The Quakers (The Religious Society of Friends) arose out of the Christian tradition, but, although most would now confess to following Christianity to some extent, Buddhists, Gaiaists, and agnostics can be found among many Quaker groups. All find respect in a Quaker Meeting. Theology is a minor issue and they feel that faith is most profoundly expressed in action. They were admonished by the founder, George Fox to “Let your life speak”.
Building a more peaceful world and/or community. Quakers have a long tradition of peacemaking, having won a Nobel Peace prize in 1947.They have an office in the United Nations, from where they facilitate conflict resolution, preventing wars. On a more local scale, Quakers are true to their peace testimony by political activity, organising conflict resolution education in schools and trying to lead their lives in a way that avoids conflict, while confronting injustice and “speaking the truth to power”
Who are these people called Quakers? Were they something to do with conscientious objectors during the World Wars, and the Friends’ Ambulance Unit? Didn’t they make chocolate? Or was it porridge? What is a Quaker Meeting like? Where does their energy come from? What do they believe in? What are they doing in the world/in Canada/in BC today? How do they make decisions? If they have no priests, who teaches them and how do they deal with pastoral and spiritual care issues? There are so many questions about Quakers, otherwise known as The Religious Society of Friends. This is an opportunity to find some answers and to learn from their spirituality and business practices.
The Programme:
- 10:00 - Arrival and Introduction to the Day
- 10:40 - Coffee
- 11:00 - Worship
- 12:00 - Lunch
- 13:00 - Questions and Discussion
- 14:45 - Closing Worship
- 15:00 - Departure
Salt Spring's Ruth Mills together with a number of her Quaker Friends from Victoria, Saanich, and Cowichan will lead the workshop. Ruth was brought up as anglo-methodist and was heavily involved with the Anglican church in London suburbia in her teenage years in the excellent Young People’s Fellowship. Ruth went to Kings College London when she retired from her work as a radiotherapy radiographer at age 50. She achieved a BA in theology and MA in Biblical Studies (Old Testament). In Ludlow, England, she attended the Quaker meeting where she served in various capacities, including elder, and clerk to Area Meeting Trustees.
Registration Required - starofseassi@gmail.com
Cost - $30 payable at the door. A bursary fund exists to support those for whom the fee would be a serious burden
Please Bring A Lunch and some cookies to share at morning coffee (an important part of the Quaker tradition) - Tea, Coffee, and the use of a microwave is available.