Pages tagged "Practice"

Building Bridges Among Friends

• Authored by:
• Anthony Manousos

Dear Editor:  I am grateful that you published the "Estranged Family of Friends" by Andrew Secret (Sept/Oct 2013). I was moved by his testimony and commitment to fostering unity among different branches of Friends and agree with him with him that "cross fertilization between the traditions...could be very valuable." Amazing things have occurred in the Pacific Northwest since women of the programmed and unprogrammed traditions got together, shared their stories, and developed friendships. The Quaker Women's Theological Conferences, the involvement of Northwest Yearly Meeting in FWCC, FCNL and AFSC, etc. have had a significant impact on the spiritual life of Friends, and enhanced our witness to the world.

On Deception (November 2013)

Quaker Culture: Meeting for Worship for Business

• Authored by:
• Rebecca Henderson

We are the inheritors of a particular way of making group decisions. This way needs to be practiced, over and over, to be learned and understood. One can not learn it simply by reading or observation: one learns through experience, trial and error. . . The business focuses upon how we make our Light visible and creative. Our focus is upon the practical details of our work in the world and how we deepen and strengthen our spiritual lives.

On Production (May 2014)

Quaker Culture: Standing to Speak

• Authored by:
• Diana Forsythe

Whether in meetings for worship or business, Friends stand when they offer messages. (This is not the case in very small meetings or committee meetings.) When a message is being given, other Friends do not rise or walk into or out of the meeting room. To do so can interrupt the sometimes uncertain train of thought of the speaker. It also distracts others, who may need to concentrate to receive and understand the ministry being offered. If one happens to enter the meeting room just as a Friend is rising to speak, it is best to find the first empty seat by the door or to stand motionless against the wall until the speaker sits down.

On Pride (July 2014)