What are some examples of reparations? How can we make our reparations meaningful? We continue our conversation about reparations with Edwina Peart and Rebecca WalkerWoo, who we spoke to in the first episode. We also speak to Oonagh Ryder who was the Faith in Action Coordinator for Quakers in Britain around that time and Siobhán Haire, Deputy Recording Clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting (Quakers in Britain). But first we should probably explain why it took so longer for this second episode to come ...
Mar 26, 2024•53 min
What are reparations? And what’s the role of faith communities in this conversation? We speak to Edwina Peart, Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator, and Rebecca Woo, Campaigns Coordinator, about the reparations conversation that is just beginning amongst British Quakers. *** FURTHER INFO Find links to Woodbrooke courses and other resources at: www.quaker.org.uk/reparations Swarthmore Lecture: www.woodbrooke.org.uk/swarthmore Ann Morgan, on Lancaster Quaker involvement in slave economies: https://...
Jun 22, 2022•36 min
How do Quakers read and interpret the Bible? This episode we hear from Mark Russ, Rhiannon Grant, Peterson Toscano and Timothy Ashworth for their takes on the Bible. We discuss how Quakers have read scripture over the centuries, how we can engage with it now and look at how Biblical texts can help us explore Quaker concerns today. *** This is our first joint Woodbrooke/Quakers in Britain episode of the podcast. Mark Russ, Rhiannon Grant and Timothy Ashworth are tutors at Woodbrooke. Find out mor...
Dec 10, 2020•1 hr 20 min
What do Quakers think and sex, sexuality and spirituality? How do we talk to young people about sex, consent and boundaries? In this bumper episode we interview author Lucy-Anne Holmes about her sexual and spiritual experiences, and talk to David Brockway from the Good Lad Initiative and researcher and lecturer Elsie Whittington about relationships and sex education with young people. - Don’t hold my head down by Lucy-Anne Holmes https://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Dont-Hold-My-Head-Down_978178352621...
Feb 13, 2020•1 hr 30 min
It’s part 2 of A Quaker Take on climate change and we’ve got interviews with Elinor from Extinction Rebellion Jews, Quakers involved in the school strikes, as well as excerpts of a recording of a talk with Greta Thunberg, Anna Taylor and Caroline Lucas on the new climate movement. With thanks to The Guardian for the new climate movement recording! *** Extinction Rebellion Jews Find XR Jews on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/xrjews. The Climate Justice Seder was run by Yael Tischler, the second wom...
Jun 28, 2019•59 min
What’s the Quaker part in the wider climate movement? Why are faith groups so involved in taking action to tackle climate breakdown? In part 1 we talk to Susanna Mattingly from Friends Worlds Committee for Consultation (the international Quaker body) about what that looks like in different parts of the world. fwcc.world/sustainability We also talk to Olivia Hanks about the Quakers in Britain take on the climate crisis. To join the mass lobby of parliament on 26 June email Philip Wood philipw@qua...
May 24, 2019•54 min
What's the Quaker position on immigration and why? What are Quakers doing to tackle some of the injustices in the current system? Asking some of the most common questions, we discuss the Quaker position on immigration with Tatiana Garavito, Jessica Metheringham and Bridget Walker. We talk about why it's not just about refugees and asylum seekers, and how we can all work together to tackle the injustices in the UK's current immigration system. Further info on Quaker work: http://www.quaker.org.uk...
Mar 31, 2019•59 min
Do Quakers celebrate Christmas? This episode we hear about different Quaker takes on the festive season, discuss why Quakers don't traditionally celebrate Christmas (and how they sometimes do now), and explore ways to approach difficult conversations with family and friends. BLOG Times and seasons: A Quaker reflection on Christmas www.quaker.org.uk/blog/times-and-seasons-a-quaker-reflection-on-christmas VIDEO 5 ways to disrupt racism: https://youtu.be/Lcd4VXHTR3Y TOOLKITS FOR ACTION Having diffi...
Dec 18, 2018•51 min
Jon and Elizabeth talk to two Quaker parents, one non-Quaker parent and two people raised by Quakers to find out what the common experiences are. Quaker Parenting Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/259029634289418/ Resources for Quaker parents: www.quaker.org.uk/children-and-young-people/quaker-parent Find events for children and young people: www.yqspace.org.uk/find-event
Nov 30, 2018•1 hr 3 min
What does it mean to be an ally? What does it mean to practise allyship? In this episode we discuss allyship and solidarity with Tatiana Garavito, Sanctuary Everywhere Programme Manager. We also discuss the history of Quaker abolitionist thought with historian Marcus Rediker. Power and privilege toolkit (PDF) www.quaker.org.uk/documents/owning-power-and-privilege-2nd-edition-october-2018 Healing Justice podcast www.healingjustice.org The Fearless Benjamin Lay http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/The-Fe...
Oct 19, 2018•59 min
Five Quakers discuss their take on God, spirituality and Quaker faith. ARTICLES The Quakers are right, we don't need God - Simon Jenkins https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/04/quakers-dropping-god And some letters in response https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/07/debate-on-god-language-doesnt-mean-all-quakers-are-losing-faith Telling our stories: exploring the Quaker way - Alistair Fuller https://www.quaker.org.uk/blog/telling-our-stories-exploring-the-quaker-way BOOK God,...
Sep 09, 2018•1 hr 5 min
Discussing peace education and nuclear weapons we join peace poet, Antony Owen, CND peace educator Owen Everett, and Quaker staff Ellis Brooks and Sahdya Darr to reflect on the role of peace education in encouraging critical thinking. Find out more Antony Owen: antonyowenpoetry.wordpress.com *** CND peace education England: cnduk.org/education Scotland: www.peaceeducationscotland.org Wales: walesforpeace.org or www.cymdeithasycymod.org.uk *** Action you can take Peace education resources: www.qu...
Aug 09, 2018•47 min
In an environment of increasing polarisation it’s more important than ever to understand how to disagree well. In this episode we chat to Lisa Cumming, Turning the Tide Programme Manager, about different approaches to try when engaging with friends and family – or people you don’t know well – on difficult topics. Find further resources from Turning the Tide at: https://turningtide.org.uk/ Other resources 5 ways to disrupt racism video: https://youtu.be/Lcd4VXHTR3Y Having difficult conversations ...
Dec 20, 2017•33 min
Universal human rights are the legal and practical sibling to the Quaker idea that every person is unique, precious and a child of God - simply, that every person has a right to be treated with dignity and respect. In this episode we explore human rights from a European and international perspective. As Quakers in Britain issue a manifesto about the need to welcome newcomers to the UK with respect and dignity, we reflect on the perception of human rights in a Brexit landscape and hear about the ...
Dec 08, 2017•30 min
“We can’t have security for people in the UK at the expense of security for people in other parts of the world” Rethinking security is an invitation to engage in public debate and dialogue about the way we think about security. The aim is to think and plan creatively in relation to safety, security, nonviolence and the role of peace initiatives, and revisit how we think about security to encompass all aspects of human well-being. In this episode of Q:Witness, we speak to Marigold Bentley, Head o...
Nov 24, 2017•36 min
The housing crisis in Britain has reached new lows in 2017, with 1 in every 200 people in the UK being homeless, house prices soaring far beyond the range of ordinary people, and social housing stock being decommissioned and not replaced. Quakers are stepping into the breach wherever they can – setting up YMCAs in meeting houses, running housing initiatives for young carers, and submitting amendments to housing bills as they go through parliament. In this episode of Q:Witness, Parliamentary Enga...
Nov 10, 2017•26 min
This episode of #QWitness focuses on making witness happen, shifting towards a movement-focused approach from a more information-based one. We chat to Gurpreet Bola, Hannah Smith and Maya Williams about their work to support groups to take action on different issues and how you can access this. We also catch up with two people who attended the Quaker Activist Gathering earlier this month. Lesley Grahame gives an update on supporting the ban on nuclear weapons and Laurence Hall talks about his co...
Oct 27, 2017•28 min
"It's really hard to stop 30,000 arms buyers from getting into the Excel centre, but it's really easy – and it feels amazing! – to stop a truck with a tank on from driving into the arms fair." In this episode of Q:Witness we talk about the many ways that people can help build a peaceful society. We hear from Sam Walton who helped organise the headline-grabbing actions to try and stop the world's largest arms fair in London this September; Ellis Brooks joins us to share news and hopes around peac...
Oct 13, 2017•26 min
In the first episode of Q:Witness's new season, two campaigners discuss how they came to Quakerism through activism. In an intergenerational, wide-ranging conversation, Chris Venables and Jane Pearn speak of overcoming their own self-doubts around 'doing enough,' and the importance of doing what you can, when you can. Listen to hear more about how ordinary people live their everyday lives according to Quaker values, and give strength to those who feel called to dedicate their lives to a cause. -...
Sep 29, 2017•29 min
Quakers use the term 'witness' to describe their faith in action. In the closing episode of the first Q:Witness podcast series, we explore what this term really means. We also explore how people sustain their activism. We chat to Paul Parker, the Recording Clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting, about what witness means to him and reflect on the spiritual underpinnings of Quaker activism. We also talk to George Lakey, the veteran US trainer and activist (pictured)about how he has remained resilient in ...
Aug 11, 2017•43 min
This Q:Witness we discuss the tide of militarisation in Britain and how to take action to stop it. The belief that military solutions are superior is one of the things that makes war more likely. From cadets in state schools to Armed Forces Day, we hear how new initiatives amount to a deliberate militarisation of society to counteract falling support for Britain’s wars. We hear about the movement to challenge militarism in Britain. Suki Ferguson, debut interviewer, speaks to Ellis Brooks and Sam...
Jul 28, 2017•41 min
How can Quakers offer sanctuary to those forced to flee their homes? Jon Martin and Tim Gee explore the idea of sanctuary and prepare for the launch of the Sanctuary Meetings programme. Tim also asks the various speakers from Refugee Week at Friends House (Euston, London) what sanctuary means to them. Learn why and how Quaker meetings can become Sanctuary Meeting and how you can join our movement challenging the process of destitution, deportation and detention. Interviews in order: Sita Brahmac...
Jul 13, 2017•33 min
What happens when you feel compelled to action on an issue but don't know where to start? Elizabeth and Jon chat to Hannah and Steve from the Turning the Tide social action training programme about how they support groups looking to help build a more just and peaceful world. Turning the Tide uses the skills and tools of nonviolence to support social change at the grassroots. Ellis also catches up with Sally Ingham, a Quaker from Cumbria who was part of a group motivated to 'walk for the welfare ...
Jun 30, 2017•53 min
Following the UK General Election on 8th June 2017, Ellis speaks to Jessica Metheringham, the Parliamentary Engagement Officer at Quakers in Britain. Jess reports on Quaker action during the campaign on key issues like nuclear disarmament and economic inequality and how to keep these on the agenda. She also reflects on the impact of the Lobbying Act on civil society's voice during the election. Read more about Quakers and the Lobbying Act on the ACEVO website: https://acevoblogs.wordpress.com/20...
Jun 15, 2017•13 min
War, human rights abuses and forced migration start in London. The Defence and Security Exhibition International (DSEI - pronounced 'dicey') is the largest arms fair in the world. Every two years, DSEI allows arms buyers and sellers to network and make deals. It’s coming again 4 September 2017, at ExCeL – the huge exhibition centre in London Docklands. This episode is about how to stop the arms fair. Ellis and Elizabeth hear from Sam Walton, the Peace and Disarmament Programme Manager for Quaker...
Jun 09, 2017•35 min
Quakers in Britain are deeply concerned by the widening gulf between rich and poor, which is brought about by injustice within our economic system. Quakers call for an economic system that values and protects all people. Any government strategy to reduce economic inequality should include a fair social security system which is upheld by a fair tax system and decent pay. In this episode we talk to Gurpreet Bola and Mairi Campbell-Jack about economic inequality, exploring what we can do to support...
May 26, 2017•45 min
Land across Lancashire is at risk of fracking, a new form of fossil fuel extraction that is set to threaten the UK’s ability to meet its low carbon commitments. Planning permission has been granted for fracking at Preston New Road in Lancashire, between Blackpool and Preston. Pendle Hill Area Meeting Quakers joined together to organise a meeting for worship for witness against fracking atop Pendle Hill, a historic site for Quakers. The land that can be seen from Pendle Hill is licensed for frack...
May 12, 2017•23 min
As a collective body Quakers in Britain are not party political. But that doesn’t mean we’re neutral. A general election is a good time to raise some key concerns with parliamentary candidates. In this episode of Q:Witness we speak to Jessica Metheringham, who works on political engagement, about how to get involved with the election and how we stay engaged afterwards. www.quakervote.org.uk | @QuakerVote | quakervote@quaker.org.uk
Apr 28, 2017•30 min
How is money actually created? Can a bank be ethical? How would you ensure a favourable reincarnation? These questions and more are explored in this episode of Q:Witness, the podcast from Quakers in Britain all about taking action for sustainability, equality and peace. We talk to Cait Crosse, who has been running the New Economy Programme, about the recently released the fourth New Economy Booklet, Money, banks and finance in the new economy. “Savings accounts, investments and loans: the financ...
Apr 13, 2017•29 min
Europe is experiencing the largest number of refugees since World War II. This is bringing attention to a steadily growing global crisis of human displacement, born of war, inequality and environmental degradation. In this episode of Q:Witness, we speak to Tim Gee who is scoping new work on forced migration from Quakers in Britain. We then hear from Sheila Mosley and Bridget Walker who help run the Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network (QARN), an independent group that has been working to change the...
Mar 30, 2017•32 min
