Disagreement among Friends – The future of British Quakerism is up for debate

And possibly, if you’re up early in the UK, on Radio 4 tomorrow morning 7 December on BBC Sunday at 7.10-7.54pm UK time (unlikely to be near beginning of programme) p see further note at bottom below.

“Disagreement among Friends

The future of British Quakerism is up for debate, as the movement updates its most important text. The biggest question: keep or dilute God?”

News from ‘Quake!’ (BYM 30 October)
Quake! bills this as ” • Prospect Magazine – Quakers discuss faith and practice” under Quakers in the media with no further comment.
https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/ideas/71397/disagreement-among-friends-why-quakers-are-questioning-god

Whilst it is a discussion (by one author with numerous quotes or references) and does deal at some length with ‘Book of discipline revision’, it also talks about same sex relationships, Quaker history,  god language and nontheism with references to one of NFN’s founders (Miriam Yagud), and cites NFN’s aims.

It is quite a searching account of ‘The biggest question: keep or dilute God?’ and quotes Paul Parker (BYM Recording clerk), Ben Pink Dandelion (Quaker theologian and Woodbrooke tutor) and Ben Wood (Quaker theologian and blogger that I’m doing a Woodbrooke online course with tomorrow night – Halloween – on ‘Quakers and the supernatural’). (written on 30 October)

NFN is further cited in “a report by the Nontheist Friends Network suggested that for some Quakers, a “religious vocabulary” centring on God is “problematic”. It hoped that the new book would reflect that “we are no longer an exclusively Christian church but an inclusive religious Society, a society of active seekers rather than satisfied finders.” ”

There is also an interesting closing section on ‘A new cohort of young people – looking for a definitively religious community’.

The author is Grace Spencer who must be (or have been?) a member of BYM, although I have not come across her before.

I will try and get this on the NFN website asap with a more carefully thought out comment and will also bring it to the attention of further NTF Friends in America through the google group and by email. – not more carefully thought out, sorry, but maybe timely?

It is an article well worth reading for all Friends and especially nontheists.

As a result of this article, Tim has been contacted by BBC Radio 4 for a possible interview which MIGHT  be broadcast on BBC Sunday at 7.10 am tomorrow morning 7 December. It may be possible to hear it later on ‘catchup’ on BBC Sounds app (or BBC News app internationally).
Trevor

Quaker meeting and Creative conversation Thursday 4 December – How do (nontheist) Quakers deal with, avoid or celebrate Christmas?

Dear Friends,

Please join us on Thursday, December 4, at 7PM BST/2PM EDT for our next conversation.  We will be exploring the question, “How do nontheist Quakers deal with, avoid or celebrate Christmas?”    We look forward to a lively conversation and hope that you will come and add your voice.

We welcome your thoughts about how to make these conversations more meaningful.  Address your comments to the working group at nontheistfriend@gmail.com.

Yours in Friendship,
NonTheist Friends Network Quarterly Meeting Steering Committee
Creative Conversations Working Group

If you have not already registered,
Please email clerk@nontheist-quakers.org.uk to register.

The evening’s plan is as follows:
• Zoom Room opens at 6:45PM (UK time), please arrive early.
• 7PM: Welcome and Quaker Meeting (~20 minutes): Sharing silence with one another for quietly gathering ourselves and connecting.
• Creative Conversation and Discussion (~1 hour): Concern introduced; followed by interactive discussions.
• Conclusion: Thoughts and a few moments to share silence.
• After Announcements the Zoom Room will remain open for friendly chats and community.
• Duration:1hr:30m-2hr:00m
NOTE: You may unregister/unsubscribe from our monthly Meetings or NFN communication at any time by replying to nontheist friend nontheistfriend@gmail.com