the friend online
29 August 2008

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Spirit first – action second
We are a religious society
  • British Friends tend to de-emphasise or even ignore the religious part
  • Referring to ‘The Society’ is almost ubiquitous


  • I once wrote a commentary as editor of the Friend that referred to people who join Friends because of our stance on pacifism, social justice, the environment and other issues, without fully taking on board the religious nature of the organisation
  • What got the biggest reaction was my statement, ‘I am a pacifist because I am a Friend, not the other way around’
  • My pacifism comes from my deep religious convictions
  • Those who join Friends because they are pacifists are making an equally valid journey, but simply being a pacifist is not enough if you want to be part of a religious organisation
  • Join CND instead, unless of course you are on spiritual journey where your pacifism (or any other conviction), is a way to something else

  • Harry Albright & David Birmingham

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    News round-up
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    Finland Yearly Meeting
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    The long roots of Georgia’s conflict
    Oliver Robertson
    Inside and out: putting faith into practice
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    Comment
    Harry Albright & David Birmingham
    Letters
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    Senior Conference Epistle 2008
    Ruth Jesson-Smith and Will Rowland, clerks
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    Saluting a female theatrical legend
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    Inner and world peace
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    Living adventurously – of no fixed abode
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    q-eye
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