Tower and Town, September 2017

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Clergy Letter: A Quaker Point of View

As you may know, we have a book of Advices and Queries which we are encouraged to read regularly to challenge and inspire us in our daily lives.

Two particular strands stick out for me, the importance of being guided by the inner spirit, God or whatever you call it, where we are encouraged to:

“Bring the whole of your life under the ordering of the Spirit of Christ. Are you open to the healing power of God’s love? Cherish that of God within you, so that this love may grow in you and guide you. Let your worship and your daily life enrich each other. Treasure your experience of God, however it comes to you. Remember Christianity is a notion not a way.” A&Q 2

And the call to social action:

“ Remember your responsibilities as a citizen for the conduct of local, national and international affairs. Do not shrink from the time and effort your involvement may involve.” A&Q 34

In times of worship I am often guided in actions I should take. I find the space in which the ‘still small voice’ of God can speak, and sometimes through the ministry of others in our meetings can find inspiration to act, be comforted or feel discomfort.

For me time given to Marlborough Poverty Action Group has been driven by the spirit and led me, through networking and providing activities, to support people less fortunate than me and that in itself makes me feel better. It is often easier to give than to receive.

In 2002 Green Advices and Queries were brought together, calling us to be much more involved in issues of Climate Change and sustainability.

Over the years, we at home have become better at composting and recycling, improving insulation of our house and converting to solar and air sourced power. We try to reduce our energy usage and dress more warmly.

But in two major areas I am aware of mega failures to reduce our carbon emitting behaviour. We still fly to far-away places to meet friends and family. We enjoy learning about and engaging with people of other cultures and gain more understanding of the diversity of the world in which we live. My family have always travelled. I and five of my siblings did voluntary service overseas, leading to work and lives in India, Nepal, Africa and Thailand. It’s in our blood.

We still have a diesel motor car, bought at a time when the government were encouraging such moves. At some point we will replace it, but not immediately. We walk to the shops and around town, but our families need support and help with childcare and live where public transport is impossible.

I feel inadequate in my response to the unsustainable, unequal society in which we live but am sustained by my faith and the support of my faith community, nudging me, reminding me there is so much more I can do.

Rachel Rosedale