1 May 2015 £1.80 the discover the contemporaryFriend quaker way

Quaker Living action on out housing our faith the Friend Independent Quaker Journalism Since 1843

Contents VOL 173 NO 18

3 Thought for the Week: 16 Tax justice Be the message Richard Murphy Ian Kirk-Smith 17 Worship God, don’t use God 4-5 The housing crisis: Peter Speirs putting faith into action 18 The Book of Discipline Dorothy Hamilton Rhiannon Grant 6-7 News 19 New series: Gleanings 8 Bearing the keys The holy mountain Harvey Gillman Laurie Michaelis 9 Space for the Spirit? 20 q-eye: a look at the Quaker world Paul Parker and Helen Drewery 22 Promises and plain speaking 10-11 Letters Roland Carn 12-13 Where to for religion? 24 Friends & Meetings Gillian Metheringham 14-15 Quakers and the European Union: Cover image: the future Photo: Joey / flickr CC. Oliver Robertson See pages 4-5.

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2 the Friend, 1 May 2015 Thought for the Week

Be the message

iving out our faith in the world’ is the theme of this year’s Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM). It follows three years in which BYM addressed the question: ‘What it means to be a Quaker today’. The themes represent ‘Ltwo sides of the same coin. It is impossible to imagine one without the other. William Penn urged Friends to be ‘possessors as well as professors of the truth…’ It is instructive to consider what it means to ‘profess’ today. George Fox travelled the length and breadth of England preaching – professing – a message with enormous personal conviction. This Yearly Meeting will celebrate a different kind of preaching: one that Quakers value and cherish. Early Friends lived out their faith in the late 1660s by acting on principle. They endured, in doing so, the most grievous persecution. Joseph Besse has meticulously recorded it in A Collection of the Sufferings of the People called Quakers. Later, released from this persecution and able to act with openness and generosity, Friends chose to live out their faith in the world through an active witness. This witness, grounded in a deep personal transformation, was rooted in their experience of an Inward Light and nurtured in the gathered stillness of Meeting of Worship. The professing became putting faith into action. Quakers have always put their shoulder to the wheel in addressing injustice and inequality. In the nineteenth century, Elizabeth Fry was appalled by what she saw in prisons and was convinced that ‘there is a sphere of usefulness open to all.’ Paul Parker and Helen Drewery cite other examples in their article in this issue. ‘Living out’ requires action on issues of concern. It demands focused and organised activity. The local Quaker initiatives, described in this issue, which address housing need today, are a wonderful example of this kind of service. As William Penn, in 1682, said: ‘True godliness don’t turn men out of the world but enables them to live better in it and excites their endeavours to mend it…’ There are, of course, many ways of ‘living out’ or ‘professing’. Living out our faith also requires an attention to the everyday, to ordinary encounters, to how we treat people at work, at home, at Meeting, at leisure. Quaker faith & practice is a treasure trove of inspiration – an endless well to dip into for wisdom and guidance. Many quotes celebrate Friends who lived their lives, at an everyday level, in a spirit of love and tenderness: ‘Our beloved Friend was a man of few talents… he grew up in piety and virtue, and became an encouraging example of true Christian simplicity, humility, meekness, self-denial and universal charity’ (Quaker faith & practice 18.01). These ‘ordinary’ lives, transformed by the Inward Light, can be extraordinary in their gentle impact and tender influence. They are inspiring. We need to remember that the most enduring way to profess the Quaker message is to ‘be the message’ in the way we live our lives and treat people.

Ian Kirk-Smith Editor of the Friend

the Friend, 1 May 2015 3 Living out our faith The housing crisis: putting faith into action

‘It is always a joy to see an applicant’s face light up…’ Photo: Joey / flickr CC. / flickr Photo: Joey

Dorothy Hamilton reports on how Friends in Britain have been putting Quaker property to good use in imaginative social housing projects

inchester Meeting is housed in a large, smooth sailing. Much time and effort has gone into late-eighteenth-century building, set in a working out how to finance the house on our modest beautiful garden, close to the historic city rents, and our warden works hard to increase our Wcentre. Its upper two floors are occupied by a warden’s other house income from hiring rooms for meetings or flat and seven rooms, which are let to residents who counselling. have housing needs. In fact, the house was purchased, Over the years we have created a restorative and in 1973, with the express purpose of serving this dual peaceful place to live, centred in communal spaces use. The purchase was driven by the vision of Friends like the kitchen and garden. These offer friendly areas who were aware of the severe housing needs around for people to meet and to engage in community-based them, even in a relatively privileged city. Following a activities. Our house manager says: ‘It is always a joy to recent refurbishment of the building, our project has see an applicant’s face light up on being told they have a been given a fresh lease of life. place in the house.’ We are now, also, discovering ways in which other Meetings in Britain are putting their Dedicated work property to good use for housing.

Winchester Social Housing Project lets its rooms at Addressing local needs modest rents to people who are homeless or have other housing needs, but who have a reasonable chance, given Two initiatives, at Hemel Hempstead and Ross-on-Wye time in a supportive environment, to get their lives Meetings, are typical of smaller projects where flats have onto a more sustainable footing. Tenants are referred by been created in existing buildings. Helpfully, the former various social agencies, in particular Winchester Night has a gardener and the latter a cleaner in residence, who Shelter, and any professional support needed is provided are employed by the Meeting for their services! by those referrers or other agencies. Rents are paid by Tunbridge Wells Meeting, like Winchester, has a large the tenants or by housing benefit. Most are short-term house in an area usually thought of as privileged, but tenancies, initially of six months, and are renewable, if where Friends have become aware of acute housing needed, for terms of up to a year or occasionally more. need. Friends at the Meeting are working on a project The project’s success is largely due to the dedicated similar to Winchester’s, but with a particular focus on work of members of the Meeting. It has not all been the young.

4 the Friend, 1 May 2015 The intention in Tunbridge Wells is to create ten single- Larger housing trusts occupancy flats to provide ‘move-on’ accommodation: affordable housing for young people moving from the Besides these comparatively small-scale ventures, there care of local agencies to eventual independence. This are a number of larger housing trusts and associations will be done whilst still preserving part of the building inspired by, or closely related to, Quakers: in some as the Meeting house. Friends have teamed up with cases these are still actively administered by Friends. Habitat for Humanity and West Kent YMCA to form Wensleydale and Swaledale Quaker Trust inherited the aptly named Stepping Stone Housing Partnership. a legacy of property and land over several centuries. Some of the prospective tenants may be able to help Some of it has been let to local people in need who are with the conversion, as Habitat for Humanity train connected with Quakers. volunteers to help with building and decoration! In the A Swarthmoor trust owns seven residential properties, words of one young person with first-hand experience let on a similar basis to that of social housing. Keswick of the gap in provision this project aims to meet: ‘If Community Housing Trust was set up by Churches you have something to bridge the gap, it makes the Together following a survey that exposed the effect transition much smoother and means people will start on local people of high house prices, second homes out with way more confidence.’ and the scarcity of affordable housing; throughout, Bournemouth and Fordingbridge Meeting intends Quakers have played a leading part, both financially to do a similar project, this time by demolishing the and administratively, and a Quaker now chairs the current Meeting house and raising a bigger property in Trust. The lack of housing locally impacts, especially, the large garden. Dundee Meeting plans to move from on the young, for whom the Trust provides low cost their current Meeting house and convert it into two rented and shared-ownership homes. These are both flats. They intend to let the flats to people with mental occupied and planned and there are thirty-seven in health problems and hope to work in partnership with all. The Trust’s website offers moving insights into the Penumbra, a Scottish charity concerned with improving hardships they are alleviating. mental wellbeing. Crawley Friends Housing Association was founded in the 1960s when it was realised the extent to which Quaker Social Action loneliness features in a ‘New Town’. A booklet describing Camfield, the residential house built on the land round Quaker Social Action, in East London, is working the Meeting house, explains the dual achievement toward the provision of shared housing for local young not only of giving people a home in the house, but of people. This project will, hopefully, be up and running providing imaginative ways of building links with the this year. It will provide not only a roof over their heads community. It is inspiring to read. A resident says: for some young people – for up to two years – but will ‘Meeting people here has made me realise what a simple also ‘support, help them set goals, get them going’. and humane solution the building of Camfield has been Ipswich and Diss Meeting owns a large listed to the problem of mental illness caused by artificial commercial building. They were unable to obtain isolation following the disruption of family life.’ permission for a ‘change of use’ to social housing. Interestingly, the project has moved from offering a Instead, they have let it on generous terms to Designer ‘home for life’ to now taking only those in need of a Makers 21, an innovative venture that promotes local transition period. This emphasis echoes that of schemes designers and craftspeople. Diss Corn Hall Trust like the one at Winchester and other Meetings, and comments: ‘What is special about the project is not is emerging as a blueprint for the future. They are just the chance for people making unique and beautiful a practical response to the increasingly dire lack of objects to work together, but that the public can come housing provision. in and buy work from the makers themselves and see Finding out how Friends in Britain have been putting how the pieces are made.’ their property to good use has been a fascinating Other Meetings, including those at Wisbech, Wells- exploration of an important area of Quaker concern. We next-the-Sea, Mid-Thames and Southern Marches, let have been inspired to discover so much variety, vision properties at ‘commercial’ rates; but it is noticeable, and dedicated work. In the background, the Quaker when one talks with the occupants, how much they Housing Trust provides many projects with financial appreciate the Quaker ethos and management, while and other support. We hope this brief contribution will acknowledging that rents are always kept very fair. encourage more Friends to take the plunge into social Similarly, Meetings such as Bath, rather than let as housing and similar projects. social housing, employ an agent to do their letting. As a result the Meeting has money to spend on other Quaker Dorothy is a member of, and writing on behalf of, activities. Winchester Meeting.

the Friend, 1 May 2015 5 News Mansfield trail celebrates Quaker links A new Quaker heritage trail was launched on Saturday 25 April in Mansfield. The trail includes a number of local sites of significance to Quakers. Among them are almshouses, whose first residents included Friends, and the site of George Fox’s home when he was an apprentice shoemaker. Although originally from Leicestershire, George Fox lived in Mansfield from the 1640s onwards. It was during his time in the town that he is said to have had the calling to form a new religion. A memorial plaque was unveiled at the site of the former Meeting house and burial ground. The old Meeting house, where Mansfield’s Quakers had met since the seventeenth century, was demolished in the 1970s. The site is now home to Mansfield’s bus station,

completed in 2013. During construction work a burial Photo: Andrew Edis. ground was uncovered. It is now known to be the final Lynn Morris as Elizabeth Hooton; theology students from resting place for approximately 150 Quakers, who were Nottingham University; Laura Simpson, senior heritage officer, buried there between the 1700s and 1950s. Ralph Holt, Mansfield Meeting; and councillor Joyce Bosnjak. The memorial plaque remembers those Quakers of the headstones in a Garden of Reflection, who were buried in the burial ground and whose adjacent to the new Friends Meeting house, remains now lie in Mansfield Cemetery and some where Mansfield’s Quaker community meets today. Book of mental health experiences to launch at Yearly Meeting The Quaker Life Network’s newly published the Quaker Life Network’s Mental Health in Meetings Encounters with mental distress: Quaker stories will be Cluster Core Group. The Cluster arose out of a launched on Saturday 2 May at Yearly Meeting. growing interest and concern about mental health. The book is a collection of Friends’ stories about The gathering of stories began with an article in the their individual experiences, along with those of Friend on 24 May 2013 in which Isobel Lane wrote about carers and others within Meeting. It is the work of her own experiences and invited others to send in theirs.

BYM overflow room introduced Plight of migrants raised Sessions at Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM) will this year be Paul Parker, recording clerk of Britain relayed via an audiovisual link to an overflow room in Friends Yearly Meeting, has written to the prime House. minister to express Quakers’ concern at The initiative is one of a number that have been introduced as the plight of migrants trying to cross the Yearly Meeting meets for the first time in the newly refurbished Mediterranean. Large Meeting House. It is also the first time that an audio-visual In the open letter, he described Quakers link has been used at Friends House for Yearly Meeting. in Britain as being ‘shocked and angered The facility has been added because a large number of Friends by the needless deaths of thousands of are expected to attend, following the success of Yearly Meeting desperate people in the Mediterranean in Gathering last year in Bath. Friends are not required to register recent months’. for Yearly Meeting, so attendee numbers are, as yet, unknown. He wrote: ‘We urge you as our prime Friends House have also announced that access has been minister, in your work with other improved. The recent refurbishment has created easier access to European leaders, to ensure that Britain, the floor level in the Large Meeting House. There will also be one of the richest countries in the better access to the stage for everyone and improved acoustics. world, plays its part in preventing these The lift for disabled access to the top level has not yet been unnecessary drownings and addressing installed. the economic inequality and violence Guided tours of the Large Meeting House will take place on which leads to these desperate attempts to Friday 1 May. reach a new home.’

6 the Friend, 1 May 2015 [email protected]

Gloucestershire Quakers in dialogue with candidates A survey sent out by Friends to general election in a time of cuts. Conservative and UKIP candidates candidates across Gloucestershire elicited some highlighted the relative smallness of UK spend on unexpected responses. defence compared to that of the US. The renewal of Candidates from four of the five political parties Trident prompted a range of responses, with a Labour running for election in the county refused to reject representative stressing the potential difficulty of out of hand the possibility of a link between the UK’s finding alternative employment in a county currently investment in armaments and current levels of violence reliant on building armaments. around the world. Only the Green Party representatives ‘To us politics is not just for politicians, and not only saw a clear link. One candidate argued that ‘it is people, about the election. We want to be in active dialogue with not armaments that cause violence’. candidates about topics that matter to social justice and a Friends asked candidates to justify defence spending peaceful world,’ said Cheltenham Friend Alison Crane. ‘Paying for Society’ hustings draws large audience to Friends House Britain Yearly Meeting’s second hustings Suggestions for tackling income inequality included attracted more than 200 people. It took place in the compelling companies to make public the ratio Large Meeting House on Tuesday 21 April. between their highest and lowest paid staff, and All five main parties were represented. They faced cracking down on tax avoidance. questions about homeless provision, the rise in The NHS was a matter of contention. The UKIP income inequality and whether they would repeal the candidate said that it suffered from ‘uncontrolled Health & Social Care Act. immigration’ and suggested that it was ‘only safe’ in Candidates were also asked for their thoughts on his party’s hands, while the Labour representative the position of women, who are increasingly found at argued that it couldn’t function without immigrants. the bottom of the pay gap and are disproportionately The Liberal Democrat candidate suggested that, affected by austerity cuts. whilst amendments may be necessary, ‘another The issue of homelessness, in particular, divided reorganisation is not what’s needed’. the five candidates. The Conservative Party candidate The Green Party candidate expressed concern that felt that ‘state, charities and faith groups’ should share Universal Credit would put money into one person’s responsibility, with help from personal donations. The hands per household, usually the man’s. UKIP candidate argued that the solution would be for Contributions from the floor were lively the UK to leave the European Union. throughout. New charge challenged Young people explore life’s challenges QARN, the Quaker Asylum and Refugee The problems of identity and stereotyping were among those Plight of migrants raised Network, is calling on Friends to help it addressed at a Quaker event in Huddersfield on 19 April when challenge the government over new charges forty young people met to share and discuss the issues they face for renewing discretionary leave to remain today. The event, ‘Young people, peace and community’, was status for asylum seekers. organised by the Northern Friends Peace Board (NFPB) as part of The charges came into effect overnight its work on ‘Building Peace in Diverse Britain’.. The participants, last month (April). Applicants previously who were between fourteen and nineteen years old, were drawn had to fill in a fifteen-page form free of from young people’s groups in Blackburn, Huddersfield and Bolton. charge. The new system means that they They represented a range of faiths, cultures and communities. are now faced with a thirty-two-page form Over the course of the day, participants shared experiences and a charge of £649 per person. from the viewpoints of their groups and took part in one-to- Applicants must also pay £600 one dialogues on a range of issues. A number of particularly per person for the newly introduced challenging themes were explored in greater depth. These included Immigration Health Surcharge. Asylum issues of identity and stereotyping, relationships with police, seekers without a Biometric Residence political engagement, employment and the importance of young Permit (introduced three years ago) will people working together across boundaries. pay an extra £40 each. ‘The project has aimed to promote awareness of approaches to QARN described the changes as ‘a working positively for change and to support people involved in sinister revolution’, and Bridget Walker such work. Previous events have looked at dialogue and the roots of of QARN told the Friend that the human conflict, raising awareness of a range of initiatives and projects that impact of the changes ‘will be disastrous’. seek to address these’, NFPB coordinator Philip Austin told the Friend.

the Friend, 1 May 2015 7 Reflection Bearing the keys

Harvey Gillman reflects on identity, place and loss

n March I visited the Jewish Museum in Seville: just three rooms, lots of text and a few well-displayed artefacts; among the latter, in a box by itself, was an ornate key. After a century of persecution, the Jews Iwere expelled from Spain in 1492. It is said that many of the families carried away into exile the keys of their houses, dreaming that one day they would return to their beloved Sepharad, the Hebrew name for Spain. For hundreds of years they held on to their antiquated Spanish, known as Ladino, their beautiful music, soon to be tinged with elements from the countries where they settled and their poetry of yearning for the land they lost. Recently, in atonement, the Spanish government offered citizenship to their descendants. Many exiled Palestinians also bear the keys of the homes from which they were expelled. Their love for the land, likewise, is expressed in poetry and music. Their children long to see again the places where their parents were born and their ancestors buried. In Spain, today, there is a trend to reclaim the old juderías – the old Jewish quarters which were always close to the cathedral under the oversight of the local bishops. Sceptics may claim that this trend is just a way of promoting tourism, but it is also a way of reclaiming a complex identity, the contribution of diverse communities to the life of the national culture. In Israel today, many of the Palestinian areas are buried under new housing, partly in an attempt to simplify or cover over the diversity of those who have lived there for generations. The hotel in which we stayed was just around the corner from a street whose name I recognised as the scene of a massacre of Jews in 1391. Ironically, it is called the Street of the Two Sisters. Jews and Palestinians are two sisters bearing keys, many of whom are unable to see each other behind the pain of their histories. In both cases the old houses have, for the most part, disappeared; ancient settlements have been buried and rebuilt under new unfamiliar names – most of the old synagogues in Spain became churches; many of the Palestinian villages were ploughed over, their names obliterated by the new inhabitants. The old keys do not open new doors, however precious the bearing of the keys may be in the construction of memory and identity. New keys are needed to unlock the protected fortress of the human

Photo: Zylenia / flickr CC. Photo: Zylenia / flickr heart.

Harvey is a member of Brighton Meeting.

8 the Friend, 1 May 2015 Britain Yearly Meeting

Space for the Spirit?

Paul Parker and Helen Drewery reflect on the theme of this year’s Britain Yearly Meeting: ‘Living out our faith in the world’

or Yearly Meeting 2015 we have been given marriage has, in almost all of Britain, reached the statute the gift of space: the precious temporal space book, less than six years after the deep experience of of three days to spend in Meeting for Worship Yearly Meeting 2009. Yet those six years built on the Ftogether, in prayerful listening for the will of God for foundations of fifty previous years of careful reflection our community; the spiritual space of an uncrowded and spiritual discernment before we could reach that agenda, with room to discern what is required of us; strong sense of corporate unity we found in York. and the remarkable physical space of the new Large How can we respond, as a Quaker community Meeting House to accommodate us together in our grounded in faith, to the issues we see around us now? work and worship. Can we, in our silent waiting, recognise for what they The matter before the Yearly Meeting, ‘Living out are the injustices and iniquities which are woven into the our faith in the world’, goes right to the heart of what it fabric of society, and name them for the world to see? means to be a Quaker today. ‘Faith, by itself, if it does Will we, from our grounding in the gathered stillness not have works, is dead’ (James 2:17). What use is our of our Meeting for Worship, emerge emboldened, faith, if we don’t do something with it? equipped for the struggle and valiant for justice? Not To be faithful implies not just a willingness to be led for us, the glib excuses – ‘the world has always been by the Spirit, but a determination to remain true to our this way’. Not for us, the quick fix – ‘if we just do this, calling: both loyalty and steadfastness. Quaker work in it’ll be fine for a bit longer’. Not for us, the ducking of the world has, over time, acquired a reputation for being responsibility – ‘someone really should do something ‘in it for the long haul’. The decades-long campaign for about that’. Where are we led to act, to speak out, to help the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, our long- to build a better alternative? held stance against sexual inequality and the centuries The Kingdom of Heaven stretches out around us, of our testimony to peace are good examples of this. close enough to touch, but still out of reach – here At this Yearly Meeting we will hear about another with us now but still so far away. What commitment example. Housing became a deep Quaker concern can we make to heal the world? Are we prepared, am I at Yearly Meeting level over eighty years ago, leading prepared, to follow our guide wherever it may lead us? subsequently to the formation of the Quaker Housing To do whatever it takes? To live faithfully, and to remain Trust (QHT) and to many inspiring local schemes faithful? To rededicate ourselves to the ‘Lamb’s War’? To around the country, which have provided homes for repay the gift of space with the promise of action? thousands of people. As QHT points out, it’s not just about bricks and mortar – having a secure home is fundamental to being able to live a full life. Many Friends have given – and continue to give – years of patient and Helen is a member of South London Area Meeting and is faithful service bringing such initiatives to fruition. Yet general secretary of Quaker Peace & Social Witness. the shortage of decent housing remains acute. Sometimes we can celebrate – as we can at this Paul is a member of Thaxted Area Meeting, and is Yearly Meeting, now that our concern for equality in recording clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting.

the Friend, 1 May 2015 9 Letters All views expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the Friend

Which way to vote? org.uk) have been recording Quaker journals since Are you still undecided which way to vote at the the late 1980s. They offer subscribers access to a general election? Or, if you think you know which library service. They are currently in the process of party to support, how sure are you that its policies transferring recordings from audio cassettes into really are the nearest to what you believe? digital formats. Then visit voteforpolicies.org.uk and encourage Their range of recordings depends on their resources others to do the same. So far, 565,000 people have of volunteers and funding. tested themselves on this site (in 2015). It is funded by Alan Johnson and Chris Love’s article gives more well-wishers and the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust detail about this service. and is entirely independent. It is a valiant attempt to Please think how your Meeting’s literature can be reinvigorate our electoral system. made more accessible to all who might want to read it. This site allows you to do a ‘blind’ comparison of the Jackie Fowler policies of the main parties – you do not know which Telford Meeting, Shropshire policies belong to which party as you decide which policies you agree with most. Grow acceptance All effects of conscious or unconscious bias are thus I was pleased to read ‘How do we grow acceptance?’ by removed. You can select one or more policy areas that Alan Johnson and Chris Love (24 April) and support are of most interest to you. ‘The policies come from their advice to Friends to help those with visual the political parties themselves – in their own words… difficulties. It is important that we do not alter any of the wording Mention is also made of Friends with hearing so that the style and tone of each political party is difficulties. I understand their difficulties and ask retained.’ (FAQ section) Friends in all Meetings (Meeting for Worship, Business Importantly, the site also says: ‘We will be creating Meetings and committees) to speak clearly, to stand a follow-up service to track the performance of where appropriate, to speak to the Meeting – not to whichever party (or coalition of parties) is elected, your neighbour and certainly not to the floor. and report on their progress against their manifesto The saying ‘Our Friend is not heard’ should be used promises… we believe… that focusing on policies can more often! help bring our democracy back into the hands of the Christine M Johnson p e op l e .’ 37 Blackthorn Close, Bournville, Birmingham B30 I have also written a brief paper with ideas for and 1SB against tactical voting, which might interest some people. I am happy to send this to enquirers. Housing and humanity (24 April) Daniel Wimberley The promises of the political parties so far will not [email protected] solve the housing crisis. Dealing with empty homes Bamford Quaker Community will be a great help if they are serious, but there are also about 750,000 ‘second’ homes. In addition, Is your Meeting’s library available to all? according to Helen Mercer (Observer 16 September Reading matter in audio format gives access to those 2012): ‘The top 250,000 households have eight or more who cannot hold and/or see printed matter, even in rooms per person… while the median is 1.88’ – less large print. It may also be the choice of those who than two! prefer to use their hands and eyes for driving, ironing To rely on the construction of new houses and and so on. ‘competition’ is to wait for people to die – utterly Some may wish to listen while walking or running. inadequate. In wartime, scarce resources were So, audio reading is useful for many of us but is the rationed. only option for some. For extended reading, the What about a housing ‘quota’ of enough square human voice is much easier on the ear than the sort of metres per person? Those with much less than their electronic voice produced by modern technology. quota would be subsidised by those with significantly Please think about expanding your Meeting’s reading more. The measure would result in some wealth matter to include audio versions wherever these are redistribution. It would also provide a strong incentive available. When buying literature, if we always ask for well-housed people to release space for those in suppliers and publishers for audio versions as well, the desperate need. extent of interest will become apparent with the hope Within one parliament, there could be a very that supply will respond to demand. different housing picture. Where commercially-produced audio material is Joe Burlington not available, Talking Friends (http://talkingfriends. Ilminster Meeting, Somerset

10 the Friend, 1 May 2015 [email protected]

The plight of asylum seekers fun. But then, at the end of a busy week, we test drove It was rather upsetting – in view of the extent to which cars C and R. I appreciated being at a memorial service (there was Both had the fun and comfort factors, and both more than one) for Richard III – to learn that they had were either ‘A’ or ‘B’ rated. Interestingly, both were displaced asylum seekers from shelter in the cathedral French and also stressed their manufacture was (10 April). I very much doubt that Richard would have environmentally sensitive. We eventually settled for approved. As a legislator he was particularly concerned the ECO petrol model of car R, rated ‘B’, feeling uneasy with looking after the needs of the poor. about the ‘A’ rated version. This was powered by diesel Arthur Kincaid and leaked polluting particulates, which are not good Colthouse Meeting, North Yorkshire for children and living beings. While probably the sixth car we have ever Dealing with evil purchased, paying much greater heed to its In his forthright letter (24 April) Colin Rendall asks environmental impact was a new experience for us. for suggestions on the problem of the Islamic State, We wonder if this is also true for other Friends? but, Catch 22, he seems to exclude consideration of a Mic Morgan and Chrissy Allott look back. Exeter Meeting, Devon In the Kindertransport, Quakers expressed their compassion towards refugees and, more recently, the Online criticism British people welcomed Ugandan Asians expelled by I am afraid Peter Tatchell raises an important Idi Amin. point (10 April). In many other organisations this Today, with the election looming, the political [disappointment that Quakers allowed Friends House response reflected in this week’s EU emergency in London to be used for an event hosted by an summit is full of weasel words and worse. Our own organisation that he says ‘supports Sharia executions’] politicians spoke of launching an attack on North would be considered a serious reputational issue. For African fishing vessels, comparing them to the old Quakers it is more serious as it challenges our deepest slave traders, and the home secretary opposed rescue values, which are far more complex than the right operations. to gather. The lettings policy of the Light should be The number of fleeing refugees, many of them straightened out before the Quaker preoccupation persecuted Christian women and children, is with property and money prevails. enormous. The more compassionate European At the Local Meeting I have just resigned from, countries are willing to assist with rescue efforts, but these matters ended up oppressing Friends, with many not to provide refuge. Since we are responsible for this leaving. That Meeting house was let weekly to a church unfolding tragedy, we must respond. There are many that openly professed homophobic values. Above all, in this country who would provide shelter, I for one, the burden of making money will break the Society. but the government has set a pitiful quota and has so Jane Evans far admitted less than 200. To respond may lose votes, [email protected] but we must reject the current policies and show our compassion. Tommy Gee In essentials unity, Diss Meeting, Norfolk in non-essentials liberty, Choosing a car in all things charity. This week we brought a new car. Though train and bus users too, we tend to also cover about 6,000 car The Friend welcomes your views. Please keep letters miles a year. Our present Ford Ka has only two doors short (about 250 words) and include your full and, now that we are five years older, a slightly bigger postal address, even when sending emails. Please car with four doors would be better for us, friends and specify whether you wish for your postal or email family. This time, though, there was a difference to our address or Meeting name to be used with your buying. name, otherwise we will print your post address or During test drives, one of us fell in love with car A, email address. Letters are published at the editor’s lively, comfy and fun, but then we realised it was only discretion and may be edited. Write to: the Friend, ‘E’ rated for environmental sustainability, so it would 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ or email be difficult to sleep easy with that as a purchase. Cars [email protected] Remember if you are online that you can also B and D, even if they were environmentally better for comment on all articles at www.thefriend.org driving gently over the world, lacked both comfort and

the Friend, 1 May 2015 11 Reflection

Where to for religion?

Gillian Metheringham makes a case for religion

ichard Dawkins is well known for doing battle success when it abandoned logic and rationality. But with religion in general, and with what he calls as conscious human beings, the landscape of our the ‘interventionist, miracle-wreaking, thought- experience is much wider than this. We take part not Rreading, sin-punishing, prayer-answering God of the only in intellectual pursuits but also in emotional Bible’ in particular (The God Delusion). It is perhaps and spiritual ones, making use of the broad range of no surprise that the ranks of those supporting him experiential tools our brain provides for us. Religion is have swelled recently as the toll of staggeringly brutal part of that landscape. atrocities committed by religious extremists rises. Benjamin Jones, writing in the Guardian recently, identifies a ‘deep hostility toward religion in society We experience the world generally’ and quotes a poll suggesting that over half of Britons now believe that religion does more harm in many ways and than good. As Quakers, it can be difficult to know how to on many levels respond to this. With other Quakers, we can share the reflections and inspiration we enjoy from our own approach to faith. But how can we defend religion to To understand the things that religion does, it is others, perhaps those outside any faith, and is it really useful to think about the things that people do, besides defensible in all its shapes and colours? How can we trying to understand facts about the real world. We answer those who suggest that perhaps religion is just experience the world in many ways and on many levels. too dangerous to have around – it’s time to reach for We feel emotions, and use them to achieve certain the science books and have done with religious faith ends. We look at artistic productions to stimulate our altogether? creativity, and we dance to help us feel more vibrant and alive. We work through difficult or problematic Why religion happens experiences, and find ways of reconciling our emotional responses with our more stable selves. I would like to reflect on this more in the spirit of We talk to each other about the things we believe in, anthropology than of faith, to make the argument and we teach them to our children. Complex concepts, accessible to those both inside and outside a religious such as moral truths, need powerful ways of asserting tradition. So, why do we practice religion at all? themselves. Seeing the devastation wrought by a terrible Anthropology tells us that this is a complex question, act of greed in a performance of Hamlet can have a far but here I would like to examine one strand of it. more lasting effect, regardless of whether or not the For many atheists, religion is just another way of audience believes in ghosts, than any sober sociological explaining reality, which abandoned the chance of account of why we shouldn’t commit murder.

12 the Friend, 1 May 2015 None of these things is about understanding the unrecognisable to many believers. Most Quakers find nuts and bolts of physical reality. They are about little similarity between the vengeful God pursued by understanding, and working with, ourselves, as whole Richard Dawkins and the illumination we wait for in human beings. The ways that we choose to do this are the silence of a gathered Meeting for Worship. as old as humanity itself: music, dance, drama, literature and athletics all play a part, but religion is a major force Extremism that often brings them all together. But what of those who use religion as a reason for intolerance, brutality and tyranny? Religious extremism is in a class on its own, and for many religious people Religion… provides a way it is a deeply disturbing one. It includes the belief that the facts as related in religious texts are all literally true, of managing our grief and fear and that it is acceptable – even necessary – to ensure that everyone accepts the same interpretation. Too much literalism can lead to bloody wars, terrible social injustices, the mindless indoctrination of children and Religion gives us ritual, dance and liturgy, which barbaric intolerance. pushes upon us powerfully at an emotional and physical But it would be quite wrong to suggest that this is, in level; it provides a way of managing our grief and fear some sense, the endpoint of all religious activity. Many within a grand narrative that offers deep reassurance; communities with a strong religious foundation have and it tells stories and parables that make us think and existed for centuries with no tendency to move towards are easy to pass on to others. The words ‘Yea, though what we would now see as extremism. I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil’ works on our souls at a sub-rational level like a piece of beautiful music, and is part of our ongoing dialogue with our inner selves. Religion is an essential and The human spirit inspirational part of our ability to When I went to Verona, I visited a house that is purported understand, control and live to be Juliet’s. Hundreds of little tokens fluttered in the courtyard. They were mainly handwritten notes: within our whole selves pinned to the trees, stuck to the door, fixed to almost every surface that could hold them. Every note was an appeal to Juliet to help in some aspect of the writer’s love life. Those who wish to behave in intolerant and I saw this as a wonderful example of the way the malevolent ways will find ways of doing it, and religion human spirit works. People were using the story of is not the only tool that has proved useful for this Juliet to work through aspects of their own journey purpose through history. During the Nazi era, science through love and loss. This is not exactly religion, was pressed very successfully into the service of malice but it is cousin to it. They wrote their notes because, in the form of racial theories. Those with cruel intent through the image of Juliet’s suffering, they understood will take elements of our current ways of living in the that they were not alone in their plight; or because the world and will use them to justify cruel acts. This can setting down of their fears on paper helped them come be done with religion, science, kinship rules, football, to terms with them; or because all the other fluttering language, politics and many other things. notes made them feel part of a community of people in So, I do not believe that religion does more harm the throes of a passion; or for any of many other reasons than good, although, along with science, it can be to do with living with and living in our whole selves. used to justify evil acts. Religion is an essential and For this reason, reaching for the science books as an inspirational part of our ability to understand, control alternative to religion just won’t cut the mustard. Science and live within our whole selves, and as such does a is good for understanding concrete facts; but it does great deal of good. rather badly at many other things. And this is where the spirit of scientific atheism fails, because it tries to constrain religion within a set of literalist boundaries. These make it look a bit like science but render it Gillian is a member of Blue Idol Meeting.

the Friend, 1 May 2015 13 Politics

Quakers and the European Union: the future

Oliver Robertson, in the second of two articles, continues his reflections on Friends’ relationship with Europe

he awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the the iniquities of the UK not being able to make its European Union (EU) in 2012 was widely own rules, or fears of how diminished Britain would mocked in Britain. Yet its achievements have be on the world stage if it stood apart from the rest of Tbeen among the most impressive of all Nobel laureates: the continent? building a sustainable and enduring peace across a continent that had, for centuries previously, been one A whole language has grown up around the EU of the bloodiest and most warlike in the world. that presents it as an unwelcome but dominating outsider. European laws are attacked for intruding into Since joining the Union, no EU member state ‘our’ lives and ‘forcing’ us to live the way ‘unelected has ever gone to war against another. The level of Eurocrats’ want. That British governments have – at a cooperation between European countries is great: from minimum – acquiesced to this is less widely advertised. beginning as a trading and customs bloc, cooperation Whenever the prime minister comes out of a Brussels has expanded to include the environment, justice summit and says ‘Europe made us do it’ those involved and even foreign affairs (at the United Nations, EU fail to add that (almost always) they, personally, have countries start work a couple of hours early because agreed to let Brussels make them do it. they need to agree a common position first before meeting with other nations). Euroscepticism

Economy and power There is a real issue about the alienation of large sections of the public from Europe. I became clerk to Perhaps because it has been so successful in this area, the Quaker Council for European Affairs (QCEA) last the peace achievements of the EU are almost totally year. Since then I have been told several times that ignored in debates about Europe. Instead, discussion British Quakers are more distant from the EU, and focuses on two main spoken issues – economy and more Eurosceptic, than Quakers in mainland Europe, power – and one half-spoken one – foreignness. just like the British population as a whole. Why? How often are statements and figures used to show how much economic benefit the EU has for Britain, I think some of this is geographic. When you are in or how much better off the UK would be if it was mainland Europe and you can find yourself in another outside Europe? How often do debates rage around country just by crossing the road, the boundaries do

14 the Friend, 1 May 2015 seem ridiculous. Some of it is historic, in particular most people’s main concern about Europe is that we the self-confidence (or arrogance) that comes from haven’t voted on it for a generation. Most people want not having been invaded for nearly a thousand years, a particular outcome and will carry on wanting that including Britain’s role in the victory in world war whatever the outcome of a referendum. Rebuilding two, as well as the older memories of when the UK popular support for Europe will be a twenty or thirty did dominate the world on its own. Some of it is the year effort. ever so common fallback of casting the powerful and distant force in the role of ‘the other’ and blaming it for Is this something that Quakers are able, willing, current woes. It happens on a smaller scale – consider or even interested in doing? Is there still a concern London being cited as the ultimate cause of economic among British Quakers for the European Union? It is woes in Lancaster or Westminster attacked as the clear that Friends are greatly exercised by some of the blockage preventing Scotland from becoming the things the EU is involved in (such as climate change) country it wants to be. ‘If only we could be left alone but is the EU itself still considered something worth to do it ourselves’, goes the refrain, ‘things would be supporting and preserving? If this is a concern, but a okay’; so, too, with Europe. niche one, to what extent does the rest of the Religious Society want to support it? There is truth in this, particularly when the centre tries to impose a one-size-fits-all policy on a large and These are questions that we need to grapple with diverse area, or certain places are ignored and seen as now, because if we wait until a referendum comes unimportant. But it can also be an easy excuse, and it’s then it will be gone again before we have worked out easier to make that excuse when you don’t have to see what we think, and we may be gone from Europe. The or engage with the apparent cause of all the problems. discussion is not likely to be simple, nor is it one where Hostility to immigration tends to be higher in places we will necessarily find unity: the Quaker unease without many immigrants: it’s harder to label someone with consolidation of power and over-dominant as a job-stealer when you see them in all their job- government sits alongside the internationalist, ‘no stealing, job-seeking, job-needing human complexity; borders between humanity’ viewpoint. Perhaps a so, too, with Europe. good anchor can come from Friends who considered creating QCEA in the 1970s, and which still guides A referendum QCEA today: ‘Whether one is for or against the EEC [as the EU used to be] is not the point; the EEC exists, The fear I have is that the debate on the European and then this Community should function as best as Union has become tainted by decades of relentless possible’. For Friends in Britain, the key question may attack. Margaret Thatcher was ejected as prime be whether the European Union helps or hinders in minister because she wasn’t pro-European enough. It the creation of the kind of world we want to see, and seems impossible that this would topple any premier whether we agree with the Nobel committee that it is today. a force for peace.

A referendum, if it comes, will not settle the European question, any more than the Scottish referendum has Oliver is clerk of the Quaker Council for European halted debate about independence. I don’t believe that Affairs, writing in a personal capacity.

Extract from a statement issued by QCEA in 1987:

‘Our vision of Europe is of a peaceful, compassionate, open and just society, using its moral influence to encourage other countries and peoples towards the same goals. It is of a community of peoples which acts towards individuals and other communities as we would have others act towards us. As Quakers we seek to be sensitive to that of God in others and in ourselves, whose needs have the same validity as our own. Hence the right sharing of the world’s resources is central to our thinking…’

Quaker faith & practice 24.47

the Friend, 1 May 2015 15 Talking point

Tax justice

Richard Murphy corrects some widely held misapprehensions

he subject of tax justice is receiving a lot of a number of tax jurisdictions. The problem in this attention at the moment within Quakerism case arises because, whilst law is local, the economic and the wider society. However, some recent activity that gives rise to profit on which tax might be Tcorrespondence on the subject, which I have read due is not. with interest and disappointment, reveals a common In this situation companies have, in addition to misapprehension. any loopholes they might make use of in local law, the This misapprehension suggests that any company is opportunity to trade off the law of one state against entitled to use any legal arrangement that is available another and so exploit the gaps between them. In to it to reduce its tax bill. It also infers that the addition, they might also use the secrecy that tax haven responsibility for whatever loopholes exist, and which locations, in particular, make available to deny their are exploited for this purpose, rests firmly with the investors access to a full account of their activities. government. Our government has not created these tax I fundamentally disagree because tax law, like law avoidance opportunities. Whilst tax haven on so many issues, exists not to prescribe behaviour governments are undoubtedly responsible for the but to lay down the acceptable parameters within secrecy they provide, even they cannot always which behaviour may take place. So, to use a simple anticipate the uses made of their laws. example, just because the law prescribes a maximum In that case it is quite wrong to suggest that speed limit on some roads of seventy miles per hour companies making use of such opportunities are only that does not mean motorists have to drive at that acting within the law. They aren’t. They are exploiting speed. Judgement on what is appropriate is, within the the limitations inherent in all legal systems to secure boundaries laid down by law, left to the motorist. an unintended advantage and that is a matter of choice In my opinion, the same is also true with regard on their part, and so of ethics. to tax. The fact that tax law is undoubtedly complex There are, of course, political solutions required does not take away from anyone the need for the to some of these issues, and Quakers should work exercise of sound judgment. Indeed, it demands that for them. But companies are wholly responsible for better judgements be made. That is precisely because whether or not they seek to pay the right amount of tax law is complex for a very good reason, which is tax in the right place at the right time and there is no to allow taxpayers, and most especially businesses, excuse for them not doing so. the opportunity to exercise choice in the way that Whilst we should demand change from government they undertake their business activities. I think that to tackle tax avoidance, this is not the only solution appropriate: a tax system should not, within reason, needed. Only active shareholder engagement, which prescribe how we behave but should instead tax the demands that companies act ethically and not simply way we want to behave. within the limits of the law, can do that. But that, then, puts the full onus for complying Attempts to blame the government are really not with the law back onto the taxpayer. It is an inevitable helpful. Companies are responsible for their own fact that when the law is used to provide choices over actions and it is our job to tell them that we know this, a wide range of activities then the result will be legal and that we expect them to act accordingly. complexity, and some inevitable loopholes will appear that no legal draftsmen could ever have anticipated. Richard is a member of Norwich Meeting and was a The problem is simply compounded when, as will founder of the Tax Justice Network. be the case with many of the companies in which Friends will invest, their activities are spread across He blogs as www.taxresearch.org.uk.

16 the Friend, 1 May 2015 Report Worship God, don’t use God

An important seminar on Mediation Capacity Building was held at the University of Bradford earlier this year. Peter Speirs, of the Quaker Peace Studies Trust, reports

orship God, don’t just land, borders, security, economy, students and using the Ukrainian/ use God’ was just one resources and more – making this Russian conflict as an example, of the messages given perhaps the most complicated he introduced students to conflict ‘Wby Saeb Erekat, chief negotiator conflict in the world. Its resolution, mapping. During this challenging for the Palestinian Authority at he said, is the most important issue process the enormity and the United Nations, during a facing the world, directly affecting, complexity of such a task became two-day seminar on ‘Mediation as it does, the related subjects of clear. Capacity Building’ held at Bradford migration, especially to Europe, A second session saw the launch University in February. His public security in all parts of the world, of Saeb Erekat’s latest book Imam lecture was attended by about 200 and a brand of extremism which is Ali Bin Abi Taleb and Negotiations people, including university staff labelled religious, but is actually the – a study of the parallels and and students, local community desperation of disenfranchised and divergencies between Islamic and faith workers and Quakers impoverished people. and western traditions regarding from several parts of the north of Saeb Erekat said there were three the principles and techniques of England. possible solutions. First, a two-state negotiation. We need to understand Saeb Erekat began by giving solution, based on 1967 borders these before we can begin to an update on the political but with some land swaps, and unravel the complexities of our situation. Palestine, he said, is with East Jerusalem as the capital relationships in the world. A copy now recognised with Observer of a Palestinian state. of the book has been presented to Status at the United Nations and, Second, a one-state solution, the library in Friends House. as a consequence, is now party a secular democratic state with The final theme was ‘Why has to the Geneva Convention; in one person one vote – a solution the Israel/Palestine conflict proved addition, having signed the Rome unlikely to be acceptable to Israel, so intractable?’ Working in groups Statute, it is now able to access the who would lose their majority with Saeb Erekat, students were International Criminal Court. He overnight. asked to identify key issues in challenged the United Kingdom Third, a continuation of the the conflict and suggest possible for its abstention in the Security status quo, which, according to solutions. These suggestions were Council: ‘You support a two-state international law, would make then discussed in the following solution – so why do you recognise Israel an apartheid state. There plenary session. only one state?’ are already two systems of justice, Saeb Erekat gained his PhD in In the lecture Saeb Erekat different identity cards, different Peace Studies at Bradford about reaffirmed his own commitment to vehicle licence plates, roads thirty years ago and the Quaker peace; he condemned the violence available to one community only; Peace Studies Trust was delighted shown on each side; and he the list goes on. This cannot to enable this return visit. condemned those, whether Muslim, happen. Jew or Christian, who use God to In the first workshop, Peter is clerk of the Quaker Peace justify their actions. Nobody’s God ‘The Theory and Practice of Studies Trust (QPST) and a member should need defenders – if God Mediation’, Saeb Erekat outlined of Wirral and Chester Area Meeting. created us, then God defends us, the knowledge and qualities not the other way around. necessary for a mediator. ‘Know The fortieth anniversary of Peace Saeb Erekat listed the many yourself then forget yourself’ was Studies at the University of Bradford facets of the conflict – history, his theme. Then, working with was celebrated last year.

the Friend, 1 May 2015 17 Quaker life

The Book of Discipline

What does Quaker faith & practice mean to you? Rhiannon Grant explains the work of the Book of Discipline Revision Preparation Group

efore any revision of the time; in the 1980s many Meetings also be available at the Groups Fair Book of Discipline can take ran reading groups or discussions if you have comments or questions. place – before the Yearly focused on getting to know the then Reading and engaging with BMeeting can even decide whether Book of Discipline (published as two Quaker faith & practice will, we or not any such revision should volumes, Church government and hope, be rewarding. There is much take place – there needs to be a Christian faith and practice). in our current Book of Discipline period of preparation. In order to In order to support this process that is spiritually rich. At times, the make sure that this preparation across the Yearly Meeting, the process may not be comfortable; happens, Meeting for Sufferings Revision Preparation Group plans some passages are challenging to us last year appointed a group of to offer a wide variety of resources as individuals and as a community, twelve Friends to look at what is that will help individuals and and hearing the reflections of needed and help the process along Meetings to read and engage with others can also be difficult. Because as necessary. Quaker faith & practice. our Book of Discipline is not It is very important to stress that The bulk of the process will be simply a document, but part of our no such revision is yet happening. launched this autumn and will living tradition, many in our Yearly Yearly Meeting in 2014 did not include plans for running sessions Meeting have strong attachments to reach unity on the question. in Meetings, resources offered it, or to some parts of it – especially Meeting for Sufferings had already through the Woodbrooke Quaker those who have been directly agreed to form a preparation group, Study Centre, online discussions involved in various ways in its and no revision can go ahead and articles in publications such as creation. before the matter returns to Yearly the Friend. It is in the nature of a tradition Meeting. This will not be done We intend to offer a suggested to grow and change and, as that for at least a year or two. The fifth programme in which everyone happens, we as a Yearly Meeting (2014) edition of Quaker faith & is invited to read a chapter, or a need to be mindful of and practice, which incorporates changes couple of chapters, each month knowledgeable about our history: made since the Yearly Meeting and share their responses in not only our ancient history, but adopted the basic text in 1994, is whatever manner suits them the recent conditions which have our Book of Discipline at present. best. Friends who are able to brought us to where we are. Having reflected on a number attend Yearly Meeting can get Our Book of Discipline – which of issues relating to the Book their first taste of this process lives in continual relation to our of Discipline, the Revision in a Special Interest Group at community – is an important Preparation Group has discerned Sunday lunchtime in William landmark in that journey. that our first priority, as a group Penn 2, where two members of and as a Yearly Meeting, is to make the Revision Preparation Group Rhiannon is a member of Luton & sure that we are well acquainted will be facilitating a discussion of Leighton Area Meeting and the Book with the current book. some extracts from Quaker faith & of Discipline Revision Preparation This is, in fact, what happened last practice. Members of the group will Group.

18 the Friend, 1 May 2015 Gleanings

The holy mountain

Laurie Michaelis begins a new monthly series: towards a Quaker view of sustainability

ome years ago I spent three summer days with a is to let the Light show us our own darkness and bring group of Young Friends at Pardshaw in the Lake us to new life. District, exploring their witness to ‘that of God in Second, answering that of God in everyone. We Sall creation’. In the mornings they generously shared listen, reaching deep for the truth others’ words may with me – a less-young Friend – their values, visions hold for us, prepared to be challenged, to find we and ideas for action for a sustainable world. In the have been mistaken. We embrace difference as well afternoons we walked, swam and kept talking. as similarity, recognising others’ gifts and seeing how Their visions were wide ranging: ‘we would be in they complement our own. Listening to others, we contact with the earth’, ‘practising arts and crafts’, free them to listen to us and begin to build mutual ‘we would dance all night’, ‘no cars’, ‘no nations or understanding, compassion and empowerment. boundaries’, ‘security, trust, safe in our own homes’, Third, seeking unity in a way forward together. We ‘everything organic, fairly traded, respecting people ask how we are led and submit to God’s will – which is and earth’, ‘complement rather than contradict’. I revealed when we are heeding the promptings of love cannot convey the emotional depth and reverence that and truth in our hearts and answering that of God in infused our worship-sharing in the sun; or the effort each other. to wrestle with the complexity of it all, the frustrations, Sometimes the path appears to go nowhere. We feel the tensions between our desires and our dreams, our alone. It seems too slow. We fear we will not arrive in ideals and the ‘Spirit of the Age’. our lifetimes. But stay with it and the mountain comes I have experienced many visioning workshops since, into being around us. with Quaker and other groups. The themes are broadly The path does not take us out of the world: it similar. There is a shared longing for healing in our is living out our faith in the world. It brings new relationship with nature, with ourselves and with other perspectives on agriculture, industry, community, people. travel, housing and the use of money. It reveals This longing is old and widely shared, at least in injustice, oppression, violent conflict and ecological faith traditions. In God’s holy mountain none shall neglect as symptoms with a common cause: what hurt or destroy and even the lions are vegan (Isaiah Buddhists call the ‘three poisons’ of ignorance, desire 11:6-9). But people disagree deeply on how to get and aversion. there. They have tried many paths without success. Deep nonviolence applies in our families, at work There is a path up the holy mountain. It might be and in politics. Practising it in one sphere, we develop called ‘deep nonviolence’. For me, it is grounded in our capacity to practise it in others. We learn how Quaker testimony and modelled by Mohandas Gandhi everything is connected. and many others. It has strong Buddhist and Taoist This is the path that love requires. Occasionally, we resonances. There are three fundamentals: may find companions to walk a while with us. That is First, being patterns and examples. If we hope the a profound joy. world will change, we start with a readiness to change ourselves, to learn from the experience and to share it with others. If we see darkness around us, the first step Laurie is environment editor for the Friend.

the Friend, 1 May 2015 19 a look at the Quaker world [email protected]

The love of letters

‘What an excellent method the Quakers have found To keep the Society healthy and sound. There’s a column reserved in the Friend magazine Where the views of the various readers are seen. If they have a concern or embrace a belief, They can write it all down with a sigh of relief, And feel they have safely accomplished their end If they see it next Friday in print in the Friend.

‘There are Friends who would like the Society freed From commitments remotely resembling a creed; And others next week say they think the reverse, And protest woolly-mindedness seems to them worse. There are some whom long sermons in Meeting distress And others who like the long silences less; They are sure they can change the Society’s trend If only their letters appear in the Friend.

‘There are those who enjoin that we enter the strife Of social reform and political life. And others reply in a tone of reproof That a well-concerned Quaker should stand quite aloof. There are some who abjure the consumption of meat And would give us raw carrots and onions to eat. Ads And all of the writers are sure they can bend The views of the rest, if they write to the Friend.

‘There’s a Friend who insists we’ll be left in the lurch If we don’t join the one ecumenical church; And another rejoins that he strongly objects If the Quakers consort with unQuakerly sects. There are some who say motoring’s clearly a crime, And others approve, if it saves Quaker time. And they all think their brethren their ways will amend If a letter of protest appears in the Friend.

‘The editor often – long-suffering Peet – Assures them their letters, if short, will be sweet. And sometimes they find their epistles in spots Have become interspersed with a neat row of dots. Then in sheer desperation he adds: “Hold your peace; It is time for the vain correspondence to cease.” But it’s all to no purpose; they don’t cease to send Long letters expressing their views to the Friend.’

Whilst leafing through archives of the Friend recently Graham Gosling, of Bury St Edmunds Meeting, unearthed these verses. They were published on 25 January 1946 and were sung as part of an entertainment at the annual meeting of the Birmingham Friends Reading Society.

20 the Friend, 1 May 2015 1 May 28/4/15 13:56 Page 2

“He is our cousin, Cousin” By Antony Barlow Taking a quote from Richard II that tells of the interrelatedness of his Quaker ancestors, Antony Barlow tells in this fascinating book of his Quaker family, stretching back to the very beginning of the Society over 350 years ago. Starting with George Fox’s right-hand man James Lancaster, whose Bible, stained as he dropped it in the sea fleeing persecution, is still in the family, we go on to meet Plantagenet forebears, an eccentric cousin who left half a million pounds to Queen Victoria, anti-slavery fighter, Samuel Bowly, eminent scientist Professor John Barlow, his son John Henry Barlow, George Cadbury, Jonathan Carr, founder of the biscuit firm, William Cash, of the name tape family and many other eminent Friends and relatives. Ben Dandelion writes: “This book is a treasure trove of family and wider Quaker social history and we should be very grateful for Antony Barlow’s work and the affirmation of a Quaker way of life and set of values that continue to offer so many of us strength and hope”. And Edward Milligan says: This book provides glimpses of national Quaker preoccupations and deserves a wide readership”. Available from the Quaker Centre Bookshop, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ email: [email protected] Cover picture: the author's great, great Grandmother, Also from Quacks, 7 Grape Lane, Petergate, York YO1 7HU Elizabeth Petipher Cash (née Lucas) 1796-1894 at £15 plus £2.50 p&p email: [email protected]

the Friend, 1 May 2015 21 Politics

Promises and plain

Photo: secretlondon123 / flickr CC. / flickr Photo: secretlondon123 speaking

Roland Carn urges Friends to beware of empty statements he Friend recently reported statements made of people in the world who will need jobs in the by some candidates who are taking part in the f u t u r e’. forthcoming general election (10 April). They Tincluded the following comments from six candidates ‘…a “fairer society” with a “strong economy”… representing five parties: address international issues at a “deeper and wider level”’. ‘…safeguarding the NHS, highlighting rural poverty and low wages and safeguarding the We can all subscribe to these aims. Each expresses environment.’ our Quaker values and testimonies in one way or another. Each speaker is sincere and passionate in his ‘…[stop] fracking, moving UK’s foreign policy or her commitment. “from one of confrontation to cooperation”, and Look again at these statements in the light of working to close the gap between the rich and plain speaking and integrity. Who will do exactly poor.’ what, at what time and under what conditions? How specifically will the aim be achieved? What is the ‘…helping slow global warming, eliminating speaker, in each case, actually committed to? What disparities in income and ensuring free precise action will they take? lifelong education for all… supporting the Such statements are a normal part of the political Human Rights Act, returning the NHS to fully process, whether party politics, public Quaker government-funded status, welcoming all who statements or private conversation. They belong to a wish to live in the UK and ensuring everyone practice known to the ancient Greeks as the rhetoric has a home of their own.’ of oratory, where the aim is to get people to agree with your position. ‘…build a fair and just society, in which In this case the aim of the statement is to get people none are enslaved by poverty, ignorance or to vote for you, to wield (or influence) power in conformity and, in all things, put freedom first.’ government. They are normalisations: statements that most people can agree with and commit to, but which ‘…the security needs of Britain will not be met mean different things to each person. They paper over by spending £100bn in Trident.’ differences to gain agreement. Beware of empty statements and promises that mean ‘…protect the most “marginalised and nothing. Quakers in the twenty-first century should be vulnerable” in society.’ skilled in detecting ‘un-plain speech’ and giving it its true weight and value. ‘…the importance of living up to international commitments… the threats we face… billions Roland is a member of Cambridgeshire Area Meeting.

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Do you know a young Quaker aged 11–14? Tell them about Junior Gathering! 22nd - 29th August 2015 in Reading MAKE FRIENDS HAVE FUN BE QUAKERLY “I liked meeting “There were lots of “Worship was a everyone and being activities and they really special time part of a real were cool” for me. The silence special community” is beautiful” Talking Friends VISIT Charity no: 299656 The Friend, Quaker Voices, Friends www.fsse.org.uk to find out more Quarterly, Quaker News and Towards Wholeness are recorded by Friends for visually impaired Friends. We aim to keep subscribers in touch with the life and work of the Religious Trustees Society of Friends. We make high quality digital record- ings and post them to subscribers. required We can supply you with a free player Unpaid – expenses reimbursed if required, to be used with the memory stick for easy listening. Swarthmore Housing Society Limited was formed in 1946 to enhance the Subscription rates are shown on our quality of life for, and care of, older people. A large house was purchased website: www.talkingfriends.org.uk in Gerrards Cross and opened as Swarthmore Residential Care Home in Enquiries 1947. The home is run in accordance with the Quaker beliefs that value Alan Johnson (Convener) the uniqueness of the individual and of their potential contribution as a [email protected] member of a community. Tel: 0121 476 0217 We employ a team of 52 staff and have exempt charitable status. We are regulated by the Care Quality Commission. We wish to recruit two new members who are in sympathy with Quaker values to join our nine-strong governing body, the board of trustees. We need people who can help direct Swarthmore Housing Society Limited towards achieving its mission and ensure the organisation is effectively managed in line with current legislation. You would need to be able to make a commitment to Swarthmore and devote the necessary time, have strategic vision, independent judgement, an ability to think creatively and a willingness to speak your mind. Ideally the new trustees will also have skills and experience in one or more of the following areas: • Those with a background in the care sector • Business • Finance We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse board of trustees and we welcome applications from all sections of the community. We will pay trustees’ travel expenses and provide an induction into Swarthmore’s work. You will be expected to contribute roughly one day of your time each month. Please contact Janet Cummins, Chair of the Trustees on 0203 609 2105 for an informal discussion about the role of trustee. Please apply with a covering letter enclosing a copy of your CV, and send to: Maureen Tassi, Swarthmore Residential Care Home, 31 Marsham Lane, Gerrards Cross, Bucks SL9 8HB. The closing date for applications is: 15th May 2015. Swarthmore Housing Society Limited is registered under the Industrial & Provident Society Act 1965, number 12831R and is run in close association with the Religious Society of Friends to provide care and accommodation for its members and others in need and has exempt charity status.

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Friends&Meetings Elsie SAWELL 19 April, peacefully at CENTRAL ENGLAND LOW Deaths Swarthmore Quaker Care Home. CARBON COMMITMENT FORUM Member of Streatham and Brixton 10.30-1pm Saturday 20 June in the Katharine Mary INGWERSEN Meeting. Aged 103. Funeral 2pm Peace Hub, 41 Bull Street, 21 April, peacefully. Widow of Will Friday 15 May at Chilterns Birmingham, B4 6AF. Exploring the Ingwersen VMH, mother and mother- Crematorium, Amersham, Bucks HP7 links between our Peace Testimony in-law of Karen and Tony Baker, OND. More details: 020 8671 9310. and Low Carbon Commitment. Fossil grandmother of Sarah and Robert fuel investment responses from unit Dungey and Adam and the late trusts will also be discussed. Pete Crispian Baker, four great grandchil- Memorial meetings Doubtfire, Peace Hub co-ordinator, dren, two great great grandchildren. will speak about the work of the Peace Member of Acomb Meeting, formerly Margaret (Maggie) GLOVER Hub and the links with the Peace East Grinstead and Harrogate. Aged A Memorial Meeting to give thanks Testimony. All welcome, please 98. Funeral 11.40am York for Maggie's life will be held at contact Pete if coming: 0121 238 2869, Crematorium followed by Meeting for Wandsworth Quaker Meeting House, [email protected] Remembrance at 2pm, Friday 8 May 59 Wandsworth High Street, SW18 2PT at Hartrigg Oaks, New Earswick, York at 2.30pm, Saturday 4 July. Followed HEART, HEAD AND HANDS YO32 4DS followed by refreshments. by refreshments. Enquiries: Creating Aliveness in ourselves and in [email protected] our Meetings. QVA workshop at Philip MORRIS 23 April, widower of Westminster FMH, 10am-4.30pm Rosamond, father of Christopher and Saturday 23 May. Participation free but Stephen and grandfather. Member of Notices booking essential. Email: bookings@ Stratford-upon-Avon Meeting and qva.org.uk, tel: 07530 844611, write: Sibford Old Scholar. Aged 87. Service QUESTIONS TO CANDIDATES QVA Bookings, Swarthmoor Hall, and cremation at Oakley Wood, The Social Justice Group of Manchester Ulverston LA12 0JQ. Thursday 14 May. If coming contact: and Warrington Area Quaker Meeting [email protected] has sent questions to local parliamen- POETS AND THE CRISIS OF FAITH tary candidates asking nine questions IN AND AFTER THE FIRST Anne REYNOLDS 15 April, unex- including “Are you in favour of Britain WORLD WAR A talk by John pectedly. Mother of Gotty, Christoph, renewing its Trident nuclear weapons Lampen with readings by Jane Nicky and Jonny Oehl, grandmother system?” and “Do you think our Lapotaire. 3pm Sunday 10 May. of Elisabeth and Maxi and aunt of economy can or should go on grow- Gas Hall, Birmingham Museum and Neil, Stephen and Helen. Partner to ing indefinitely?” To see the questions Art Gallery, Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3DH. Free event Dick. Member of York Friargate and candidates’ responses see http://quakerquestions.webplus.net but booking is necessary. Meeting, formerly Hull. Aged 76. www.birminghammuseums.org.uk/w Funeral at York Crematorium 11am hats-on or 0121 348 8120. Queries to followed by Meeting for Worship at Diary [email protected] York Friargate Meeting 2pm on Friday 1 May. Interment at The Quaker Retreat Burial Ground at 11am on QUAKER CONCERN FOR WELWYN GARDEN CITY QUAKERS Sunday 3 May. ANIMALS AGM Friends House, will hold a reopening event of their NW1 2BJ. Saturday 9 May, 10.30 am- newly refurbished meeting house, 3pm. Non-members of QCA welcome Saturday 16 May, 2.30-5pm. All are For details of how to place a from noon. Afternoon speaker welcome to attend learn more of the notice on this page call George Dominic Dyer on wildlife protection. building's history and enjoy refresh- Penaluna on 01535 630230 or Agenda and more details: ments in our fresh new building. email [email protected] www.quaker-animals.co.uk QUAKER CONGO PARTNERSHIP UK Seeks Trustees and Associates Quaker Congo Partnership UK contributes funding and mentoring to projects managed by Congolese Quakers in eastern DRC: a small hospital plus trauma counselling, women's credit scheme and a water project. We seek additional Trustees with experience in Quaker business method for co/clerkship, fund raising, etc. Also Associates to support Trustees in assessment, research and translation. We work mostly by email and currently meet 3-4 times a year in Leicester, Manchester or Cambridge. Please see www.quakercongo.org.uk or contact Hannah Morrow: [email protected] for more information. UK registered charity no. 1159781.

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Changing lives, a letter at a time Human Writes is a long established and internationally respected humani- tarian organisation befriending prisoners on Death Row in the USA through letter writing. Over 3000 prisoners are currently held in harsh, lonely conditions, 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.” If you would like to know more about joining our organisation or becoming a penfriend, please send an SAE to Human Writes, 4 Lacey Grove, Wetherby, West Yorks, LS22 6RL, e-mail [email protected] or visit our website at www.humanwrites.org

Yearly Meeting in Britain’s own housing charity, funded directly by Friends. Find out more at our special interest meetings at 12.30pm and 5.30pm on Saturday 2 May and the Groups Fair on Sunday evening. See the Events Listing for details. Alternatively contact our Secretary [email protected] - 020 7663 1036 www.qht.org.uk

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Classified advertisements 54a Main St, Cononley, Keighley BD20 8LL. T&F: 01535 630230 E: [email protected] OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS

GLASGOW FRIENDS B&B. £18pppn. FAUGÉRES, LANGUEDOC, SW FRANCE. jobs Proceeds for Meeting House funds. Contact Well-equipped, unpretentious village house. 01505 842380. [email protected] Ideal for walks, wine, historic towns. €320-390pw, sleeps 4/6. 0113 2576232, WELWYN GARDEN CITY MEETING NEWCASTLE, WARM, FRIENDLY B&B www.faugeres.co.uk, email: liz@ is looking for an individual or couple Jesmond. Quiet, adjacent Metro/city. bramley.demon.co.uk. For sale at £75,000 to become their new Veggies welcome. 0191 285 4155. negotiable. See www.creme-de-languedoc. Resident Warden(s) com/detailsale3.php?id=20608 Starting in August/September, the COTTAGES & SELF-CATERING position is initially a two year fixed SWITZERLAND (LES MOSSES). Quiet contract based on up to 20 hours/week, mountain area. Stunning views. Fully living wage salary, plus ABERGAVENNY FRIENDS offer cosy equipped family flat, easy access by public a two bedroom unfurnished flat retreat ideal for short breaks. First floor transport. Special rates for Friends. Contact apartment for 2/3 in recent barn conver- [email protected] for details or see: Please email sion. Wonderful views. Quiet village https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/1848383 [email protected] location betwixt canal and river. Easy for a recruitment pack. walk to town. Details: 07855 200 132, Closing date Monday 18 May. [email protected] ACTIVITY HOLIDAYS

WINCHESTER LM NEEDS A WARDEN. COBER HILL HOTEL/CONFERENCE CENTRE The Meeting House is an attractive BARMOOR Cloughton, near Scarborough. The perfect centrally located Georgian building with a place to enjoy a creative break and enjoy- garden. The Meeting has busy lettings Tranquil period house in heart of able learning holiday. We host a variety of and a warden-run Social Witness project North Yorkshire Moors near themed holidays throughout the year. involving seven residents in bedsits. The Kirkbymoorside. Midweek vacancies, Why not try Painting, Lacemaking, warden should be in sympathy with the sleeps 27 in 9 bedrooms. Birdwatching, Photography, Health and values and witness of Quakers. Warden’s www.barmoor.org.uk Relaxation, and more. Call 01723 870310. accommodation is free and comprises a www.coberhill.co.uk second floor one double bedroom flat. CHARACTER COTTAGES, countryside The salary is £15,000pa for a 40-hour near Ludlow. Green awards. Walking, week. Closing date for application 15 May. wildlife. Short breaks. Families. Pets. personal Contact [email protected] or Ffriends’ discount. 01547 540441. call 01962 890160 for more information. www.mocktreeholidays.co.uk SEEKING SILENCE WITH SUPPORT? Tailormade retreats. Maximum 2 people. volunteers CLAVERHAM, NORTH SOMERSET Stunning mountain location. French Cottage adjoining historic Meeting House Pryrenees. www.mountainarc.com in rural area close to coast. Ideal for short 00 33 534 140356. breaks or family holidays. Sleeps six. Enjoy historic Beverley, East Yorkshire Website: www.claverhamtrust.org.uk in Midsummer. Enquiries: Tom Leimdorfer, telephone to let Can you help at the ‘Quakers Now’ stall at 01934 834663. [email protected] BEVERLEY FOLK FESTIVAL NORTH LONDON. Beautiful, large double 19-21 June 2015? room. Use of rest of house. kitchen, Wifi Contact Brian Fellowes at JURASSIC COAST, DORSET. Six well- and Sky. Beautiful garden. Talkative cat. 5 [email protected] equipped 3 star cottages (one disabled minutes walk Bounds Green tube. 24 hour 01964 550410. friendly) on mixed organic farm adjoining Chesil Beach. Wonderful sea views. busses to central London. £500 per month Walking, coastal path, cliffs, fossil hunting, plus bills subject to negotiation. One VOLUNTEERS NEEDED, Quaker Tapestry, fishing, bird-watching, archaeological month in advance, plus one month deposit. Kendal. Enjoy one or two weeks in our sites. Bridport Meeting 6 miles. 01308 Please email: [email protected] cosy cottage flat and help in a variety of 897 377. www.tamariskfarm.com/holidays roles. March - December 2015. Details: [email protected] [email protected] accommodation SOUTH DEVON. Wonderful walks, local exploring or space for retreat. Flat at WANTED where to stay Greenway on the River Dart. Sleeps 1-2. GUESTHOUSES, HOTELS, B&BS Donation £30 per night directly to CAMBRIDGE FRIEND walking round Quakers or Oxfam. 01803 431047 Britain's coastline for Kidney Research UK [email protected] CAUTLEY, SEDBERGH, 1652 COUNTRY seeks accommodation near Norfolk Coast Cross Keys Temperance Inn (formerly 24-31 May. [email protected] home of early Quaker Gervase Benson). SWALEDALE, YORKSHIRE. Superb 07831 911 165. Quality en-suite B&B £42.50pppn. selection of gorgeous cottages amid Evening meals available. Friendly Quaker stunning scenery. Details, photos, virtual FALKIRK (COMMUTING DISTANCE OF) hosts. 015396 20284. [email protected] tours. www.catholecottages.com Occasional accommodation needed by www.cautleyspout.co.uk 01748 886366. visiting IT consultant, approximately 3 weeks in every 3 months. Essentials THE DELL HOUSE, MALVERN. Distinctive WEST CORNWALL. Studio, sleeps 2/3, on include own bedroom, use of kitchen and former rectory in peaceful wooded gardens. small farm, lovely location close to coast, wifi. Desirables include space to keep B&B and Self-catering, for individuals and garden, walks from door, dogs welcome. small suitcase between visits and off road groups (6-20). www.thedellhouse.co.uk [email protected] parking to leave the car. Offers please to 01684 564448. 01736 762491. [email protected]

26 the Friend, 1 May 2015 1 May 28/4/15 14:05 Page 7

events

QUAKER SERVICE MEMORIAL Britain Yearly Is your meeting thinking of visiting the Quaker Service Memorial in the National Memorial Arboretum, Meeting Staffordshire DE13 7AR? The exhibition will be on display there between 20 April – 1 June. Saturday 16 May Children’s Work Officer Conscientious Objectors Day meeting for worship, 2.30pm. Salary – £30,797pa. Contract – Permanent. Full time, 35 hrs pw. Thursday 28 May Location – Friends House, Euston, London NW1 “Spotlight on the Quaker memorial”, Open talk, 2.00pm; best to book with The Children and Young People’s Work Staff Team is part of the the NMA (£3 charge). Quaker Life department at Friends House, seeking to help Quaker Sunday 20 September meetings in their engagement with children and young people, as International Day of Peace well as offering events to children and young people. meeting for worship, 2.30pm. Details from [email protected] The Children’s Work Officer is involved in the development of or 01543 258016. resources to assist children’s work in local meetings, the provision of training for those working with children, delivery of events for children VALUING TEACHING AND TRAVELLING and supporting children’s work initiatives locally and regionally. 5th Kindlers’ monthly Saturday workshop. 16 May, 10am-5pm, Friends House, This is an ideal role for someone with experience of working with child- Euston. No booking, £10 pay at door. ren and an understanding of spiritual development, especially relating to children who wishes to be part of a small team seeking to maintain miscellaneous and develop opportunities for children within the Quaker context. A DBS check will be required to be completed for this role.

ACCOUNTING SERVICES Closing date – 5pm - 14 May 2015. Interviews – 9 June 2015. Charity Accounts prepared. Independent Examinations carried out. Bookkeeping Services. Children & Young People’s Officer Contact David Stephens FCCA Salary – £30,797pa. Contract – Permanent. Full time, 35 hrs pw. on 07843 766685. Location – Friends House, Euston, London NW1 Email: [email protected] The Children and Young People’s Work Staff Team is part of the ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT & Quaker Life department at Friends House, seeking to help Quaker CONSULTANCY meetings in their engagement with children and young people and Bookkeeping, Wardening Cover, Lettings, offering national events for young people. Outreach & Project Management for Quaker Meetings & small businesses. The Children and Young People’s Officer is involved in the manage- Wendrie Heywood ment and delivery of national events, including playing a key opera- 07881 220829 tional role in relation to children and young people’s programmes that [email protected] take place as part of annual all age gatherings. The post holder will www.mindfulbusinessservices.com be required to provide support to the provision of programmes for Quaker children and young people locally and regionally. WRITING YOUR FAMILY HISTORY? Books typeset for your family’s pleasure. This is an ideal role for someone with a youth work qualification and Photos and other graphics can be included. with experience of working with children and young people, who Contact Trish on 01223 363435. wishes to be part of a small team seeking to maintain and develop [email protected] Other printed material also prepared. opportunities for children and young people within the Quaker context. A DBS check will be required to be completed for this role. For details of advertising Closing date – 5pm - 14 May 2015. Interviews – 8 June 2015 in the Friend please contact our advertisement Further details and application packs for both manager, George Penaluna. posts are available at www.quaker.org.uk/jobs Address details at the top of page 26. Registered Charity No. 1127633

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MEETING HOUSE AND CHARITY INSURANCE Independent specialist advice from the experts Continuing to work closely with Congregational & General and Ansvar, we do our utmost to ensure Meeting Houses have the right insurance at the best price. Furthermore, we have negotiated various enhancements in cover with both insurers exclusively for those Meetings using our services. We are delighted to already arrange the insurances for almost 250 Quaker Meetings and numerous Quaker charities, including conference centres, guesthouses, educational institutions, care homes and service providers. They benefit from our dedicated services at no additional cost to themselves. Judith Moran, Director of Quaker Social Action, writes: “Your involvement with QSA must extend back 15+ years. In all that time I have found you - and your colleagues - nothing but courteous, helpful and accessible. Our charity has changed a lot over those years... it has been very easy to update you, to run queries past you, to seek out your advice, as our work has evolved... we have relied on this advice. Knowing we can rely on you has provided huge peace of mind.” Business relationships built on integrity, simplicity and truthfulness. Formerly David Edwards Insurance Brokers, we have rebranded as Edwards Insurance Brokers to celebrate the continued expansion and development of our family insurance business. We believe that the particular needs of Quaker Meeting Houses are best understood and serviced by a specialist team. Our significant experience in this sector allows us to select the most appropriate cover for you. We provide much more than insurance. We provide peace of mind. Contact us today to discover what we can do for you. NEW T: 01564 730 900 E: [email protected] WEBSITE NOW ONLINE www.edwardsinsurance.co.uk

Edwards Insurance Brokers is a trading name of David Edwards Insurance Brokers Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England & Wales: 5055612. Registered office: 1 Rotten Row Barns, 1957 Warwick Rd, Knowle, Solihull B93 0DX