Christian Unity and Dialogue
The Religious Society of Friends – Yearly Meeting 2011
The Religious Society of Friends Yearly Meeting for Ireland was held in King’s Hospital School Dublin from 28 April to Sunday 1 May 2011. The Church of Ireland was represented at different stages by the Bishop of Meath and Kildare and Revd Niall Sloane. What follows is a series of reflections on the gathering (to which both the representatives have contributed), rather than a chronological report on the agenda for the meeting.
Not only were all visitors welcomed both warmly and courteously but, in keeping with the spirit of Quakerism, the conduct of business was always dignified and respectful, especially where there would appear to be dissension. In the obvious case of discussions on sexuality, it was remarkable that although there would clearly be a wide range of opinion on the matter (as in most other religious traditions also), there was an equally clear determination that the Society would not be stampeded into rapid response mode and that, whatever the outcome of the discussion may be, it will come through careful and respectful discernment, and the sincere expectation that consensus may be reached through a gentle waiting upon God.
Considering that the Society is so small in members (1,526 members in 2010) it is quite astonishing how much work the Friends are doing, locally and nationally. The vast reports on everything from history to education highlight this. The Society is highly organised and structured, but it is notable that every aspect of the agenda at the Meeting (no matter how apparently mundane or routine) always emerges from a time of quietness and will conclude in silence and spiritual reflection, an instructive contrast to the ways in which we, within the Church of Ireland, conduct much of our business.
An interesting feature of the Annual Meeting concerns the sessions devoted to healing and particular interest groups. The healing group on each day consisted of about 15 people and was an appealing form of ministry to those in need. The interest groups focused on current issues that the Society is facing. One of these, RC to Q, focussed on the growing experience of coming to the Society of Friends from a Roman Catholic background. It proved to be a learning experience for all present, and was indeed repeated on the following day, such had been the interest in this. Again, the sense of true respectfulness and the concomitant absence of any judgementalism were magnetic in their impact, certainly for visitors.
A session was devoted to the Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre in Birmingham. This is a centre for courses, short breaks and conferences. Would the Church of Ireland ever consider a venture like this, or even being a part–sponsor with another Christian tradition (or traditions) for such a venture, whether in Ireland or on our neighbouring island?
It is also noticeable that the Friends have a serious interest in Europe and the EU, and there is a permanent Friends “envoy” (it seems for both Britain and Ireland) resident in Brussels to monitor, and to comment upon EU affairs. Again, the professionalism in this regard was a salient reminder of how even small religious communities can take their responsibilities beyond their own internal concerns with the utmost seriousness.
We would wish to express our gratitude to the Society of Friends for the experience of this Yearly Meeting. One emerges from the meeting both humbled and energised, and that cannot be said for every ecclesiastical assembly.
We would wish to express our gratitude to the Society of Friends for the experience of this Yearly Meeting. One emerges from the meeting both humbled and energised, and that cannot be said for every ecclesiastical assembly.