi International One of the conditions imposed by the Russians was that Centre, founded by the Quakers and the Settlement the Germans must leave and leave quickly, with the movement), talks were given on the work-camps which Finns ensuring that they did. At this point the Germans were the home-bases for those coming to help, on started their scorched earth policy over the whole of post-war Swedish and Finnish settlement movements Lapland. Every village was burnt down. Rovaniemi was (many Finnish children were evacuated to Sweden); totally destroyed. One thousand road bridges and 100 on the art of Naomi Jackson, a Canadian Friend who rail bridges were destroyed. Forty ferries, essential for travelled, taught and assisted in Lapland, recording movement across the many lakes, were blown up. One with her brush what she saw; on the work of the hundred and twenty miles of railway and 8,000 miles of American Friends Service Committee; on the Quaker road were destroyed. Electricity lines were torn down. United Nations Office (QUNO); and on the Europe and Tens of thousands of reindeer and cattle were killed. One Middle East Section of the Friends World Committee hundred and thirty thousand land mines were planted. for Consultation. We ate together and we worshipped together. After the war, because of its association with Germany, Finland received no help from the United Nations relief One of the costs of achieving peace with the Soviet agencies. It was Friends from the United States, Canada Union was that Finland had to surrender about ten and Britain who came to the rescue, providing food, per cent of its eastern territory – Karelia (musicians clothing, money, support and skilled assistance. will be familiar with the name from Sibelius’ work). Nearly half-a-million refugees moved from Karelia to Celebration be absorbed by the rest of Finland.

The weekend meeting in Rovaniemi was to remember The parallel with the current movement of refugees and celebrate the contribution and generosity of Friends was ever present throughout the weekend. in the restoration of Lapland as they worked alongside members of the Finnish Settlement Movement. It extended its brief to consider current Quaker outreach Roger is a member of Totnes Meeting and an attender of work. North Finland Local Meeting.

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 11 Reflection

Light Photo: Val Photo: Val Corbett.

have often wondered whether I suffer from and the rest of creation, and harmony between that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), for I sometimes which is created and that which creates – not separate, experience low moods as autumn turns to but one unfolding reality. Iwinter. This year it seems that natural light has been At my lowest ebb, I expressed my longing for a particularly scarce during November – day after day flicker of light on my Facebook page. Soon messages the solar panels have been producing hardly enough came: from Moscow, Jerusalem, Stockholm, Finland, electricity to keep the computer going all day, or the Netherlands, Italy and Australia. As I connected enabling me to make enough cups of tea to give me with Friends near and far I felt humbled and thankful comfort. to be part of a chain of humanity that spreads all over And the gloom has not been confined to dark our precious world, and privileged to serve Friends in skies: news of the attacks in Paris on 13 November, their networks and communities. and subsequent reactions by governments, with the In November the FWCC – Europe and Middle escalation of military interventions in Syria and East Section (EMES) held the annual Peace and neighbouring Iraq; the continuing plight of desperate Service consultation. We met in Kortenberg, near refugees trying to reach safety in countries ever Brussels, which was in ‘lock down’ that weekend. more determined to fence them out; reports of the Friends shared many uplifting stories of faithful continuing dispossession of Palestinians in the West service in many places and contexts – from bringing Bank and Gaza, who live under ever-more coercive Alternative to Violence training to Bethlehem, to occupation, while the world stands helplessly by in volunteering to work with refugees in ‘the Jungle’ in silence; a new wave of unprecedented flooding in Calais and on transit routes in Slovenia; from offering parts of Britain, whilst a meaningful agreement to cut a faithful presence in Croatia to alleviate post-conflict carbon emissions and contain climate change seems psychological trauma, to preparing briefings for still elusive. And in my own life, sharing what are the climate change talks in Paris; from engagement likely to be my mother’s last days, at a distance, trying in Eastern Ukraine to advocacy with European to guess when to go for another visit, waiting, as the institutions; from peace work in Africa to resisting the ocean of darkness grows deeper. might of the arms trade. Waiting is what Christians are called to do in As an Advent devotional, I imagine lighting a candle Advent – and Quakers should be doing all-year-round. of hope for each small piece of service and witness by Waiting – with eager longing, as Paul says in his letter Friends around Europe, the Middle East and beyond to the Romans in the verses chosen to be the theme that I am aware of. As I do this, all the darkness of our Friends World Committee for Consultation around me is soon filled with light: a light that (FWCC) World Plenary Meeting in Pisac, Peru, in endures, a light that darkness can never extinguish. January 2016. Waiting with the whole of creation, waiting for the revealing of God’s children, for the Marisa Johnson peacemakers, waiting for the new world order, for Cambridgeshire Area Meeting right relationship among humans, between humans and secretary of the FWCC – EMES

12 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 Poetry

When as a child, I came into the world Helpless and lying in a draughty shed Your wisest men, they say, brought gifts to me: Of gold – for crowning of an infant King; And frankincense – for raising prayers to him; And myrrh – portending burial and death.

But would you bring me gifts like this today, And lavish me with costly offerings? I would instead you follow me and let Me show you where I make my dwelling place.

See this naked child, starving in the sun – Simple Witness his ribs, etched sharply on his skin See his swollen belly, and how his eyes Ignore the soft caresses of the flies. Gifts for I am that child. Today I live in him. Each pain, each pang, each gasp is also mine. I would have you bring not crowns of gold a King But food and water, simple gifts for a King.

For when you nourish him, you nourish me.

And see this tramp who shivers by the door, Frozen from the night spent on the streets. So will you offer up a prayer for him That floats to heaven on a mystic scent?

I am that man. Today I live in him I feel the winter’s cold as well as he. I would have you learn from this young woman Whose arms envelop him with love and warmth. From here, no fragrant scent but stench arises From tattered socks and clothes infused with grime.

But when you love him, so you love me too.

Witness this teenage girl who falls apart, Imprisoned by the blackness in her brain And see the scars that tell of her despair Her sorrow, sighing, bleeding, dying, and Iain Strachan The bitter scent of death her only light. Abingdon Meeting

And would you bury her with costly resin Those wise men long ago saw as my fate?

I am that girl. Her sorrow overwhelms Me too. I want this bitter cup to pass. I would rather have you bring the simple gift Of being there for her – to walk beside A mile or two and listen for a while.

For when you walk with her, you walk with me. CC. / flickr Wonderlane Photo: Light shining through a glass of water.

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 13 Sustainability

What love will do

Laurie Michaelis reports on the recent Paris convention on climate change A wind farm in New Zealand. Photo: Jondaar_1 / flickr CC. / flickr Zealand. Photo: Jondaar_1 in New A wind farm

Force may subdue, but Love gains: and he that forgives first, wins the laurel. William Penn, 1693; Quaker faith & practice 24.03

t’s that time of year again. Negotiators are heading financial support from developed to developing nations home from the twenty first annual Conference of and address the issue of ‘loss and damage’ due to climate Parties (COP) to the UN climate convention, after change. But – as many delegates observed – the agreement Itwo weeks of working through the night. This was their is weak on specific commitments. It relies on ‘nationally fifth gathering this year, and they have been working determined contributions’ – essentially voluntary towards this particular agreement for four years. The commitments to emission cuts, targets, policies, financial closing plenary was moving to watch, with delegates in contributions and actions. One country, Nicaragua, said tears, with hugs, kisses and extended standing ovations. it would not sign the agreement because it is inadequate The outcome has been widely greeted as a turning and will not achieve its stated aim. point. In aspiration it goes far beyond expectations. At Some scientists have expressed deep disappointment the beginning of 2015, we seemed on track for a 4°C about the disconnect between the 1.5°C aspiration global temperature rise above pre-industrial levels. and the emission reduction pathway signalled by the The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has agreement. It commits countries ‘to achieve a balance warned of dire implications for life on earth. between anthropogenic emissions by sources and removals by sinks of greenhouse gases in the second Something for everyone half of this century’.

The new agreement states that its aim is to strengthen Pathways the global response to climate change by holding the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C The COP decision asks the Intergovernmental Panel and pursue efforts to limit the temperature rise to 1.5°C. on Climate Change (IPCC) to produce a new report It has something for nearly everyone. It pays attention by 2018 looking specifically at 1.5°C pathways. The to concerns for human rights and equity, and to the need IPCC Fifth Assessment Report, published last year, for sustainable lifestyles. There are processes to increase paid minimal attention to such pathways. Probably

14 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 nobody thought they were seriously possible. The A willingness to listen focus was on assessing whether a 2°C limit was feasible and what it might entail. However, we can have some My own experience is that sustaining community takes idea of what the new report might say. To have a good a lot of work. It helps a lot to have experienced people chance of limiting warming to 2°C we should phase out on hand, supporting participants to see things from fossil fuels globally by 2050. To stay below 1.5°C we each other’s point of view. It can be really hard to speak need deep cuts immediately, phasing out fossil fuels by the truth, but when we don’t, relationships harden perhaps 2030. or unravel. Community depends on a willingness to Achieving the aim of the Paris Agreement would listen, to love, to forgive. And above all, it requires a take nothing less than a global transformation – in willingness to change ourselves. technology, finance, power relations, industries and What has happened in Paris is a microcosm of the lifestyles. For most people this is unimaginable. Yet it community building that needs to happen everywhere: may not be so difficult. British carbon emissions per in organisations, neighbourhoods, cities and countries. capita fell thirty percent in the last ten years. While our The action needs to come from all of us. That means government currently seems to be doing its best to stop changing our lifestyles, our patterns of work and of the transformation, it has begun here and most people relationships. It means fossil fuel companies undergoing have hardly noticed. their own transformation to leave carbon in the ground What really matters is not the wording of this and find new business models. It means elites finding agreement but the process by which it was achieved. a new power base – perhaps deriving kudos from The French presidency of the COP showed phenomenal generosity and pursuing the wellbeing of humanity, leadership in transforming relationships among nego- rather than their own bank balances. tiators from the bitterness and distrust expressed a Midwinter may be a good time to stop, reflect and year ago to the loving fellowship displayed in Paris. It listen for the Leadings of the Spirit. What are we called was a feat of community-building that involved a huge to do? What am I called to do? What gifts am I going to amount of careful listening and facilitating dialogue offer the world at this special time? in small groups. And there were willing participants – perhaps most significantly in the efforts of China and Your gifts the United States to cooperate and to set out their own national plans of action. Your gifts may be practical. Could you move towards a vegan diet, reorganise your life to cut down on car and A voluntary agreement air travel, or install a wood stove and use less gas? Perhaps you are a communicator. Can you befriend The global climate regime is voluntary. The new your MP and share your sense of urgency about climate agreement provides for any party to withdraw from it at change? Or maybe it’s time to write that short story, will. There is no provision for sanctions or force against song or poem, or paint that picture. parties that do not meet their commitments. So, change You might be called to take direct action, to challenge, will only happen when enough people – including key to expose the truth. Can you do so and sustain love and players in government and business – want it. The forgiveness, rejoicing in that of God even in those you amazing thing is that transformations of relationships, are challenging? of the human will, of behaviour, happen very quickly. Or perhaps your gift is to help build community The COP decision explicitly states that the provisions and heal relationships, in your Quaker Meeting, your on loss and damage do not constitute a basis for legal family, your neighbourhood or workplace. liability or compensation. This was necessary for some In the closing plenary of the COP, the United States developed countries to agree. But as Kumi Naidoo delegate spoke about entrepreneurial innovation. The of Greenpeace said at a press conference, litigation is South African delegate quoted Nelson Mandela and already happening. He cited a Philippines case against the Indian delegate mentioned Gandhi. Each of us fifteen fossil fuel companies. ‘The struggle continues has something special to bring. Many of the delegates tomorrow’ and civil society ‘will be finding creative mentioned faith groups as part of the effort and support ways of resistance’. that made the agreement possible. The real challenge with a community is to maintain Paris represents a huge step forward in community it, to cope with the tensions and struggles that emerge, building, globally, to be able to address climate change. especially when the going gets tough. Old wounds and We can only greet it as a moment of joy. resentments are still there beneath the surface. I do not believe there is much difference in this between the United Nations and a local Quaker Meeting. Laurie is environment correspondent for the Friend.

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 15 Books James and the Jerusalem Church

Michael Wright reviews a new book on James, brother of Jesus

f you enjoy ‘whodunnits?’ and jigsaw puzzles, the driven from office when influential Pharisees obtained chances are you will enjoy this radical exploration from the incoming Roman governor, as his first act on of Christian origins. Alan Saxby, in James, Brother taking office, the dismissal of the high priest, because Iof Jesus, and the Jerusalem Church, has examined in he caused James’ death. detail the situation in Judaism during the lifetime Among the many of Saxby’s vignettes that have of Jesus, and the following seventy years. He follows prompted me to look afresh at biblical material, he each clue, and puts each piece in its place, to build his wonders if the parable of the ‘prodigal’ son may be a picture. representation of the relationship between Jesus and In trying to identify details about Jesus’ brother James. James, the leader of a group of observant Jews in Material such as Galatians, written within twenty Jerusalem committed to reform, it seems at first as years of Jesus, shows the prominence of James within if there is very little information to go on. However, the Jewish diaspora. Luke, author of the gospel Saxby weaves together many tiny threads to make an and Acts of the Apostles, wrote for a largely gentile impressive garment. audience about fifty years later than Paul. This was Among these are the social conditions shaped by the after the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. major construction project in Jerusalem for more than The Roman world largely lumped all Jews together eighty years, building Herod’s temple, which employed as responsible for that insurrection, so Luke sidelines between 10,000 – 18,000 men plus 1,000 priests. At the role of the community in Jerusalem led by James, the same time Herod’s even grander palace was being except where he cannot avoid giving him his due built. These projects were a great source of resentment place. by rural peasants, whose taxes paid for them. When This is a detailed scholarly work, by a retired the buildings were complete, in 64 CE, the workers Methodist minister from Sheffield, familiar with a became unemployed. Insurrection quickly followed. social environment that gives him significant insights There were various reform groups, among them into first century Jerusalem. He also finds ‘Islamic the Pharisees, Essenes, Zealots and (Saxby argues) a society in its oriental heartlands offers a lens through group based in Jerusalem led by James, the brother of which we might bring into clearer focus the world of Jesus. From threads drawn from the Jewish historian late Second Temple Judaism.’ Josephus, the letters of Paul, the gospels and Luke’s Act For those not used to the world of New Testament of the Apostles, and elsewhere, he shows the influence scholarship, Greek text and technical words abound of John the Baptist in this movement. in this work – but they are explained, and largely James may well have been the eldest of Jesus’ four manageable to the nonspecialist. Saxby gives us brothers – if Joseph brought to his (second?) marriage new insights into the world of James, and of Jesus, to Mary four boys and their sisters. The evidence, and challenges a number of long-accepted scholarly so carefully scrutinised, points to this Jerusalem approaches to the material, with arguments that I find community being established long before the events fascinating. of Jesus’ crucifixion. James was clearly regarded by Paul (from his letters, particularly to the Galatians) Michael is a member of Middlesbrough Meeting. and others, as the key decision-maker in the earliest Christian community in Jerusalem until his death. James, Brother of Jesus, and the Jerusalem Church by So significant a figure was James that Ananus, the Alan Saxby. Wipf and Stock. ISBN: 9781498203906. high priest who brought about his execution, was £26.

16 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 Witness

Life on Kos

Rachael Swancott writes about the migrant situation Photo: Glenys Newton. Photo: Glenys

n November I travelled to Kos to volunteer for the local For my first couple of days I didn’t know how to refugee aid charity Kos Solidarity, and was supported act around the refugees. I was nervous and unsure in this by individuals and Meetings. From saying I of myself. Was it all ‘business’ or did I have time to Iwould ‘quite like to go’ to arriving in Kos was about four chat? Did they need rest or company? On my second weeks. I’m a ‘doer’ as a rule. I like action and movement breakfast distribution we were packing away, having and ideas. I stop and think about why I may have been led come to the end of the queue, and a young man called a certain way after following, rarely before. I must admit, to me to throw him an orange from the box I was however, that when I found myself wandering alone in carrying. I did this and he caught it and cheered. Then Kos completely lost, at six in the morning, I thought: his friend called ‘my turn, my turn’ and moved further What on earth did I think I was doing – I’m just one down the port wall to try to ‘one up’ the distance of his woman and I can’t even find my hotel? friends’ catch. We eventually had several players and Kos Solidarity’s day is split into shifts. The first is several ‘balls’ (the rest of the oranges) and an elaborate a divided night shift. The second shift is the dinner game, variants of which we played several mornings distribution shift, followed by the port departure shift, of my stay. I bonded with a man called Mohammed. which is when the refugees who have bought their ticket He had his headphones in one morning and we talked for the departing ferry to Athens get things they may about music. I had a long and fascinating conversation need for their journey, like more shoes, a back pack or a with a woman called Amani, who had been studying to better fitting coat. For most people the time between their be a make-up artist in Syria. She taught me how to apply arrival on Kos and their departure is around four days. my mascara and told me how she missed her collection The job I most enjoyed was volunteering on the night of eye shadows, so I gave her some of mine. She was shift. This involved meeting the men, women and children more grateful than some of the men are for their dry who had arrived that night and providing them with trousers! Although, in their defence, the trousers are food and blankets, the information they need to register often too big! themselves officially, and, most importantly, dry clothes. Since coming home I cannot watch the news without This shift gave me a new perspective on many things, becoming furious. The debate about the Syrian bombing especially the importance of the folding and sorting that made me cry, as I thought of Amani‘s husband, who she I had (somewhat begrudgingly) done in the warehouse had left behind. She was sure she would not see him on my first day. There are few things as disheartening as again. All these experiences were precious lessons to having to tell a man with wet, cold feet that we have no me. In Kos I had the most profound confirmation of shoes left. I began to understand the excitement when ‘that of God in everyone’. I am going back in January. a box is opened filled with small size men’s trousers or a good jacket. I became elated when a shipment of socks arrived and laughed with the other volunteers when we Rachael is a member of Chorley Meeting and Young unpacked the days’ third pair of stilettos. Friends General Meeting.

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 17 Montage

hese pictures are a selection from those painted by Quaker artists that were displayed Tin exhibitions held in London during 2015. Clockwise from left: ‘Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink’: Anne McNeill-Pulati ‘Allen’s’ from ‘Of the Earth’ series: Naomi Lethbridge ‘Grand Canyon’: Holly Rees

18 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 Quaker artists

Clockwise from top left: ‘Mother’: Isa Levy ‘Oystercatcher’: Robert Nicholls ‘Moor freeze 2015’: Judith Bromley ‘Little Corella’: Ann Johnson

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 19 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

monk for most of my twenties) and I have a degree in theology. For years I tried to force myself to ‘believe’ but, as I got older, realised that ‘belief’ does not work for me. And that is just fine. Some people need beliefs, as that is how they are made. Some people are turned off by beliefs, as that is how they are made. Both sides, I suggest, just accept that difference and not get threatened (and start suggesting that there needs to be some minimal level of ‘belief’ to be a Quaker or that, for instance, Our faith in the future nontheism is the only way forward). What is going to happen to Our faith in the future? I To quote Ken: ‘What really matters is how I live my have recently read that leaflet, but was left concerned. life and whether I live it in harmony or in conflict with Advices & queries 4 says: ‘The Religious Society of my integrity.’ Friends is rooted in Christianity and has always found Harry Hicks inspiration in the life and teachings of Jesus.’ Golders Green Meeting, London It appears we are no longer going to be ‘rooted’ in those teachings and their example to us. This beautiful Ex-offenders coloured leaflet mentions God once, and that was in Welcoming ex-offenders into our Meetings might not an over-used quote. It never mentioned Christianity or always be straightforward. Over the years we have Jesus by name. had several people who have been inside join with us Today, I can see why Jesus is being left out in the and become valued members, but some time ago a cold. In the Friend (27 November) the editor writes gentleman who had been in and out of prisons began that, compared to the seventeenth century, the Bible attending and caused great disruption. ‘is less important on the shelves and in the minds of He sent poison pen letters to some of our elderly Friends’. members, and scrawled defamatory slogans on walls Friends, we can only follow the life example of in the town, naming one of them. He would speak in Jesus and be inspired by His teachings if we read His Meeting inappropriately, too. We realised that he was book. He gave it to us for a reason, so we can make a mentally ill, but as three or four members stopped difference in society. The Queries I have known have coming because of him we had reluctantly to ask him made a difference. The ones I read about have made a not to come to Meeting. difference because they were rooted in Christ. You and Lydia Vulliamy I can make a difference: read your Bible (and other Ipswich Meeting, Suffolk texts), be grounded by His example. A prisoner at HMP Wayland White poppies Carla Denyer’s article (11 December) includes a curious statement attributed to the Royal British Legion: ‘We In essentials unity, do ask that the items [red and white poppies] are not in non-essentials liberty, offered alongside each other… as this would confuse the public.’ in all things charity. Here, in a Quaker retirement home, we had both red and while poppies available on the same table, with a little notice: Red poppies for remembering the past. The Friend welcomes your views. White poppies our hope for the future Residents and staff were seen wearing both and no Do keep letters short (maximum 250 words). one seemed confused. Harry Underhill Please include your full postal address, even Polegate Meeting, East Sussex when sending emails, and specify whether you wish for your postal or email address or Meeting name to be used with your name. I know nothing What a ray of sunshine Ken Orchard’s article was Letters are published at the editor’s discretion (4 December). Thank you, Ken. and may be edited. My background is Catholic (and I was a Benedictine

20 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 Christmas crackers

A backward poet writes inverse. A muscular Quaker, searching for sustenance along the Did you hear about the Buddhist shore, wrenched a huge Friend who refused Novocain rock from its stony home. during a root-canal treatment? He hurled it fifty metres out His goal: transcend dental to sea. Then he picked up a medication. massive boulder and heaved it a hundred metres. Q: How do Quakers sing hymns? His companion was amazed. A: Very slowly, as they’re always ‘Wow!’ he said. ‘How did you reading the next line to see if they do that?’ believe it or not. The fisherman shrugged: ‘Mussel power, I guess’. No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.

An enterprising Friend started a Middle Eastern vegetarian restaurant. It served chopped lettuce with beetroot, haloumi, kale and other vegetables. He called it the Salad Inn. People said it was very ‘Moorish’.

‘Welcome to Pedants Anonymous,’ said a stern Friend from the stage. Photo: John Russell. Photo: John ‘Shouldn’t that be anonomi?’ blurted out an enthusiastic young man. Here is one festive use of old ‘You’re out,’ came the immediate response. copies of the Friend; a Christmas tree made by Quakers from Someone covered all my I told a friend my sister was very Salisbury Meeting, designed by architectural blueprints in thin bookish. ‘Ah, she reads a lot then?’ Patsy Fraser, which sits within the sheets of metal. he asked. ‘No,’ I replied, ‘she wears a annual Salisbury Christmas tree My plans were foiled! leather jacket stuffed with leaves.’ festival in St Thomas’ church. Below the tree is a quote from Gerald Priestland: Two wrongs don’t make a right, How do the Welsh make cheese? but three rights do make a left. Caerphilly ‘If there is one wish I would pray the Spirit to put into our Christmas I was walking to work the other day, stockings, it is warmth, openness, when I saw a Quaker playing a tin I was at an historical passion, a bit of emotion that whistle up a ladder. I stopped and re-enactment of an ancient doesn’t mind making a fool of itself remarked ‘brilliant’! He ignored me. Egyptian ceremony on occasionally.’ I was really offended until I realised Saturday. We were chanting he was just highfalutin… amongst flaming beacons and towering standing stones, Three television producers were sitting at a meeting table, and one opens worshiping a giant statue of the conversation: ‘I’m thinking of a new angle on a reality programme, Ra, and it was all going rather where a set of siblings, ideally male, build a plane from scratch, then try well. and fly it across a field.’ ‘Good idea,’ one replied, ‘but how do we find the right brothers?’ ‘Lovely weather we’re having,’ chirped the hooded figure to Two Quakers are climbing a A Friend let off an air horn in a law my left. As it was the middle mountain. lecture, and was promptly taken of the night, and casual ‘This is really tough going,’ said one, away by the police. conversation really isn’t the ‘Can you give me your ice pick?’ He asked: ‘What are the charges?’ order of the day on these sorts ‘That block over there looks ‘Disrupting the course of justice,’ of occasions, I responded with brilliant,’ said the other. came the curt reply. a stunned, ‘What?’

‘Oh nothing,’ he mumbled, ‘Christmas crackers’ was compiled and written by a young Irish Friend. ‘just making idol conversation.’ Eye welcomes any witty ‘wordplay’ Friends are inspired to pen.

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 21 From the archive

1915: Looking back

Janet Scott describes how the Friend reflected on a very difficult year

he mood at the end of 1915 was much more on February 25th… Two months later the Allied sombre than in the previous year. This was forces made their first landing on the peninsula due to many factors: the increasing number of Gallipoli, so commencing a series of losses and Tof war zones; the military and civilian deaths; the tragedies of dauntless bravery against which there number of refugees; the threat of conscription; and the seems no tangible achievement to set off. The recent growing financial burden of the war. Friends, however, withdrawal of troops from all but the southern maintained their determination to continue their positions is a practical acknowledgement of grave regular round of worship, meetings and committees, failure… According to the latest returns (to December and to play an active part in working for peace. The 9th) the British losses in Gallipoli have been 26,202 Friend, in its final issue of the year, presented a long killed, 75,809 wounded, and 12,544 missing; besides account of the events of the previous twelve months as 96,683 sick admitted to hospital. they affected the nation and the Society and gave an update on the way the conflict had spread: Zeppelins and submarines

…the war zone has been enormously enlarged and Two new elements of warfare brought home the fact of the number engaged greatly increased. Two nations – war to the population of Britain – the raids by Zeppelins Italy and Bulgaria – entered as combatants during the and the attacks by submarines on merchant shipping: year. In the spring the Russian army was advancing victoriously into Galicia, while Serbia had driven The first visit of Zeppelin airships to this country back her invaders. The return of winter finds Austro- took place on January 19th, when bombs were German armies stretching across a considerable area dropped on several towns and villages in Norfolk, in Russia… while the Serbian people are fugitives on the coast and inland. Thereafter, on still, dark from their own land… nights, these monsters of destruction have stolen On the Western front the expected advance in the across the North Sea from time to time, eventually spring did not occur, save for the great and costly reaching the London area and on two notable effort at Neuve Chapelle; and speaking broadly, the occasions – September 8th and October 13th – relative positions of the opposing armies at the end occasioning considerable loss of life and damage of the year are but little altered. On the other hand, to property… the chief burden of these attacks has the Eastern front has been subject to constant and fallen on civilians. rapid changes. At the beginning of February the German Admiralty Gallipoli issued a notice declaring the ‘waters around Great Britain and Ireland and the entire English Channel a From the description of the movements of armies and war region’ and that ‘every hostile commercial vessel involvement of new combatants in Eastern Europe, the met there’ would be destroyed. The ships destroyed Friend picked out Gallipoli in its report: included passenger liners such as the Lusitania, the Falaba, the Arabic and the Hesperian. The Friend The attack on the Dardanelles, first made by the Fleet reported:

22 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 Summing up the position on September 5th, Mr. Among Friends Balfour, as First Lord of the Admiralty, stated that up to the end of July 104 British vessels, with a Throughout 1915 Quakers in Britain had made a tonnage of 304,428 had been sunk, many without significant contribution to the work of relief. The Friend warning, besides 105 trawlers. On the other hand, reminded readers of this: formidable losses had been inflicted upon German submarines. The Peace Service of Friends has absorbed abundant energy. Under the Friends’ Ambulance Unit between The submarine danger created a serious strain three and four hundred young men are now serving between the American and German governments. in France, and Belgium, and York, as doctors, hospital The loss of life by American citizens while proceeding orderlies, investigators, relief administrators, &c. peaceably on their business could not be passed over in The Friends’ War Victims’ Relief Committee has Washington. The Friend pointed out: had its workers in France, helping the farmers and peasants, mothers and children, inspiring them with American difficulties have been internal as well as new hope in the making of fresh beginnings. external. Among her citizens a considerable section is of German birth or origin, and with the great The committee also had workers in Holland training majority of the population manifestly sympathising refugees in industries, and was beginning work in Serbia: with the cause of the Allies, bitterness has inevitably grown. The Emergency Committee for the Help of Distressed Alien Enemies has continued its good work… The cost of war [including] visits to the prisoners’ camps – civilian and military, and the introduction therein of industries In May a Cabinet reshuffle brought David Lloyd George and literature. in to head a new Ministry of Munitions. It had become For the work of the above-named three Committees clear that British forces in France and Flanders were Friends have already raised upwards of £100,000; altogether outclassed in equipment by their opponents. and the need continues to grow. A result of the new department was the commandeering of engineering and other works all over the country and Rufus Jones their devotion to the manufacture of munitions. In the edition of 30 July, The Friend had reported The Friend, in the final edition of 1915, published a that as a result of this move two Quaker directors of thoughtful contribution from Rufus M Jones, a leading the company Albright & Wilson had resigned from American Friend: the board of the company. William A Albright was the chairman of the Friends War Victims Relief Committee, While we are waiting for this European tragedy and Henry Lloyd Wilson was a former clerk of Meeting to end, for goodness to triumph, for truth to be for Sufferings and the Yearly Meeting. In the last edition established, for love to grow into power… perhaps of the year the magazine highlighted the cost of war: we, each one of us in his own way, might be making a real, even if modest, contribution to the spiritual The fact that the total British casualties (exclusive stock of the world… The most triumphantly beautiful of sickness) to the 9th inst. now number considerably contribution after all which any of us can make is the more than half a million, among whom the killed fashioning, up to our highest capacity, of a luminous, number about 120,000 and the missing about radiant, joyous, dynamic personal life. 70,000, indicates the urgent need, from the military While we are waiting for the philosophical and point of view, of a constant free flow of enlistments. theological mysteries to be solved it would make The expenditure of life is accompanied by a fabulous some difference in the interim if we could be outpouring of wealth, rising recently to the rate of quietly revealing the irresistible might of a loving, upwards of £7,000,000 a day. Two war loans… have sympathising and understanding human spirit… if yielded nearly £950,000,000, while the votes of credit we could make these tiny lives of ours transmitting thus far passed by the House of Commons amount organs for the abounding, invading Life of God… to £1,777,000,000. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Nineteen hundred and sixteen will be a splendid in his last Budget, set down the total national year in which to try the experiment. expenditure in the year 1915-16 at £1,590,000,000 and estimated the expenditure in 1916-17… at ‘From the archive’ is researched and compiled by Janet £1,825,000,000 or £5,000,000 daily. Scott. She is a member of Cambridgeshire Area Meeting.

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 23 18 Dec 15/12/15 11:53 Page 6

Christmas Greetings 2015 Barbara Bowman greets all her The Directors and staff of The Priory friends from China, Ghana, India, Rooms conference centre send Bangladesh, the UK and elsewhere. greetings from our “Oasis of Calm Happy Christmas and New Year. in the Heart of Birmingham” to 3 Tillman Close, Settle BD24 9RA. Friends everywhere. 01729 823286. www.theprioryrooms.co.uk Europe & Middle East Section of Telephone 0121 236 2317. June Braithwaite (Baldwin) sends FWCC sends greetings to readers. Greetings to all Friends, especially May hope and steadfastness lighten Quaker Concern for Animals wishes Spicelanders. Love June. Now at our path. We are grateful for your all Friends a happy Christmas with Balhousie Glens Care Home, interest and support. Please contin- peace on earth to all God's creatures. 18-20 Church Street, Edzell, Brechin ue to follow us at www.fwccemes.org To join QCA, receive updates on DD9 7TQ. from Julia, Marisa & Kim. animal welfare issues and our News- letter,email Joan How, Membership Roland and Trish Carn want to wish Love and best wishes to all my Secretary: [email protected] all their Friends across the Yearly friends with grateful thanks for or visit www.quaker-animals.co.uk Meeting warm season’s greetings. happy, inspiring and heart-warming With best wishes for a peaceful 2016. memories over the years, from In 2015 Kurt Strauss enjoyed a Diana Galvin (45a Kingscourt Road, grandson’s wedding, celebrated a Congénies Ffriends send all their London SW16 1JA and Westminster great grand-daughter‘s birth, marked Ffriends best wishes et Bonne Année Local Meeting). the second anniversary of his for 2016. We hope to see you at one bereavement, continued to count/give of our programs or for a B&B We would like to thank everyone thanks for all his blessings, and greets holiday stay, á bientôt! who gave their love and support to readers of the Friend. www.maison-quaker-congenies.org us over the last year, and send our loving greetings at this festive season. Elspeth Wollen (Swindon Meeting) Edwards Insurance Brokers send Vic Grainger and Sandra Berry. sends warm Christmas greetings to her warm Christmas and New Year many Quaker friends. Thanks to the greetings to our many Quaker Grainger & Platt Accountants of Woodbrooke and Charney tutors for clients. We are delighted to serve Carlisle send our warmest Christmas the inspiring courses I attended in 2015. many Meetings and charities and Greetings to Friends everywhere thank you for your support. David with best wishes for the New Year. Woodbrooke would like to thank all Edwards, the specialist church and Richard Platt 01228 521286. our volunteers and supporters for the charity broker, 01564 730900. www.grainger-platt.co.uk help we have had over the last 12 [email protected] months in delivering our learning Jackie Leach Scully and Monica programme. We look forward to Jill and David Firth wish a year of Buckland are doing their best to working with many Ffriends and hope to all Friends and blessings on look with love and hope towards the the Friend and all who sail in her. festive season and the year to come. meetings new and old in 2016, at To all our F/friends, everywhere: Woodbrooke, at Swarthmoor Hall, Christmas and New Year loving L'chaim. on-the-road and online. greetings to all fFriends who I have been unable to greet during 2015. Loving greetings to all my friends With hope for a calmer 2016 for all past and present from Les McIver, people. Elizabeth Fowler. now residing at 24 Kendal Road, And warm greetings Harrogate, North Yorks HG1 4SH. Greetings from FWCC! Thank you from the Friend to all for your love and financial support Christmas greetings and best wishes throughout the year. Join us in spirit for 2016 from George and Matthew our subscribers and for the World Plenary Meeting in Penaluna, especially to Friends in Peru 19-27 January as Friends gather Richmond upon Thames, Kingston advertisers! with hope and longing for a new upon Thames, Harrogate, Keighley, creation. May God bless us all! Skipton and Dundee.

24 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 18 Dec 15/12/15 11:53 Page 7

Friends&Meetings Deaths Notices Christmas meetings

Renee BAZ 4 November, peacefully DOROTHY PEACE CENTRE NEW EARSWICK MEETING, in hospital in Lebanon. Wife of the For donations to Hope House, our YORK Meeting for Worship will late Najib. Mother of Sabah, Rabi', Ebola Orphanage, Rokel, Sierra be held on Christmas Day at New Na’amat and Rima. Grandmother of Leone, send to: Dorothy Crowther, Earswick Meeting House from 10.30 11, great-grandmother of 5. Member Quaker Meeting House, Elliott Park, to 11.00am. All are welcome. of Brummana Monthly Meeting and Keswick CA12 5NZ or online at former staff member at Brummana www.dorothypeacecentre.co.uk WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA High School. Aged 96. Interred in MEETING will hold Meeting for Brummana Quaker burial ground. Worship on Friday 25 December at Memorial meeting held 13 December Diary 10.30am. Visitors welcome. at Brummana FMH. Contact Na’amat Enquiries 01328 710643. Little: [email protected] 17TH CENTURY ADDERBURY MEETING HOUSE, OX17 3EU, Betty CAVE (née Howe Piper) hardly changed since 1675, candlelit, 4 December, peacefully in hospital. atmospheric, chilly - but Banbury Widow of Alan Hill then Reg Cave. Friends offer a warm welcome to Mother of Janet and Judith. Meeting for Worship, 2.30pm Grandmother and great-grandmoth- Sunday 20 December. Then carols/ er. Member of Bury St. Edmunds mince pies. Details: chrisb.jones88@ Meeting, formerly of Bardfield, btinternet.com or 01295 262306. Watford, Jesus Lane Cambridge and Wanstead. Aged 98. Funeral at West BYM SUSTAINABILITY Suffolk Crematorium 11.15am CONFERENCE 18-20 March 2016, Tuesday 22 December. Memorial Swanwick, Derbyshire. Practical, Meeting to be held at Bardfield spiritual and community dimensions FMH in the New Year. of becoming low carbon and sustain- able. Ensure your area meeting Edward Richard HINTON sends someone. Book by 29 January 6 December, peacefully at Sewel at www.quaker.org.uk/events. House, Winscombe. Husband of Details from 01865 244193 or Joyce. Member of Sidcot Meeting. [email protected] Sidcot Old Scholar. Aged 100. Memorial Meeting 2pm Wednesday QUAKER CENTRES GATHERING 30 December at Sidcot FMH. 20-22 January, Woodbrooke and Priory Rooms, Birmingham. For colleagues from large meeting houses, PLEASE NOTE residential centres and conference From 1 January 2016 the fee for venues to discuss “relationships with notices on this page will be £25, customers, colleagues and partners” to include a copy of the maga- based on Quaker values. Contact zine. Details 01535 630230. [email protected]

Human Writes is a long established and internationally respected humanitarian organisation befriending prisoners on Death Row in the USA through letter writing. Over 3000 prisoners are currently held in harsh, lonely condi- tions, and letters from the outside world are often their only contact while they await their execution dates. In the words of a prisoner “Human Writes brought our paths together and for that I will be forever grateful. I now have someone to share my hopes and fears with and I know that when my time comes, someone will care.” And in the words of a UK penfriend “My penfriend’s strength and positive attitude in such inhumane conditions are a real example to me and a timely reminder of my own blessings when I get upset about minor problems.” To learn more about joining our organisation or becoming a penfriend, please send an SAE to: Human Writes, 4 Lacey Grove, Wetherby LS22 6RL e-mail [email protected] or visit www.humanwrites.org

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 25 18 Dec 15/12/15 11:53 Page 8

For how to advertise please contact Classified advertisements George Penaluna, address below. 54a Main St, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL T&F: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] for sale & to let CORNWALL, 14TH CENTURY COTTAGE volunteers overlooking sea. £190-220 pw. Short HISTORIC HOUSE FOR SALE breaks. www.wix.com/beryldestone/ cornishcottage 0117 951 4384. Quaker Dwelling House, 17th Century, AIRTON MEETING next to Uttoxeter Meeting House in town centre (ST14 8EY). RESIDENT FRIEND COTSWOLDS. Spacious barn conversion In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales in Charlbury near Woodstock. Sleeps 2+. Grade ll listed, three bedrooms, many period Voluntary position for a Resident Friend Woodburner. Lovely walking. 01608 features, needs modernising. £195,000. or couple, with cottage accommodation 811558. [email protected]. Trustee contact 07734 203321. provided, to help support and sustain our www.cotswoldsbarn.com Agent, John German 01889 567444. small Meeting and be part of our spiritual and social life. NORTHUMBERLAND COAST. Comfort- Also involves helping with local Quaker able cottage. Views of Lindisfarne. Sleeps miscellaneous outreach and managing use of The Barn 2-7. £280-£320 incl. Graham, 9 Kyle Cres, for community purposes, overnight Cardiff CF14 1ST. Tel. 029 2069 2166. accommodation, etc. www.farneviewcottage.co.uk FRIENDS FELLOWSHIP OF HEALING Following in the footsteps of George Fox, Further details from Wilf Fenten, the FFH seeks to restore the Quaker Appointments Committee Convenor OLD SCHOOLHOUSE, ERROGIE, in tradition of healing. 01223 243452. [email protected] southern hills above Loch Ness. Warm, www.quaker-healing.org.uk Closing date: 29 January 2016 welcoming and peaceful. Perfect place to explore Highlands. Sleeps 4. Tel: 01456 486 774; email heather-macleod@ HELPFUL EMPLOYMENT ADVICE btconnect.com PASSIVHAUS PH15 KIT for Quaker employers (and employees) is Energy efficient timber frame houses available at www.quaker.org.uk/employers ORKNEY, WEST MANSE, WESTRAY. to bespoke designs. or by phoning Richard Summers, Quaker Large, warm, welcoming Manse, looking Suitable for self-build or group Life general secretary, on 020 7663 1096. towards Nova Scotia. Plus Hobbit House. custom-build. Unique architect, energy Sustainable accommodation on sustainable modelling and builder collaboration. island. Sleeps from 1 to 13. MfW. Sandy 01857 677482. www.westmanse.co.uk www.passivhaushomes.co.uk where to stay or email [email protected] GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS SIMPLE PEACE AND QUIET. Cornwall, cottage on smallholding. Sleeps two. Sea THE PRIORY ROOMS B&B AT WOODBROOKE, BIRMINGHAM. view. Phone 01736 763803. Explore Birmingham and the Midlands Meeting and conference facilities or relax in 10 acres of gardens and in central Birmingham. THE DELL HOUSE, MALVERN. Regency woodland. Close to Bournville and public Comfortable, flexible accommodation transport. Wonderful library, delicious house in two acres garden. B&B and Self- catering. Groups of 6-20 welcome. with a full range of support facilities meals, Friendly welcome. Great value. and optional hospitality packages. Book at www.woodbrooke.org.uk or call www.thedellhouse.co.uk 01684 564448. 0121 472 5171. See www.theprioryrooms.co.uk TRANQUIL NORFOLK VILLAGE. Artist’s Tel. 0121 236 2317 EDINBURGH. City centre accommodation cottage, near Blakeney. Accommodates 5. [email protected] at Emmaus House. Tel. 0131 228 1066. Beamed sittingroom, three bedrooms. www.emmaushouse-edinburgh.co.uk Sunny garden. Orchard. Sailing, fishing, walking, great birdwatching. Available all PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANCY Email: [email protected] &TAXATION SERVICE Scottish charity SC042957. year. 07731 842259. www.thornage.com Quaker Accountant offers friendly OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS service countrywide. HEALING AND RELAXATION RETREATS Self-assessment & small businesses. Claridge House Quaker Centre in beautiful Surrey countryside. Vegetarian/special diets. PORTUGAL. National Park. Spacious Richard Platt, Grainger & Platt See www.claridgehousequaker.org.uk or house in unspoilt coastal village; optional Chartered Certified Accountants call 01342 832150. cottage. Gardens, pool. Accommodates 2- 3 Fisher Street, Carlisle CA3 8RR 8. Secluded beaches, fishing, cliff-top Telephone 01228 521286 COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING walks, riding, birdwatching. Available all [email protected] year. 07731 842259, www.vilad.com www.grainger-platt.co.uk 1652 COUNTRY, HOWGILL, SEDBERGH. Comfortable 4 star holiday cottages in STUDY TOURS QLGF, A WELCOMING LGBT NETWORK Yorkshire Dales National Park overlooking supporting Ffriends of all sexual or gender Firbank Fell. Walks and Quaker trails from LIVE ADVENTUROUSLY! Join Quaker identities nationally, with events and local the door. Bed & Breakfast also available. Service and Study Tour 17 July - 1 August groups. Contact Roy Vickery, 9 Terrapin www.AshHiningFarm.co.uk 2016; meet some of Bolivia’s 30,000+ Court, Terrapin Road, London SW17 8QW. Jim Mattinson 07774 281767. indigenous Quakers experiencing dramatic [email protected] life changes. See projects of Quaker A WARM PEMBROKESHIRE WELCOME Bolivia Link (qbl.org). Volunteer with WRITING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY? awaits you in 2 cosy well equipped students of Bolivian Quaker Education Books typeset for your family’s pleasure. cottages each sleeps 4. Woodburners, Fund (bqef.org). Talk with leaders. Learn Photos and other graphics can be included. sea views, coastal path 2 miles. 01348 and grow. Machu Picchu option. Contact Trish on 01223 363435. 891286. [email protected] www.TreasuresoftheAndes.com [email protected] www.stonescottages.co.uk 00 1 707 823 6034 (8 hours behind GMT). Other printed material also prepared.

26 the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 18 Dec 15/12/15 11:53 Page 9

Quaker Life Outreach Development Officer Salary: £31,407pa. Contract: Permanent. Hours 35 hrs per week Talking Friends Location: Friends House, Euston Road, London NW1 Charity no: 299656 An exciting opportunity has arisen to work with Friends and meetings The Friend, Quaker Voices, Friends to support and encourage them in their outreach, manage the delivery Quarterly, Quaker News and of Quaker Week and a range of other key outreach projects. You will Towards Wholeness are recorded by also oversee the development and distribution of a range of leaflets Friends for visually impaired Friends. and resources to enable and encourage Quaker outreach. We aim to keep subscribers in touch with the life and work of the Religious We are seeking an enthusiastic colleague with a thorough knowledge Society of Friends. of and sympathy with the aims and values of the Religious Society of Friends. The successful applicant will be a good communicator We make high quality digital record- with excellent facilitation, presentation and administrative skills who ings and post them to subscribers. will make a creative and imaginative contribution to the work of the We can supply you with a free player if required, to be used with the Outreach team. memory stick for easy listening. Closing date: Monday 4 January 2016 - 5pm. Subscription rates are shown on our Interviews: Friday 22 January 2016 website: www.talkingfriends.org.uk For further details and information on how to apply visit Enquiries www.quaker.org.uk/jobs Alan Johnson (Convener) [email protected] Registered charity no: 1127633. Tel: 0121 476 0217 Harbour House Residential Care Home “The house of smiles” Harbour House is a residential care home for the independent elderly focusing on encouragement, confidence, support and laughter. A recent respite visitor referred to us as ‘The house of smiles.’ We have 31 en-suite bedrooms including 1 en suite respite room and 2 flats, which can accommodate up to 29 individuals and 3 couples. Created and built by a local Quaker, Eileen Morland, over 50 years ago, we continue to work to her philosophy of creating a community promoting inclusion and independence. The support team consists of over 55 staff who are all based locally. The team provide quality care, menu planning, catering, domestic and maintenance support. Our dining experience is something both residents and staff pride themselves on. All our food is fresh, local and cooked to the highest standard with a three course lunch every day. We can cater for any diet and ensure our menus are varied and interesting. Our homemade cakes and cream teas are delicious! To learn more about living at Harbour House or coming for a respite stay please call us on 01308 423277 You’re welcome to pop in for a chat and a cup of tea at any time, no appointment needed. www.westbayhousing.co.uk [email protected] West Bay Housing Society Ltd, Harbour House, George Street, Bridport, Dorset DT6 4EY

the Friend, 18 & 25 December 2015 27 Ramallah ad 18 Dec v2 15/12/15 11:29 Page 1 vol ADVERTISEMENT DEPT EDITORIAL 173 54a Main Street 173 Euston Road Cononley, Keighley London NW1 2BJ BD20 8LL T 020 7663 1010 No

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

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

Joyce Ajlouny Director

Ramallah Friends School