by Jez Smith A long-intended rarely written Nayler article this, aiming to cover Quakers mentions in the public consciousness and media. First up this week is Tracy Chevalier’s new novel, The Last Runaway. The protagonist is a British Quaker, Honor Bright, who moves to the US in the mid 1800s and helps slaves reach freedom.…
The news last month that seven prisons are to close shortly took many activists of prison issues by surprise and some have taken up the issue with their MPs. In particular they are concerned that the replacement super-prison, yet to be built, will not have the capacity to deal with the diversity of prisoners who…
Christians supporters of same-sex marriage are holding a Day of Prayer on Sunday 3/2/2013 ahead of a House of Commons vote on Tuesday to give legal recognition to same-sex marriage in England and Wales. As well as Christians pausing at 12 noon on Sunday for a short time of prayer, supportive churches will also pray…
A new report has highlighted that “self-harm rates remain shockingly high across the female prison estate and reoffending rates are staggering, especially for women receiving short custodial sentences. A change in attitude is needed in how women are dealt with in the criminal justice system. Diverting women away from custodial settings and investing in those women who do need to be held in prison is…
While one London borough is fighting to get rid of a major piece of public art another is offering to match funding to the tune of £50,000 to install a much-loved replacement work. Over in Tower Hamlets, the potential sale of Henry Moore’s ‘Old Flo’ has received significant news coverage. Meanwhile in Southwark the council…
A new trust has opened for business offering people practical support to realise their dreams. Open Wing, which has a majority Quaker board of trustees but is not set up as a Quaker trust, is looking to give small grants to individuals ‘who are taking a financial risk in following their hearts to work with…
by Jez Smith I’d like to compile a celebration of Quaker Faith & Practice on this site to inspire others. What do you like about it? What have you found most inspiring and why? Please comment here. Thanks!
The Quaker Council for European Affairs is looking for a new ‘nickname’. Just as Britain Yearly Meeting has become known as ‘Quakers in Britain’, Friends in Brussels have decided to look for a new catchy name for themselves. In their survey, QCEA say that they’re not looking to change their name, rather they are just…
by Sheila Hancock (from a radio interview, not written for Nayler) After I had cancer myself, I began to feel a lack of a spiritual element in my life… I went to a meeting of the Society of Friends – a Quaker meeting. I went for a weekend – they have weekend retreats. Instantly it…
A benefits briefing for Quakers Introduction by Jez Smith: This benefits briefing is intended for Quakers as a reference point who have an interest in all the changes that are happening across the welfare state. It is not passing comment, but stands as an opportunity for those who are concerned about the changes to see…