Quakers take historic step
Quakers in Britain this weekend brought their Meeting for Sufferings – a body that has met for more than 350 years – to an end as they move into a simplified structure for modern times.
Founded in 1675 to support Quakers persecuted by the state, Meeting for Sufferings went on to campaign against the slave trade, gambling and war.
Now, after more than 1,000 Quakers agreed last summer to streamline their structures, it is being merged with Yearly Meeting which will now gather four times a year, rather than once, and be open to all Quakers.
[QUOTE-START]
We are a travelling people of faith. That journey continues now, as it always has.
- Paul Parker
[QUOTE-END]
This is intended to make Quaker structures more transparent and inclusive, releasing time and energy for active work in the world.
Yearly Meeting will continue to keep a list of Quakers who have broken the law because of their personal commitment to their faith.
This practice originated with the Great Books of Sufferings and was revived again in the 1990s
Recent additions include Quakers arrested for protesting arms fairs and demonstrating against fossil fuels.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, said: "The spirit that carried Quakers through 350 years of Meeting for Sufferings does not retire when a structure changes.
“It is the same spirit that drove us to fight slavery, to stand against war, and to speak truth to power.
"We are a travelling people of faith. We have always moved, adapted and found new ways to act. That journey continues now, as it always has."
This radical structural overhaul will make work more manageable and help clarify trustees' accountability. Trustees will continue to focus on legal, financial and compliance issues.
The new Yearly Meeting sessions will include three short (approximately day-long) sessions and one longer (long weekend) session. Residentials are to be held from time to time.
Some will be held outside London, and all will be blended with attendance possible in person or online.
Quaker groups including area meetings, general meetings and committees will appoint representatives to Yearly Meeting.