NFPB gathered in York, with some also online, for our third meeting of the year. Friends joined us from across the North – from North Scotland to Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Area Meeting, North Wales to North Yorkshire.
We had invited Rachel Julian to give a talk on Building Peace in Troubled Times. Rachel is Professor of Peace Studies at Leeds Beckett University, and also the chair of the Peace Museum Trustees. She suggested that these are not necessarily uniquely troubled times, as there have always been wars and violent conflicts. But there are always, Rachel encouraged us to recognise, also people taking positive action to build peace across the world; that far more are involved in building peace than waging war. Rachel drew on her research to give inspiring examples of peacebuilding and nonviolent protection from many parts of the world, very few of which make media headlines. There is a need to challenge the policies and economics that promote militarism as well, and the Peace Museum is one vehicle for telling the stories of those who have taken action to that end, as well as the peacebuilders. Rachel also drew our attention to a podcast and book that highlight the breadth and depth of these communities and actions for peace.
Experiences of witness, action and speaking out
Earlier in the month, a number of NFPB members had participated in acts of witness at and around the international arms fair, DSEI, in London. We heard from some of those who had been involved, who described the different types of nonviolent action that Quakers had undertaken both collectively and individually. Friends also considered other experiences of standing up and speaking out, responding to questions raised in a short ‘talking points’ paper that had been circulated before the meeting. Issues that arose included how to engage effectively in the face of heated opposition, relationships with police at a time of increasing restrictions on the right to protest, and the power of a still/silent Quaker presence in the midst of turbulence. It is not always clear what the results will be, but Friends feel it is important to be keep a visible, peaceful presence. The Meeting was reminded of the valuable QPSW-produced “Engaging with conflict, challenging hate toolkit”, available as a PDF .
Trustees report
NFPB Trustees gave an update on the organisation’s financial position. Whilst again having to draw on reserves, our Treasurer, Deryck Hillas, noted a small increase this year in levels of financial support from Area Meetings and also the award of a grant to support an event next year. Clerk to trustees, Jayne Meadows, reported that they had met in-person in July and had carried out their annual risk assessment. With staff changes coming up next year, as well as changes in some aspects of Quaker governance, NFPB needs to be clear about its priorities. Members considered points arising from the initial stage of discernment around this that they undertook in June, and gave further guidance on which areas seem to be most important to sustain and to develop.
Friends’ news
In sharing news about recent Quaker action, we heard about continuing witness in different parts of the NFPB area, some in relation to the situation in Gaza, and also marking Hiroshima and Nagasaki days in August. At Fylingdales and Menwith Hill in Yorkshire, (both nominally RAF but largely US listening, early-warning and communications bases), there is a Meeting for worship 6 times a year at the former, and a weekly demonstration at the latter. Friends were encouraged to support these. Friends also reported on interfaith activities and events to mark World Quaker Day.
Gaza
Our concluding item of business was a consideration of what else we might be called to do in relation to Gaza and the wider situation between Palestine and Israel. Responses have been and continue to be wide-ranging, from choices about how we spend our money, to protest and direct action, to working with other networks, and writing to our political representatives. We held in the light Friends and those working on their behalf in the region.
Our meeting closed in silent worship. NFPB will next meet, in Liverpool and online, on Saturday 29th November.