Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Ireland
Yearly Meeting 2008
Epistle
As is customary an Epistle was circulated to all other Friends in the world:To Friends everywhere, Greetings!
'Create in me a new heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit in me' Psalm 51 v.10.
This verse focused our attention on the theme of our Yearly Meeting, 'Renewing the Spirit'. This was important following years of travail over the production of our new book 'Quaker Life and Practice'. We have sought renewal through worship, Bible readings and meditations on the words of the 23rd Psalm 'The Lord is my Shepherd' which we sang together before the opening session.
Over the course of four days, 27 - 30 March 2008, we have heard accounts of Friends' work in Ireland. Through our ecumenical involvement in the Irish Interchurch Committee progress is being made with our concern about the portrayal of violent death as entertainment on television. Representatives of Quaker House Belfast have told us that although a period of political stability has begun, we have to recognise that there is a fear that Northern Irish society is more deeply divided than before; therefore the cross-community work of Friends is now more important than ever. On a wider perspective, two Friends gave a presentation on 'Caring for Creation: what canst thou do?' It is hoped to raise the consciousness of Irish Friends about sustainability and the natural environment.
Since our last epistle, we have experienced the visit of about 300 Quakers from 41 countries world wide to the FWCC Triennial which was held in Dublin in August. There were many voices but all were willing to share in silent worship. Many of the Kenyan Friends we met there have in the meantime been severely affected by the unrest in their country and we hold them especially in our prayers.
We have welcomed the twenty-five epistles received from Yearly Meetings in all parts of the world, which also reminded us of our wider Quaker links.
The public lecture 'Serving Palestine: A Spiritual and Personal Journey of Hope' was given by Joyce Ajlouny, Director of Ramallah Friends' School. Her inspirational words brought home to us how much a small Quaker community can achieve and also the realities of living in Palestine.
Hearing some of these things in the comfort of our own Yearly Meeting, we are all too aware of the challenges that confront our world. For too long we have been part of a culture based on achievement and performance rather than on personal worth. But somehow through it all, we can identify an answer in the message of Jesus which offers simply unconditional love and the security to accept forgiveness. We still realise that, like the woman of Samaria, we can go again to the well and receive the water of eternal life.
'But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles: they shall run and not be weary: and they shall walk and not faint' Isaiah 40 v. 31.
Signed, on behalf of Ireland Yearly Meeting
Alan C. Pim. Clerk.
Additional notes, perhaps based on the Minutes, and on some key events, including the Public Lecture, will be added when they become available.