Friends Bulletin- Building the Western Quaker Community Since 1929-April 2003

24 Pages·2003·2.6 MB·English

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Fnends A
Bulletin
“Building the Western April 2003
^uakerJ<^mmunitv Volume 74 Number 3
Since 1, 1929”
Membership and Commitment
Friends Bulletin Faithful Friends
Editorial
and Faithful Attenders
The official publication ofPacific,
North Pacific and Intermountain
T
Yearly Meetings ofthe Religious he subject ofmembership is often a thorny one among contemporary liberal Friends.
Society of Friends (Quakers) Krishna Seshan’s “queries on membership” and John MacKinney’s responses sug-
(Opinions expressed are those gest some ofthe sticking points (see p. 6).
ofthe authors, not necessarily ofthe Other writers in this issue address the concept ofmembership in a variety ofuseful
Yearly Meetings.) ways. Inspired by a workshop on membership at Ben Lomond QuakerCenter, JanetLeslie
Anthony Manousos, Editor discusses her realization that the question we need to ask is not, “Are we ‘good enough’
3303 Raintree Ave to be Quakers” but rather, “Are we willing to try to live in accordance with Friends’ faith
CA
Torrance, 90505
and practices?” Robert Griswold humorously considers the obstacles and hangups that
310-325-3581
prevent attenders from becoming members.
E-mail: [email protected] One word not used in any ofthese essays is “faithfulness.” It’s an old-fashionedterm,
<<www.westernquaker.net>> one frequently found in the Bible, but very seldom in modem conversation. We prefer
neutral words like “commitment.” But“faithfulness” is much richerinmeaningthan “com-
IMYM
Corresponding Editor
mitment.” It implies that one is Filled with faith and trust, and hence trustworthy.
Alicya Malik
2693 W Avenida Azahar Faithfulness is a concept that took me a long time to appreciate. As a young man, I
Tucson, AZ 85745 could get pretty worked up about virtues like courage and love, but faithfulness didn’t
ring any bells for me. Only as I grew older did I see how important it is to “stay the
NPYM
Corresponding Editors
course” and to remain faithful to one’s principles, to one’s commitments, and to those
Jean Triol
PO Box 367 whom one loves.
Somers, MT 59932 It isn’t always easy. Much as I love being among Friends, there have been times when
Peg Morton I wondered ifI might not be better offas a Buddhist, or even a Methodist. But I am glad
5Eu1g0eVnea,n OBuRre9n74S0t2 that I remained faithful. I am also glad that Friends (and God) continued to have faith in
me when I was wavering in my faith.
PYM Corresponding Editor Faithfulness and commitment are especially important and needed during difficult
Marybeth Webster times. Although early Friends were not concerned about the formalities ofmembership,
PO Box 2843
they did recognize that certain individuals were committed Friends while others were not.
Grass Valley, CA 95945
Faithful Friends were willing to make sacrifices, sometimes even risking death, for their
Board of Directors convictions (a word that implies a willingness to go to prison for one’s beliefs).
Robert Griswold, Clerk Today we are living through anotherperiod in which our faith in Quakerprinciples is
1745 Cherry St
Denver, CO 80220 being tested. It is therefore worth asking the question posed by John MacKinney:
Lanny Jay, Treasurer “If I am arrested for being a Quaker, can the charge be proven? How will other
18602 Old Monte Rio Rd Quakers recognize me?”
Guemeville, CA 95446
Is being a Quakeramatter offaith, orofpractice, orofboth? The couple on the cover,
Lisa Down, Recording Clerk
PO Box 11197 Cornelius (“Corny”) andJean Steelink, have been involved with theAFSC since the 1940s
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 and were practicing the Quaker peace testimony before I was bom. Yet Jean did notjoin
Jeannie Graves the Religious Society ofFriends until the early 1980s. Corny has still notjoined the RSOF,
Box 198W55A even though he has been a faithful attenderand supporterofPima Meeting forovertwenty
Seattle, 98109-6855
PhyllisHoge years.
213 Darmouth SE Why notjoin? I asked him.
NM
Albuquerque, 87106 “I am not theologically inclined,” he replied, “but I support peace and like what the
Jo Ann Taylor
Quakers are all about.”
2850 Midvale Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064 Fair enough. Corny, like many others among us, is afaithfulattender. Ifthe authori-
Norman Pasche ties everget around to arresting Quakers, he will no doubtbe included. So let’s be glad for
W
620 Columbia St faithful attenders as well as for faithful members.
WA
Monroe, 98272-1211
Friends Bulletin (USPS 859-220) is published monthly except February and August by the Friends Bulletin Corporation ofthe Religious
Society ofFriends at 3303 Raintree Ave, Torrance, CA 90505. Telephone: [phone]. Periodicals postage paid at Whittier, CA 90601-
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2 April2003 Friends Bulletin
—
A
"Not Worthiness
but Willingness:”
In This Issue
What Does Mean
It
To Join the Religious Society of Friends?
3 “Not Worthiness, but
by Janet Leslie
WilSingness”by Janet
Chico Meeting
Leslie
first encountered Quakers when I was son and the community into a mutual rela- 4 “Membership: A
I16 or 17. A high school friend who had tionship. The openness and transparency of Dialogue...” by Robert
grown up in a nearby Meeting took me a membership process can make this rela- Griswold
there, and what I remember most vividly tionship accessible to all who choose it, not 6 “Queries on
are the faces and demeanor ofsome older just to those who have more confidence, Membership” by John
Friends there. I thought that there must be are more “Quakerly” or who have quicker Mackinney
something to this way ofworship ifpeople understanding. It provides for learning, 7 “Quaker Meeting
turned out like them, and I wanted to be mutual knowing, and coming to clearness Through the Eyes of a
like them. So, that year, and in my college inasupportive setting. An agreed-uponpro- Visitor” from Corvallis
years, and later when we returned to the cess provides more equal access. (OR) Newsletter
US afterPeaceCorps, I attendedMeeting Choosing membership means (to me)
I don’t know how many times, but I was a willingness to practice Friends’ way of 7 “Discerning the Way ©f
God through Quaker
shy, and didn’t know how to become part worship and decision-making, to be ac-
Process” by Marge
of the community. I thought I just wasn’t countable to the Meeting, and to submit to Abbott
the right sort ofperson, didn’t belong. thisparticular discipline/discipleship in the
It wasn’t until much later, in Hong company ofthese very human people who 9 “How to Become an
Kong, that the commitment and inclusive- are likely to disappoint us as well as in- Inspired Clerk” by Jon
ness ofFriends there drew me in, showed spire. And thecommunity takes on respon- Prescott
me that it is intention, not accomplishment, sibility forthe membertoo. I haven’t liked 10 “Hidden in Plain
that is the basis formembership. In my ex- being accountable to my Meeting, but I’m View...” by Cornelius
perience, membership is not about any sort grateful forthe flattening offalse pride and Steelink
ofworthiness, Quakerly character or spiri- individualism that had grown up in me. I 11 Directory of Western
tual advancement, but is an expression ofa need Friends’ love and truth and eldering. Friends Meetings and
continuing willingness totake this particu- It has seemed to me too that the spe- Worship Groups
lar(and maybe peculiar) religious path, be cial place ofthe active attender can allow
in an ongoingrelationship with thisparticu- those who don’t want to be in the member 15 “intermountain YM
lar faith community. And since there is no relationship to be free to come and go, or Needs Your Help” by
Eleanor Dart
general membership in the Religious Soci- to take their time in deciding what they
—
ety of Friends, this means a relationship want butasMeeting communities we fail, 15 “Utah Friends
with a local, human, specific monthly I think, to encourage attenders to consider Fellowship” by Joy
meeting...harder, maybe, but more real, membership, to explore this Quaker way Morris
than belonging to an ideal community.... together, and to share our faith and prac- 16 “American Friends
The question ofequality comes up in tice with newcomers. Service Committee...”
different ways. Some see the distinction And what are good metaphors for by Lanny Jay
betweenmembers andattenders as divisive membership? Friends at QuakerCenterlast
16 “Friends General
or a formality, and inconsistent with our weeke—nd spoke about some: Family, cer-
My Conference” by
testimonies. experience has been of tainly “Those who would love God must
— Margaret Sorrel
membership as a process bringing a per- lovetheirbrothers andsisters” andmaybe
adoptiveratherthan birth families. My fam- 19 Book Reviews
—
ilyexperience ofadoption bringing in the 19 “A Quaker Translation
outsider, family as love and care and com- of the Tao Teh Ching”
by Anthony Manousos
JanetLesliejoinedtheReligiousSocietyofFriendsinHongKongin
20 Memorial Minutes
1978 andbegan attending Chico Worship Group in 1980. She has
sewedasclerkofherMeeting, assistantclerkofPacificYearlyMeet- 21 Classifieds
ing, recordingclerkofCollegeParkQuarterlyMeeting.Apublichealth
nurse, sheisactiveinFWCCandAFSC.
V
April 2003 Friends Bulletin 3
—
mitmentratherthan any“natural” affinity grim fellowship?A lifeboatthatcomesupon never built with stone. Each stone would
makes that image a powerful one for me. us in a stormy sea? A ship with crew and have a particular shape, would f—it into its
The agrarian images so common through- passengers? A fellowship or adiscipleship? place in the wall, would stay put the liv-
out the Bible may not resonate for many in And is our Meeting a home or a hotel? ing stone equivalent of our showing up,
our society vines and branches, trees and “Like living stones, let yourselves be maybe. Walls aren’tjust forkeeping things
fruit, and so on. The community as a body built into a spiritual house....” A Friend in or out—walls can hold up a roof, build
may be more helpful in discerning our own shared this image, from 1st Peter 2:5. I’ve shelter, make a space forourwork and wor-
callings within the community than in look- helped to build a house, know something ship together. We just have to build the
ing atjoining. Is this a journey with a pil- about roofs and walls and shelter, but I’ve doors wide, and put in lots ofwindows....
Membership:
A
Dialogue
Between Friends
by Robert Griswold
Mountain View Meeting (CO)
Scene: Two members ofa Friends Meet-
ing converse over a cup ofcoffee.
Albert: So we’re going to have a discus- Art (c) by Gretchen McGarigle
sion about membership at a special meet-
ing next week. Annabelle'. Generally, I think those folks and that we are already paying for mem-
AInenvaebnelslueg:geYsetaehd,tIhattriwedetnoohtedaod tthhaetmunotfif.l atdrhoeerjneuoqsumtiirnheaotmpiiennmggbectroosmahmviiotpitdfeoert.hseoAamftteteercnotamillom,niwtoe-f bpearysinwghtoheihrawvaey.disappeared and aren’t
we had read four or fiveofthe Pendle Hill Albert: Oh no! Ifwe get sucked into that
tees.
pamphlets, but they weren’t buying any subject we can forget the whole thing.
ofthat. Albert: You’re right. (Pause) Y’know, That’ll get us into what to do about the
Aolubresretl:veIsduonp’tfokrntohiws wkihnydwoef tahliwnag.ys Wseet wkneoawl,sothhaeveontehse pwrhesoumspaty:io“nOphe,oplIe.coYuolud dcains’atppreiaskrehduratnidngsaonmyeoonnee’swiflelelisnagys.weI
never get anywhere and half the time never presume to judge the spiritual ex- don’t know why we have to be so careful
somebody ends up with hurt feelings. perience of another person. It would be of the feelings of people who haven’t
There’s always one person who is trying like presuming that I know whether they cared a fig about us in five years.
to mold us into one big loveable ball and are holy enough and I couldn’t do that.” Annabelle: Five years! More like ten for
two or three who have to show they are Annabelle: I think those are the folks who some!
such rugged individuals that they can’t be got hooked on that psychology fad of a Albert: Maybe we could propose a “stat-
considered apart from their own rugged few years ago-the “I’m OK, You’re OK” ute of limitations.” I understand some
grandeur. group.
meetings have them.
Annabelle: Yes, and remember there are Albert: Yeah. You know part of that is Annabelle: What’s that?
those who have Question Authority on defensive. They really are afraid some-
their bumpers. Those guys can catch the one might someday question them about Albert: From what I recall it is where ev-
faintest offaint whiffs ofauthority. Even something they’ve done and they hope ery member has to re-declare his commit-
membership in Quaker meeting can sniff this little maneuver will keep people at a ment to membership every 3-4 years. If
like cruel oppression to them. distance. Isn’t it clever to hide under a you move away or just decide that you
blanket ofhumility? don’t want to continue youjust don’t com-
Albert: Ah, yes. And then there is always plete the declaration and you are dropped
the person who has attended for the past Annabelle: Yeah that’s a Quaker favor- from the rolls.
20 years and proudly claims that they are ite. (Pause) You know there is bound to
too humble to ever think that they could be someone there who will point out that Annabelle: Boy, that makes sense. I think
etuvaelrlymabekiengitatoQuthaekeerx.alted heights ofac- wtoeyehaarvley mtoeedteicnlgaraendoupraymesombmeurcshhiaphelaisdt tmheaettmiingghwthmoahkaevesojumsetobfeetnhecpoeaostpilnegitnhoiunrk
4 April2003 Friends Bulletin
twice about what the meeting means to living coals warming each other.” And he Albert: I mean it’s kind of a long-term
them. talked ofFriends “helping each other up commitment and you don’t really know
Albert: Yeah, but it would mean you’d with a tender hand.” Those phrases seem what you’re getting into. I mean you re-
have to have somebody or some commit- to be close to what you were saying with ally don’t know all the things that you are
the word, relationship. going to have to learn or learn to put up
tee in the meeting take on thejob ofsend-
with.
ing out a declaration form to people Annabelle: It has to be a relationship of
whose three years is about up and you love and a mutual relationship. When we Annabelle: Are you letting me know that
know there would be some who would join a Quaker meeting we are getting into youjust put up with me?
complain that they just forgot or lost the a relationship but so are the folks in the Albert: No! No! You know what mean.
I
form. meeting. It wouldn’t do to just have the Membership is an open-ended relation-
Annabelle: I wouldn’t worry about that. person who wants tojoinjust sign up be- ship. You’re in it for the long haul. Like
I’m sure Quakers could find a way to cause the people in the meeting are get- in the marriage vows that say “for better
make a safety net for the slackers and the ting themselves into a commitment, too. or for worse.” You’re not just in it for
absent-minded-they always do. Albert: I don’t think we always do a good the good times.
Albert: (Long pause.) Membership, job ofmaking people in the meeting aware Annabelle: Boy, that’s for sure. And
membership, membership. We always of that. I know in some churches they sometimes we don’t even know that the
seem to get stuck when that word comes have a ceremony where the new member bad times were good times ‘til after we
up. I wonder ifwejust have so much un- shakes everyone’s hand. “Extending the have lived though them and can look
spoken baggage in that word that we can’t right hand offellowship” is what they call back.
get around it. it. I know Friends hate ritual but some- Albert So what do we call this kind of
Annabelle: Umm. Long pause.) Hey, times I think our lack of it causes us to relatio:nship?
( forget what we are doing.
cIa’lvleigtowthiat!t Liteti’s—s greetlartiidoonfshtihpa!t wTohrednawned Annabelle: (pause) I know you’re right Acnalnlaebdelalsea:crUammemn.t.InIt’ssoamheolcyhumrocmheesntitiins
could have relationship clearness commit- about that. I just realized that I have al-
tees. That really is better anyway. After ways thought ofclearness committees as our lives and the life ofthe church.
all a relationship is two-way. I think helping the person applying get clear. But Albert: Some people see it as a contract.
sometimes membership seems like the it really needs to be seen as the meeting You know? They talk about the “marriage
person is joining this big abstraction, getting clear about what it is getting into, contract.” I’ve never liked that though.
Quakerism. That’s a bad picture because too. That’s way too business-like and legal for
me.
it is really two-way. The person is enter- Albert: Well, what are we getting into?
ing into something but the people in the Annabelle: It’s a relationship, but what Annabelle: Me too. I like the word “cov-
A
meeting are entering into a relationship kind is it? I can’t help feeling that ifwe enant” better. covenant is a pledge-a
too. There has to be a commitment that promise.
spell it out we’lljust be getting ourselves
goes twoways. into a bigger pickle. Albert But that still begs the question.
:
Albert: I think you’re onto something Albert: Hey! I like the idea ofeverybody What kind ofpromise is it?
here. Membership gets us into trying to getting pickled! don’t think Friends Annabelle: {Long pause.) It’s a promise
I
get a perfect definition ofbeing a Quaker. would agree to that though. ofthe heart. Membership is a promise of
I think Quakers go around with some sort the heart for those in the meeting and the
ofideal notion ofwhat the perfect Quaker Annabelle: ‘Fraid not. But it’s true-as personjoining.
might be and then feel bad when they and members we are immersed in something.
everyone else doesn’t quite make the Albert: Hey! Maybe that’s why Baptists Albert: Huh! Maybe we will survive next
grade. I think we sometimes have the no- dunk people-to let them know they are week’s discussion after all.D
tion in the backs ofour minds that we are going to be immersed in something.
supposed to be saints or something. I Annabelle: Maybe. think baptism has
I
don’t think we are very clear that George more to do with washing your sins away.
Fox put his pants on one leg at a time. Since Quakers don’t like the idea ofsin, I
Annabelle: I’ll say! That perfection stuff don’t think we could dunk them.
does get in our way. I sometimes wish Albert {Longpause.) God, it’s hard to be
:
Fox had never said we could be perfect. a simple Quaker!
I think 1 know what he was talking about Annabelle: Well, if membership is a re-
but when we turn that into a notion, it
lationship, what other relationships is it
clouds the mind.
like?
Albert: (Longpause.) You know there is
Albert: {Longpause.) I guess it’s kind of
a line from Isaac Penington that I have like becoming a parent or getting married.
always liked that describes early Friends
meetings. He spoke ofthem as “heaps of Annabelle: What do you mean? *Blitton by ChuckFager
April 2003 Friends Bulletin 5
T. S. Eliot’s poem about the True Church
Queries on a and the hippopotamus can help. The Soci-
ety of Friends is AT BEST a means to an
end, not ajustifiable end in itself.
Membership^
On the other hand, there are many queries
that suggest compelling reasonsfor mem-
bership.
in response to
The queries put forward ideals ofbehavior
Krishna Seshan’s article
befitting a member, which could equallybe
Friends Bulletin,1 1/2002, p. 8
exemplified by any good person. It is not
consistent with truth to suppose that they
by John Mackinney
describe members generally, though we do
Berkeley (CA) Meeting
thou” attitude is fatal to true religion. have a few saints among us.
Ifwehavemembers, are we then obligedto When we are led to a certain place by our
treat non-members differently? heartandspirit, howmayweproclaim that
Are there not religions and philosophies/ we have ended our search?
movements/“ways ofbeing and thinking” In my experience, it has occasionally been
that need no membership? necessary to (1) explicitly refuse to allow When the heart and spirit are ready, they
non-members tohelp decidekey issues, and will find the means, and the proclamation
Yes. No membership is needed ifthere is a (2) limit (but not forbid) use of “sharing will be insuppressible. I cannot imagine
charismatic individual to define the move- funds” by non-members. How can non- membership as the END ofa search.
ment. When thatpersondies, will themove- members bear responsibility for the corpo-
mentremain? DoesChristianityasweknow rateactionsorpropertyoftheMeeting? The Is membership not a special relation that
it reflect more ofJesus, or more ofPaul? fact that many attenders actmore responsi- we enter into with ourMeeting?
Was not Christianitya wayofgettingaway bly than many members reveals our imper- It certainly is, but each individual will at-
from the ‘‘circumcision oftheflesh to a cir- fections but does not (to my mind) offer an tach a different level of significance to it,
cumcision ofthe heart, ” etc. alternative method ofidentifying those ac- and so conform herorhis behaviorto a dif-
tually responsible. ferent degree. For most Friends, it is less
In the minds ofmany, yes, but those same meaningful than marriage, and for many,
people formed a strong network held to- Does membership require beliefin a set of less than their career. A meeting that tries
gether by common rituals, beliefs and be- rules or a creed? What ifwe do not agree to put the same specific requirements on
haviors. They seemed unable to avoid set- with all the rules? What ifwe don 't agree every member will not last.
with all the elements ofa creed?
ting up hierarchies of elders and bishops,
ainngdcirnepeedrshaanpdsethxrceoemgmeunneircaatitoinnsgbeeagcahnowtrhietr.- WinhBeanltIimfoirrset jYoeianreldytMheeetSiocnige(tnyono-fpFarsiteonrdals sHioonwatceantowtehosbeewchonosfiedeelrdatreawanndtocboemcpoamse-
If we truly lived in the Kingdom, formal branch) it was explained to me that there members?
organization wouldbe irrelevant; as fallible wasno creed. However,to acceptmymem- I cannot answer this most disturbing ques-
humans, we need a starting-point. bership they needed my affirmation that I tion, but only ask in return: Without com-
Why should we carry external evidence was easy with the testimonies, understand- passion, how can we continue dialogue?
(membership cards, etc.) ofourfaith and ingthat I was not necessarily able to follow Without consideration, howcan we stay to-
belief? all ofthem equally but that I did not deny gether as a group, whether formally or in-
any. Atthe time, I was engaged in work for formally?
The question puzzles me. I have not heard the military and knew I did not understand
of nor seen Quaker membership cards. thepeacetestimony, butexpressedmy will- Is there a better word than "member"for
However, I haveheardthat duringtheThird ingness to be open to it. expressing our deep sense ofbelonging to
Reich, some Christians took to wearing Meeting? A word that reflects our spiri-
small steel crosses unobtrusively on their "I will not be a member ofany organiza- tual andphilosophicalposition?
clothing so as to know each other. IfI am ttiroinbuttheadttwoilGlrhoauvcehomeMfaorrx)a member. ” (at- When you are able to answer this, and ex-
arrested forbeing a Quaker, can the charge
plicate that position, I shall be most eager
be proven? How will otherQuakers recog- This suggests either self-esteem below a to hear. Quite a few nominal Quakers do
nize me? healthy threshold, oran inappropriate exal- not appear to seriously consider the impli-
Does membership help make us "good”or tation ofthe organization, or both. It also cations of “member,” that is, being one
"better”people? suggests thatmembership is akind ofprize, body. (I feel the metaphor has appropriate
and that acceptance of a new member is significance without the theological addi-
Ofcoursenot,unless we, actingas individu- based on superficialities; in any case it is tion of “...in Christ”.) But I do not de-
als, make it meaningful. The “holier-than- not areligious attitude. Perhaps re-reading spair, nor should you.
6 April2003 Friends Bulletin
Won youplease. .Speak to me after I am accepted and affirmed. I need to have
Quaker Meeting ’t . people within the Meeting who know me
the Meeting. I know you want to see your by my first name andwho care aboutme as
friends and settle that piece ofcommittee
Through the Eyes of an individual.
business, but ifyoudo notnotice me, I may
a Visitor tfhiend“sittrhaanrgderto”bienlyioeuvre mtihadtsty.ou do care fro theseIftyhionugscafnorfmined,iIt wiinlylocuormheeabratctko. d.o.
Tell me good things about your Meet- the second Sunday, the third, and maybe
ing. I want to believe that I have come to a wfoorrevkero.nI wyiollurwoprrsohjiepctwsi,thteyaocuh. AFinrdstI mDaayy
from the Corvallis (OR) Meeting place where people love each other and
School, share my spiritualjourney, andbe-
Newsletter where they believe they are doing some-
come an active member ofyour Meeting.
thing important.
Notice me even ifI am not “family.” I In doing so, I will find my life immeasur-
ably enriched and so will you.
don’t want to feel invisible just because I
Hello! I 7n a am unmarried, a teenager or an older per-
to meeting. You son.
cannot know the reason Talk to me again the second week
why I am here this when I come back, and the third, and the
morning. It may be as fourth. I am still not part of our Meeting
simple as a move into your community, or family. Please don’t feel you have done
as complicated as a personal crisis that your “duty” by me because you made a
leads me to seek strength from God. In any point of greeting me the first week I was
case, I am here. And I probably will remain here.
here and come back to visit you next Sun- Invite me to become part of some
day and the Sunday after that. Ifyou will, Meeting group oractivity. I needmore than
do something for me. worship every Sunday. I need to know that
Discerning the Way of God
through Quaker Process
By Marge Abbott ings are the only guide that we may throw
awayall constraints ofmorality andhuman
Multnomah Meeting, Portland, OR
relationships. The Light is the primary au-
thority and we struggle, sometimes alone
and sometimes together, to know how to
Several years ago, the clerk of Indiana recognize the workings of the Light and
Yearly meeting was upset at Earlham what that might tell us about ourbehavior.
College and its Board, believing they were The desire to act out of Love and to find
notupholding Friends’ principles atthe col- unity with one anotherand with all creation
lege. Yet as clerk of the meeting, he was sets powerful boundaries on behavioreven
clearofhis obligation to listen forthe sense as we tend to reject rules.
ofthe Meeting, and to not let his own per- ThecommunityofFriends isboundto-
sonal opinions shape the decision. After gether by God, and all authority flows
prayerful consideration ofthe issue by the from God’s Spirit. This is a community of the Light. They also draw on Friends’
gatheredmeeting, the clerk wrote a minute which is adamant that each individual may tradition as expressed in Faith and Prac-
summarizing Yearly Meeting support for speak words that reflect glimmers ofthat ticeand in otherwritings. A surprisingnum-
Earlham. He acceptedthat while individual ultimate authority. In so doing, we attimes berdraw deeply on the Bible, some on past
opinion and sense ofthe meeting may not allow individualsto carryon in ways which Christian training, others on the guidance
always be in sync, the individual should may be simply irritating ormay be damag- ofother faith traditions.
be bound by a decision made in the Spirit. ing to the community. Discernmentby the No neat line exists today delineating
He recognized that God’s will and human clerk, or the community as a whole, is a what is “disorderly walking” and what
will do not always coincide. process of learning and growing whose is “walking in the Truth.” Forgenerations,
Friends today leave huge discretion to progress may be uneven. Friendscould feel secure they were in good
the individual and to the gathered group of For guidance, experienced Friends company simply by seeing one another’s
individuals who do the business of the draw on their own experience in the dress and hearing them speak. The Quaker
Meetings. Yet we are not a group of meeting community and their innate sense “uniform” of jeans, jumpers, and
“Ranters” who so believe that inward feel- of right ordering and the guidance birkenstocks blends into the world even as
April 2003 Friends Bulletin 7
it continues to testify to simplicity in dress. God’s Way mine and acts on them will be like a
Coming to know one another is the great- wise man who built his house on
est measure of who is a Friend these Friends manner ofworship, the struc- rock. Now when Jesus finished
. . .
days, even as the hope that all people will tures ofour meetings, and our way ofdo- saying these things, the crowds were
live true to the Light Within draws some ing business were all established in a fash- astounded at his teaching, for he
meetings to want to welcome any who en- ion designed to open the community to taught them as one having authority
joy the silence. knowledge of, and encouragement to live and not as their scribes.
Buddhism is attractive to manypeople in accord with, God’s will. William Penn
today. The emphasis on emptiness reso- stated this clearly: Living out the way ofGod is both an
nates strongly with early Quaker under- ethical way of life and a spiritual way of
standing of dying to the self. In the 17th ... it is not opinion, or speculation, or listening and responding. Knowing God’s
century, Francis Howgill spoke ofthe cov- notions ofwhat is true... that... makes way involves learning, understanding and
—
enant of light in the Cross of Jesus not a man a true believer, or a true Chris- practice. This process nurtures and builds
because Jesus’ death wiped out oursins for tian. But it is a conformity ofmind and on the human desire to be loved and to act
once and all, but rather that we are called practice to the will ofGod, in all holi- lovingly towards those around them. The
to die to the self, thus entering into ness of conversation [e.g. behavior], words from Matthew cited above come at
the cross with Jesus: according to the dictates ofthis divine the end ofthe Sermon on the Mount, Jesus’
principle oflight and life in the soul.[ great compendium ofhis teachings. In this
And this is he whom the Father has William Penn, A Collection of the context, God’sway isabouthumility, mercy
given fora Covenant: to bring man out WorksofWilliam Penn (London, 1726) andpeace making. It is about knowing that
ofalienation to himselfagain, to rec- vol. II, p. 781.] we cannot worship God with a clear heart
oncile man to himself, even by the if we are not reconciled with the people
bloodoftheCross. Hewho is theLight Ourroots andourpractices are shaped around us, including those we see as our
is the Covenant, and he who is the by the New Testament, and can best be ex- enemies. It is about not lusting after that
Covenant is the Light, forthey are one plained through the teachings ofJesus even which is notours and notplacingthe love of
in him. And this covenant ofpeace is though many ofus would agree with John money above the love of God. It is about
tendered to you who are far off. and Lampen, who asked “Does God exist ex- prayerandlivinginthespiritofthelawrather
. .
so in the covenant of life abide, and cept as a deep potentiality of human na- than simply the letter ofthe law. Doing the
you will see he is near you. . . ture?”Lampen answered his own question will ofGod is aunifiedwayofbeingand liv-
Thisgift is free, andofferedfreely bystatingthat Buddhism andJungmaypull ing in accord with the perfect love ofGod.
to all who will receive it; and yet you us to say no and Christianity says yes, but Knowing God’s way is also an inward,
cannot receive the gift in your own there is no absolute answerpossible in this spiritual process. Thegospel ofJohn speaks
wills, but through the denial of your life. [John Lampen, Twenty Questions to the inward experience where we can
own will. [Francis Howgill, TheInher- AboutJesus (London: Quaker Home Ser- know the Word abiding in us, sustainingus
itance ofJacob DiscoveredAfter His vice, 1985) p. 85.] Today, liberal Friends and guiding us in all things. In John, Jesus
Return Out ofEgypt (1656), as cited wouldbroaden the conceptof“God’s will” is also clear that those who know God’s
in Gwyn, The Covenant Crucified p. to make it clear that it is a way, open to all voice in their hearts can discern when oth-
,
100.] people who are attuned to the Truth; thus I ers are truly speaking out of divine guid-
speak more of the Way of God, than the ance and when they are acting out ofself-
Reachingbeyond the self,beyond self- will ofGod.Thisshiftinlanguagealsomakes will no matter how pious their words.
interest is one sign ofa person who walks itclearthat we do not look to a God whohas Then Jesus answered them:
in the Truth. Standing in another’s shoes, somepurpose inthedeath ofachild,orother
recognizing that the world is ours forbut a tragedies, even though something right and My teaching is not mine but his who
moment andthat wehave aheritage to pass goodmighteventuallyriseoutofsuchevents sent me. Anyone who resolves to do
onto our children and our children’s chil- ifwe do seekto live God’s way. the will ofGod will know whetherthe
—
dren these too are marks of Truth. The teaching is from God or whether I am
Spirit-led life is not always obvious, but it Human Will and Holy Purpose speaking on myown. Thosewho speak
is readily discerned by those who have the on theirown seek theirown glory; but
patience to wait and the eye to see. It does The words ofJesus in Matthew 7:21, theonewho seeks thegloryofhim who
not always fit preconceived notions of“ho- 24-29 are a goodplace to start in an explo- sent him is true, and there is nothing
liness”or“righteousness”but such lives are ration ofwhat we might mean by the will false about him. (John 7:16-18)
present in all our Meetings. ofGod. Jesus said,
We, as Friends, seek to discern Truth What does this mean then, in the con-
in our Meetings for Worship for Business Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, duct ofthe business ofthe meeting and in
by seeking God’s way. We, as Friends, seek Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of our daily—lives? Most ofus are pretty clear
to live our lives as ifthe City ofGod were heaven, but only the one who does that —God no matter how we conceive of
among us here on earth. What follows ad- the will ofmy Father in heaven. God does not really care what color car-
. . .
dresses what this might mean in practice. Everyone who hears these words of pet weplace inthemeetingroom. Yetmeet-
8 April2003 Friends Bulletin
ings have had rancorous discussions about respond to an ethical code which becomes where all Friends may see the issue with
the carpet. In my mind, this brings us back more and more deeply internalized as we fresh eyes. Almostevery meeting has tales
to the ethics ofSermon on the Mount with practice it in our lives. oftimes when they had reached an impasse
its emphasis on humility and reconciliation. Ifwe are living lives in tune with the where no one could agree on how to pro-
One job of the meeting clerk (as well Spirit, we will be drawn into unity with one ceed, then “way opened” and a new possi-
as everyone present) is to remain centered another. This does not mean that we will bility was offered. This cannot happen
on the matters ofthe Spirit even as we deal necessarily agree with one another about when a few people are convincedthat only
with the most mundane ofissues. Thus the any specific issue. It does mean that we are one solution is right. Being in tune with the
clerk can recall us to the worshipful nature seeking to act in accord with the leadings Spiritmay requireus to step back and learn
of our work together when we get caught of the Spirit. Upon occasion, one or an- we are asking the wrong question alto-
up in competing tastes or conflicting otherofus may find ourselves in disagree- gether. Listeningbeyondwordsmayrequire
notions of who is in control. How we re- ment with the meeting, yet see that an ac- that we hear when our motives are wrong
spond to one another as we proceed is an tion or decision may be rightly made. In or our perspective is too limited (or too
important aspect of how we live in com- this instance, wemustbewillingtosetaside grand).
munity and make decisions together. In our our own opinions in light ofthe wisdom of Both worship and the conduct ofbusi-
daily lives, amidst the bustle of work and the group. Thus, Unity does not always ness in the mannerofFriends can do much
family, a simple mantra, a prayer, or even mean unanimity. The Clerk, who holds the to teach us how we mightbetterlive intune
recalling to breathe deeply, can call us back responsibility for articulating the sense of with the way ofGod. Becoming conscious
tothe centerand shiftouractions away from the meeting may at such times offer a ofour own motives and recognizing when
—
harmful behaviors. This is part ofliving in minute a statement of a particular deci- we areresponding wrongly to the expecta-
—
the way ofGod. sion knowing that not every person is in tions and pressures of people around us
When we are focused on the Spirit in accord, but feeling it is right to proceed. If andwhen wearecaughtup in ourown ego-
ourwork, we learn to simultaneously bring themeetingagrees,Friends state“approve” driven agenda is a gift which can allow us
all ourskills and efforts tobearon the work (or in England, “I hope so”). to move in new directions, actjustly in dif-
before us and to hold the results loosely. At other times, an individual, ora few ficult situations, and respond with the hu-
The outcome is not ours to control. We are people, may hold a strong sense that apar- mility ofone who walks with God. A final
asked to be faithful to the way ofLove in- ticular decision is not in accord with the aspect is the willingness to be surprised
wardly and outwardly. Some of us may Spirit. Another responsibility ofthe clerk when God’s ways are not ourways and the
experience the voice ofGod in a personal is to find what is the nature ofthe hesita- freedom to be open to the creativity ofthe
way as early Friends did. Others ofus may tion orobjection andto open an atmosphere Spirit.O
huge beech tree believed to have been
standing at the time ofWilliam Penn.
How
To Into this environment were placed 44
meeting clerks from across the US and
Become an Canada, hoping to increasethe skill andun-
derstanding webringto clerking. The class
was facilitatedbyArthurLarrabee, whohas
Inspired Clerk
served as clerk of Philadelphia Yearly
Meeting, Central Philadelphia Monthly
Meeting, numerous Friends School boards
and other organizations. He is an incred-
By Jon Prescott ibly gifted man, displaying a unique blend
Eastside (WA) Meeting ofspiritual depth, practical understanding
andenergetic fun. His facilitation was done
To support my role as Presiding Clerk NPYM with such skill that I frequently found my-
JonPrescott, clerk
ofNorth Pacific Yearly Meeting, I re- selfsmiling with wonder and gratitude.
cently attended a clerking workshop at been converted to hold a Meeting room, The attenders were no less inspiring,
Pendle Hill facilitated by Arthur Larrabee. bookstore and offices. Over the years, coming primarily from the East Coast but
It was an outstanding experience and one Pendle Hill purchased adjoiningproperties, some from as far as Alaska, Canada, Ten-
that I’m anxious to share with the members and the campus now covers twenty-seven nessee, Texas and Florida. Theirparticipa-
ofEFM. acres oftrees, fields and buildings. There tion, comments andobservations werecon-
Pendle Hill is a Quaker education and are three libraries, an art studio, green- sistently inspiring and raised the bar for
retreat center in Wallingford, PA,just out- house, student and staffhousing and trails what I expect ofmyselfas a Quaker. Some
side Philadelphia. It was founded by for walking and contemplation. Delicious ofthemostamazing attenders were agroup
Friends in 1929 through the purchase ofa organic vegetarian meals are prepared by of young people from Friends General
seven-acre country estate, with a large the cooking staff, and a grounds crew lov- Conference’s High School program. Their
house and beautiful brick bam, which has ingly tends the property, which includes a use and understanding ofQuaker process
April 2003 Friends Bulletin 9
gave me great confidence in the future of do we conduct business as Friends? What I hope that Eastside Friends Meeting will
our Society. are consensus, unity and “the sense ofthe consider sending our members on retreats
Arthurledexercisesanddiscussionde- meeting”? What is the role ofthe clerk and such as this. Workshop attenders benefit
signed to increase our understanding of meeting attenders? Do we have a philoso- through increaseddepth and understanding,
Quaker theology and of how we can use phy ofclerking that both helps nurture the and the Meeting benefits when attenders
that knowledge to become more effective spirit and deal with difficulties? return with skills that supportthe Meeting’s
clerks. He became a student of clerking This experience has transformed me. spirit and conduct of business. Skillful
years ago and collectedhis observations in Exposure to Friends ofsuch depth and skill clerking leads to more satisfaction,joy and
a file, the contents of which he offered to combinedwith thepeaceful, monastery-like confidence in ourQuakerprocess, reward-
us in a one inch thick, very rich document. setting ofPendle Hill has changed my per- ing everyone with deeper spiritual
Some ofthetopics we discussed were: Why ception andexpectation ofQuakerpractice. communion.
"Hidden in Plain
View”:
Story of a Peace
Quilt
By Cornelius Steelink
Pima Meeting, Tucson, AZ
J Tidden in Plain View is a recently pub-
JL J. lished book that describes how quilts
were used by the Quakers and African
American slaves to operate the Under-
groundRailroad. Quilts had designs which
contained secret codes to guide slaves (Un-
dergroundRailroad QuiltCode). They were
displayed in windows ofsafe houses along
the Railroad to guide or warn escaping
Photo by CorneliusSteelink
slaves.
Jean Steelink was a longtime Pima
Meeting Friend, anda longtime quilter. One agreed to supply a fabric square with a would be very interested in adding the
ofher quilts was “hidden” for a long time drawing or script depicting her husband’s lovely quiltmadeby CPS wives to ourcol-
until itwas finally displayedat Swarthmore contribution. lection. What a wonderful tribute these
College last year. It has a special message It was amonumental logisticundertak- women have made to Unit 98.”
honoring conscientious objectors to WWII. ing, but Jean was a great organizer. By On March 27, 2002, the Peace Collec-
Here is the story ofthat quilt. 1992, the quilt was completed and pre- tion of Swarthmore College held a semi-
Since 1950, a group of50 WWII con- sented to the reunion in Asilomar, Califor- naron the experiences ofthe CPS men dur-
scientious objectors ofCivilian Public Ser- nia. The next question arose: what to do ing WWII. Many artifacts, photos and
vice Camp 98 (CPS 98) have held ten re- with the quilt? For aperiod ofsix months, records were on display. But the main fea-
unions. Along with their wives, these re- it was passed aroundto the families ofCPS ture was the CPS 98 quilt, prominently dis-
unions have been occasions for reliving 98, andtheirchurch groups, andthen it was played on the McCabe Library wall.
mutual experiences, tellingtall tales, social- stored in the home of one of the wives.
izing and sight-seeing. The 1989 reunion There it remained “hidden” for 8 years. Seeing the Quilt at Swarthmore
had a separate women’s meeting. At that Jean Steelinkpassed away on May 18,
meeting,Jean Steelinksuggestedthataquilt 2001. Some time after that day, I told this In the spring of 2002 I went to
be createdto commemorate the services of story to EdieFerrell, aretiredlibrarian. She SwarthmoreCollegeto seeJean’s quilt. Just
the men in CPS 98, and pay tribute to their immediately suggested that the quilt de- as I had dreamed, I found it at the head of
witness. The design would be a traditional served to be placed in the Peace Collec- the main staircase in McCabe Library. It
crazy quilt, and would contain 50 squares. tion ofSwarthmore College, Pennsylvania. was beautifully hung. It had been hanging
Each square would represent the unique It has the largest collection ofartifacts and there since March 1, 2002. As I stood at
character of the individual conscientious literature of WWII c.o.s in the world. I the bottom ofthe stairs gazing at the quilt,
objector. Jean agreed to design and orga- wrote to the Swarthmore librarian and got “PeaceQuilt, ”continuedonpage22
nize the quilt project. Each other woman awonderful reply in September2001. “We
10 April2003 Friends Bulletin