by Jez Smith A long-intended rarely written Nayler article this, aiming to cover Quakers mentions in the public consciousness and media. First up this week is Tracy Chevalier’s new novel, The Last Runaway. The protagonist is a British Quaker, Honor Bright, who moves to the US in the mid 1800s and helps slaves reach freedom.…
A new report has highlighted that “self-harm rates remain shockingly high across the female prison estate and reoffending rates are staggering, especially for women receiving short custodial sentences. A change in attitude is needed in how women are dealt with in the criminal justice system. Diverting women away from custodial settings and investing in those women who do need to be held in prison is…
by Sam Challis Around 25 young Friends gathered at Westminster meeting house in mid-August to discuss ‘political’ issues in a Quaker context. The weekend event, with support from YFGM and financial assistance from the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust, brought together young Friends who were in political parties, engaged professionally or otherwise in government or campaigning…
The Church of England synod has passed a resolution affirming its support for “Israelis and Palestinians in all organisations working for justice and peace.†The resolution was brought to the synod by private member John Dinnen and was subject to three votes. Twenty-one bishops backed the motion, three voted against, with 14 abstentions; clergy voted…
Paul Parker, recording clerk of Quakers in Britain, was interviewed on the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday 04/07 2012 about equal marriage. Here is what he said: “Quakers have been talking about issues about sexuality for decades. In 2009 we heard stories from same sex couples and opposite sex couples talking about…
A video by Chris Petit, featuring Quakers holding Meeting for Worship at Occupy London.
A London statue of renowned Quaker Alfred Salter from Bermondsey was stolen from its site by the River Thames this month. Southwark council has announced that it is offering a reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the thieves of the statue that has been in place since 1991. Alfred Salter was a…
By Jez Smith It has been a good week for the Quaker presence in the media. The Occupy business – see several articles on Nayler, for example – has been a key part of that. See, for example, Ian Chamberlain’s Ceasefire article. Ian is also appearing on Channel 4’s Thought TV slot (also available online).…
The Quakers are the only Christian denomination to come out in support of the Occupy movement. Speaking to Premier Christian Radio spokesperson Sunniva Taylor said: “We share the concern of the occupy movement for global economic justice and sustainability. We believe the idea that another world is possible is important to us too.†Christian news…
“The history of consensus is long and varied. In Britain, Quakers have used consensus in their business meetings since the 17th century, which reflects their non-hierarchical methods and emphasis on equality. Today it is popular amongst activists who attempt to create something of the future, a more horizontal world, in the present.” Quaker Occupy protestor…