Global gathering strengthens Quaker voice in the world
British Quakers are heading this week to Peru for a global gathering of Quakers.
Starting this week, the theme is “Living the transformation: Creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God".
Earthcare, leadership and growth are on the agenda. Bearing in mind the environmental cost of convening world gatherings, delegates may discuss future patterns of meeting. This plenary meets every five years.
Gretchen Castle, general secretary for Friends World Committee for Consultation(FWCC), relishes the transformative experience such a meeting brings. Anticipating spiritual joy and the chance to strengthen the Quaker voice in the world she says: “Within the Quaker family, this gives us a place to practise loving one another. If we can learn to love our own spectrum, we can understand what it takes to bring peace in the world."
[QUOTE-START]
Within the Quaker family, this gives us the place to practise loving one another.
- Gretchen Castle
[QUOTE-END]
In such a setting, says Gretchen Castle, there is always potential for us to grow.
What is the Friends World Committee for Consultation?
Created in 1937, the Friends World Committee for Consultation fosters understanding between Quakers in 75 countries., As its name suggests, it is a consultative body, not seeking one way of doing things for Quakers.
Since 1948, FWCC has had consultative status with the United Nations. It is responsible for the two Quaker UN Offices in Geneva and New York.