A missed opportunity - the Pales Annual Lecture 2019

The opportunity was not missed by all, but unfortunately the audience for this the second of the Annual Lectures at the Pales was tiny; but amazingly well informed and entertained by our energetic and dedicated speaker.

Ruth had retired from her career as a music teacher, a role which utilised her constant desire to sing, but exhaustion had led her to stop singing. Her recovery involved a spiritual search for repair and re-energising, which led her to explore “the peculiar people called Quakers”. Finding Quakers and their understanding of the God within, the presence of the Spirit in silence, and the leading of that Spirit that would not be ignored, restored her to singing. As with so many people who had found their way to Quakers, Ruth felt that she had “come home”.

“Nid wy'n gofyn bywyd moethus” the first line of the famous Welsh hymn Calon Lan was a call to the entirety of Ruth's audience at the Lecture, to join her in singing out the first element of her explanation. With a pure and happy heart one can sing all day and sing all night. Ruth had found her way back to singing.

As a religious Society whose initial inspiration goes back to the 16^th century Friends, as they are known, have retained some archaic language and references. Ruth has developed a very funny stand up routine to make gentle fun of the “peculiar” elements of language used by what is, otherwise, a dynamic and changing form of religion, which modern Quakers find as a refreshing dose of laughing at ourselves.

Ruth's main narrative was to talk about her experience as a Quaker Prison Chaplain at Berwyn, the new, huge, prison outside Wrexham. She had been able to set up, with the help of a circle of support of Quakers from North East Wales and Cheshire, and the men themselves, a weekly period of worship based on Quaker silence. Ruth was able to continue this work for two years, during which time the weekly meetings became very important and helpful to a number of men. Ruth is now continuing to work to find ways in which the meeting can continue.

A hurdy gurdy, a Celtic harp and a piano keyboard were the instruments that Ruth had brought, and the first two of these were used to punctuate her talk and to ease the emotion of her story. After a tea break the piano, with lyric books that Ruth had also brought, were employed for a loud, fun end to the afternoon. We explored “Dancing Queen”, “Bring me Sunshine” “I'm the King of the Swingers” and several other songs that would not usually be heard in a Quaker Meeting House.

Ruth had given a huge amount of herself, her talent and her experience in what was an amazing occasion, it was such a shame that only a few of us were privileged to experience it.

Wales and the rest of the World

Our friends at Cytun have recently completed a consultancy response to the Welsh Government on International Strategy. What is the standing of Wales in the World? This document takes the points they have made, reshaped and tailored to Friends in Wales.

Wales has already got a strong profile in many parts of the world but it needs to be distinctive and relevant. Where it is recognised as being distinctive from the rest of the UK it is seen as positive and forward looking.

The single item which has most brought Wales its distinctive current reputation is the Well-Being of Future Generations Act (WFGA). It is a world-leading piece of legislation which gives Wales a profile in the UN, because of the link with the sustainable development agenda, and is attracting worldwide attention. It is Wales' USP! As a country which contributed a huge amount to damaging climate change through coal, steel and copper production Wales now offers well-being goals and ways of working which can build on the successes which define our Welsh values and begin to undo the damage of the past: thinking about the long term (caring about future generations), working holistically (in an integrated way), involving people in our decisions (across the world not just here), collaborating (building equal partnerships with other countries and within Wales), seeking to prevent further harm to our world and beginning to undo harms already done (acknowledging our own part in the mistakes of the past). These values are our Quaker values too. Wales's reputation can only be enhanced by seeking out the most difficult and challenging places for future partnership and relationship and using Welsh expertise to tackle poverty and climate change..

Welsh ambitions are encapsulated in the well-being goals which resonate across the world: to be prosperous (in the sense defined by the WFGA, recognising the limits of the global environment and using resources efficiently and proportionately, resilient (including seeking ecological health which impacts on the whole of the world), more equal, healthier, cohesive in our communities, with a thriving Welsh language and culture, and globally responsible.

Export growth and attracting foreign businesses, attracting people, increasing tourism could be compatible with the values and ambitions of the WFGA, but only if pursued in ways fully compatible with the Act. Export growth or attracting foreign businesses could be done in ways which damage our resilience and prosperity, or in ways which promote these things. The main focus of the strategy should be being true to our own values as already expressed in this legislation and in the best that Wales already offers the world. The development of Wales as a Fairtrade Nation is an example to which Friends have contributed greatly, and which we are still seeking to develop further. We should celebrate those Welsh people, historically and today, who engage with the world from a perspective of humility and service, who seek to learn from others as well as teach, and who wish to build genuine equal partnership.

Some sectors of the Welsh economy can grow internationally - e.g. cultural products, expertise in some areas of climate science and sustainability. Others, especially those contributing to climate change, must shrink. Within a generation, products linked with worsening climate change and pending disaster will be unmarketable internationally. Wales needs to be ahead of this change and not lagging behind it. In the words of the title of a Christian Aid report from 2013 we should be seeking not so much growth but 'Fair shares in a constrained world' We believe in an internationalism which promotes dignity, justice, equality and good stewardship, which is responsible and transparent. Internationalism based on exploitation of others or of the planet, or treating people as simply a market for goods, must be rejected. We should equally be honest and penitent about Welsh links with other parts of the world which are based purely on self-interest or exploitation. We should not seek to take further advantage of links built by Welsh people on such a basis, but rather seek forgiveness and a new start in those parts of the world whose contact with Welsh people has been damaging or destructive. In the current climate crisis, Welsh Government should not promote any international links, however financially lucrative, which contribute to further climate change.

The new "Successful Futures" schools curriculum, with its emphasis on the development of ethical, informed citizens, offers multiple opportunities to help young people and their parents and teachers embrace internationalism.

In other small nations Wales's experience in promoting its own native language and culture while simultaneously being open to one of the world's strongest and most pervasive languages and cultures in the country next door has much to offer (and much to learn from) the ambitions and struggles of indigenous peoples and languages throughout the world. S4C and Radio Cymru, Nant Gwrtheyrn and Welsh medium education are often quoted across the world as examples to emulate, and we can and should build on this reputation.

We have historic links with many countries beyond the EU and we would wish to see these fostered and developed. However, EU countries are our nearest neighbours and we should wish to live in positive peace and harmony with our neighbours. Welsh Government must also deepen our ties with non-EU European countries with whom we will shortly have something else in common, viz. being on the European continent but not in the EU. Wales has a particular role in fostering links with other sub-nation state regions and nations in the EU, such as Brittany, Catalonia, and the other members of the EU Committee of the Regions. Those with minority indigenous languages have a particular natural link with Wales. However, these links can extend also beyond the EU. We would note also the importance of the Council of Europe as a Europe-wide body to which the UK will still belong, and whose human rights agenda resonates with many developments in Wales. As Quakers we value the work of QCEA which seeks to build support for humane, non-military policies at the EU level, both inside and outside its borders. We do so in the spirit of peaceful cooperation which forms the foundation of European politics. The Welsh Government might seek membership of the Council of Europe's North/South Centre (of which the UK is not formally part). Other European organisations (such as the Conference of European Churches, the Churches' Commission on Migrants to Europe and the Communion of Protestant Churches in Europe) cover both EU and non-EU countries.

The further development of the Nation of Sanctuary is a distinctive international agenda which has wide support from Friends, third sector organisations and communities in Wales.

The success of our rugby team has brought us to the attention of other rugby playing nations, such as the South Pacific countries, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Africa. Several of those countries, particularly the islands, provide an opportunity for Wales to work closely with them on climate change. There is an history of Welsh interaction with many Asian and African nations, much church based. Wales is also associated worldwide with the foundation of the Bible Society, including the story of Mary Jones, and the Bible Society's visitor centre in Llanycil attracts pilgrims from all over the world.

Wale's profile is distinctive in countries evangelised by Welsh Christian missionaries, e.g. Madagascar, where Welsh educators played an important role in ensuring Malagasy (rather than French) education and continues to support the people in recovering and appreciating their pre-colonial history. Madagascar has no UK embassy, but is celebrating the 200^th anniversary this year of its links with Wales - could Wales offer to host a Madagascan consulate?).

Brexit may be changing Wales' relationship with the rest of the World, Friends will support constructive contact wherever it presents itself, and Wales will continue to set the pace in progressive political action.

Report on a one day conference "United we Stand", 21st March 2019

The 21st March 1960 became the reference point for the world’s assessment of the apartheid government in South Africa , it being the anniversary of the Sharpeville massacre  which occurred in 1960 after a day of demonstrations against pass laws.   Six years later, the UN declared 21st March as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and Human Rights Day.  To mark that day, and, terribly, just six days after 50 Muslim men, women and children, the youngest just three years old, were shot dead by a supreamist terrorist in Christchurch, New Zealand, I attended a one day conference exploring unity and solidarity amongst diverse communities in Wales in the context of Brexit and the hostile environment.

The well attended conference was presented by EYST, the Swansea based charity supporting BAME (Black and Ethnic Minority) people across Wales, and Race Alliance Wales. A very varied programme of speakers included Deputy First Minister and Government Chief Whip Jane Hutt.  Ms Hutt brought greetings and expressions of solidarity from First Minister Mark Drakeford.  The Welsh Government is committed to diversity as a principle.  The Minister also announced some amounts of money that would now be available for work in the areas of concern of the organisations represented there. While these amounts were welcomed there was some concern expressed during the conference that they would have to be competed for by charities working in this field.

There are many ways in which life for BAME families is improving in Wales but, particularly since the calling of the Brexit referendum instances of hate crime and abuse have increased in Wales, as in other Western countries.  

The appalling massacre in New Zealand is a dreadful example of this horrific trend but here also anti-Muslim hate crimes reported across Britain increased by 593% in the week after, an independent monitor

ing group, the charity Tell Mama, said almost all of the increase comprised incidents linked to the Christchurch attacks.

There was little doubt among the attendees at the conference that the Brexit process, along with the hostile environment created by the Home Office, initially when Mrs May was Home Secretary, are both contributory causes to attacks on immigrants generally, but these attacks also specifically demonstrate hatred of  Muslims and, through ignorant association Sikhs and Hindus.

The point was made that fear of immigrants is not being demonstrated by the "left behind" citizens but rather by those with moderate income.  

Wales needs to build a data base of evidence of racial hate acts to provide credibility and veracity. 

Some small BAME charities showed presentations of surveys which, in my opinion, were based on samples that were too small and unrepresentative but where surveys are well conducted they can provide illumination.  For example: of 15 and 17 year olds going into apprenticeships: 0.6% identify as black, 0.7% as mixed race, 1.1% as Indian, 1.5% as disabled and 97.3% as white; and a further clear statistic: the wealth gap.  The average assets of white people £221,000, black Caribbean:£76,000, Bangladeshi: £21,000 and Black African:£15,000.

The Conference was designed to bring together all the charities and agencies working with BAME Welsh peoples to help in creating a united standpoint and to some extent the day celebrated that unity. However any celebration was overshadowed by the horror of the Christchurch attacks and the long history of inequality and exploitation of BAME peoples. 

PH.

Report of the gathering at Woodbrooke looking at diversity and inclusion in the Society of Friends, 18th -20th January 2019.

“.... Be patterns, be examples in all countries, places, islands, nations, wherever you may come, that your carriage and life may preach among all sorts of people, and to them: then you will come to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.”

dictated by George Fox in Launceston prison, 1656, Quaker faith and Practice 19:32

Racism within the Society of Friends is perhaps more damaging because it is unconscious and springs from stereotypical assumptions: “And no harm is meant by it. Harm may be done but it is never meant.”

Epistle of Black, white, Asian and mixed-heritage Friends 1991 QF&P 10:13

“And no harm is meant by it” not meant because it is not seen, it is invisible, it is invisible power.

What does it mean to be white? We should know because most British Quakers are white, but do we normally think about that question?  What is whiteness?  It is the invisible power that white people accept, and unconsciously use, in any situation where there are people of different colour.

Over the weekend a group of delightful, open minded, mostly white Friends, typical of most meetings, was constantly brought face to face with inequality.  Inequality between races, inequality of opportunity for people who have questioned their gender, people of working class backgrounds. It was often uncomfortable, even painful, it was challenging.

As the second extract, above, says “no harm is meant by it” and therefore it is not appropriate to feel guilt about what has happened in the past, but it is appropriate to mourn the way we we have unconsciously acted.  Now, today, we need to wake to what has been happening, to be aware. We need to repent, reform, rue what we have done, what we have allowed others to do on our behalf, the, often unconscious, inequality that we have allowed in our dealings with others. Answering that of God in everyone is showing respect to other children of God.  Privilege is not something that is born to some and not others, everyone should be treated as privileged.

Our testimony to the world is that there is that of God in everyone, so we will not fight with outward weapons, we will not lie, we will not take more than our share of resource, and we will try to walk cheerfully over the world, answering that of God in everyone.

Edwina Peart, diversity and inclusion project co-coordinator at Friends House, and Mark Russ of Woodbrooke, led the weekend, ably supported by Elders and the Woodbrooke volunteers and staff.   Edwina introduced the concept of intersectionality; where social strata do not exist separately from each other but are interwoven together. Thus the term “black” comes to mean black men and recognises that the forms of oppression experienced by white middle-class women were different from those experienced by black, poor, or disabled women.

Edwina is currently trying to establish a base line of where Quakers are now, with regard to diversity and inclusion through a simple survey, information about this can be found here: http://www.quaker.org.uk/blog/diversity-where-are-we-now

Prof Robert Beckwith introduced some idea of the history of racism. In the Middle Ages there were attempts to bring an academic approach to studying different human types by examining skulls, the study finding that the ideal was that of a young Caucasians woman, giving the word Caucasian a special historical relevance. A later study decided that Anglo Saxons were the nearest to ideal with the Sots, Welsh and then Irish filling lower positions. A concept which fueled hundreds of bar room jokes.  Professor Beckwith, who is a BAFTA winning media presenter as well as respected academic, told us about a situation in which he arrived to take up his chair at a University but was initially put to work peeling potatoes in the kitchens. Read more about Professor Beckwith here: https://www.canterbury.ac.uk/arts-and-humanities/school-of-humanities/religion-philosophy-and-ethics/research/jamaican-bible-remix.aspx.

Sabah Choudrey http://sabahchoudrey.com/about-2/ led the second session on the Saturday. This is what Sabah says about themself. “I am a magician. I’ve mastered the art of concealment, and everything you see is an illusion. What you see is not what you get. Some see a handsome gayboy, others see a pretty faced lez. What I am, is carefully constructed, to emphasise parts of me I feel that fit me, and hide other parts that I feel do not belong.” They are very clever in this regard. They have a full mustache and bushy eyebrows. They are small and slight, so the part of the illusion that I picked up was the first of the two above. They appear to work on this as a major part of life. The point that Sabah made very clearly is that our lives are not a debate. The pronouns, man/woman, boy/girl, these are not our concern, only they get to define, only they have the power to decide. For both Beckwith and Choudrey our role is to be a gateway, never gatekeepers.  We experienced comfort and discomfort, some would keep a gate at the point where someone who identifies as female gets access to women only spaces, here we were not in unity.

Rev  Lynne Cullens website: https://lynnecullens.com/about/  identifies herself as a working class, single mother. She is a vicar in the Church of England and made it clear that she is not informed about Quakers.  Her talk was totally focused on the Anglican community and she was to leave it to us to decide if, what she has to say has relevance to our situation.  Lyn is clearly very articulate, intelligent and informed. Her spirituality appears to be very much in line with her church.  She has involved herself with organisations to further the well being of people living in estates.   However, when she has applied for situations that she feels would be appropriate for her she has been passed over, as “Middle class men appoint men who seem like them.”  But this was not an appeal against her misfortune but rather an indication of how her church was missing out on priests who could communicate as equals with their working class parishioners, being accepted as “someone like me” How much are Quakers missing out by not being in direct, respectful, loving conversation with working class people? How do we open ourselves to their energy, their experience, their spirituality?  Is this a question that should be forefront in our minds as we consider the revision of Quaker Faith and Practice?

Throughout the weekend we constantly returned to the realisation that the way in which class, gender, race, physical or mental impairment create gateways are all just symptoms of the same malaise, the difficulty that people have in treating others with the respect, dignity, love that Jesus demanded of us, the need to answer that of God in everybody.  If sin is falling short then we have all sinned, can we take such a realisation into the silence and hold it in the light?  Can we forgive ourselves and change our attitudes, give up our undeserved invisible power, and gain the true power of community?

PH

Powys, climate breakdown and zero carbon

The Welsh Government accepted that all decisions that it makes have to be in line with the concept of the welfare of future generations.  This makes Wales probably the most progressive of all the home nations certainly far more so than the UK Government where all decisions can be overridden by the needs of security or finance.  I am amazed and delighted that Powys County Council have now  unanimously passed the following motion.

"This Council in seeing Powys as the Green Heart of Wales;
> 1. Acknowledges that the potential impacts of Climate Change are of significant concern:
> 2. Asks the pension trustees to look into the possibility/legalities of developing a strategy of divestment from fossil fuels
> 3. Supports the principles of Zero Carbon Britain and the work done by CAT (Centre for Alternative Technology)
> 4. Encourages the development of Hydrogen production and technologies in Powys utilising the clean environment, water and energy supply
> 5. Highlights that zero carbon technologies and new zero carbon producing economic opportunities that are sympathetic to Powys’ rural landscape, should be considered as part of the Mid Wales Growth deal thus giving us a USP (Unique Selling Point)
> 6. That the authority should put in place an economically feasible strategy to reduce its carbon output and strive to develop best environmental practice in its buildings
> 7. That the authority should look into best practice from other authorities.

Yes!