Friends and sustainability:

There are two major reasons why I am particularly concerned about climate disruption.

When I was a small child a tidal wave hit the south-western parts of the Netherlands. The dikes broke, thousands of lives were lost, the cattle drowned, houses swept away. The soil became salty and for many years to come produced poor or no harvests at all.

After this the Netherlands invested billions in building highly sophisticated dikes and barriers to protect itself. But imagine: even at present -behind our world-famous dikes- there are parts of the Netherlands that already lie two meters below sea-level! The dikes and barriers would no longer protect us from climate disruption causing sea levels to rise at the levels the IPCC predicts. The higher we would build them the easier they would be undercut by the rising seawaters and two thirds of our country would be flooded.

This is why the concern for sustainability is not only deeply held by Dutch Quakers, but widely shared in Dutch society! We like to continue walking cheerfully and gently over this world…..and not the water! And even if technical solutions like dikes and barriers would provide an answer - and they do not - what about the Pacific Islands an other delta-areas like Bangla-Desh, that are similarly threathened, they could never afford building such technical works!

When I was a boy I once asked my father: 'If I go to heaven, will there be birds and butterlies too?'. He thought about this for a moment, scratched his head and then said: 'No I do not think so' I answered from the bottom of my heart: 'In that case I do not want to go to heaven!' (After all: in Genesis God made a covenant with all living creatures on earth!) It is probably why I later took up studies in land-use planning, majoring in ecology.... On the concern for sustainability Friends in the Netherlands are closely cooperating with the Council of Churches standing committee on sustainability.

Already in the 1980s the Netherlands YM representative to FWCC presented a YM minute to the Triennial in Japan urging Friends to answer the call of the World Council of Churches to engage themselves in the concilliary process Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation.

In recent years we presented minutes to FWCC urging Friends to take action on this concern, which is why we are happy the FWCC now started the project Friends' Responses to Global Change. After all, this is not something we as a small Yearly Meeting can do on our own. We need the support or large Yearly Meetings, such as Britain and Ireland YM and FWCC, QUNO and other Quaker agencies.

At a Yearly Meeting level though we decided - as a church - to sign an NGO appeal for a Climate Law and to institute a 1% more fund, calling on each other to donate - over and above our present donations - 1% of our income to the Quaker Service Fund to support sustainable development projects – particularly in the southern hemisphere of our one world.

And recently we endorsed the Climate Statement developed by BYM to be presented to the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit later this year.

Later during Ireland YM we will have an opportunity to continue to explore this concern further in a special interest group where we intend to highlight the spiritual roots or the conern and show how it surfaces in Epistles sent by Yearly Meetings throughout the world, and of course discuss what Friends might do about it! I do hope many will come, since I expect Friends in the 'green island' to also become Friends in green action!

Continuing in 'working group' mode:

Special Interest Group IYM 2009: Friends and sustainability: an open forum.

As for the spiritual roots we read in the Bible:

God said to Noah and his sons: 'I am now establishing my covenant with you and with your descendants after you, and with every living creature that is with you, all birds and cattle, all the animals with you on earth, all that have come out of the ark. I shall sustain my covenant with you: never again will all living creatures be destroyed by the waters of a flood, never again will there be a flood to lay waste the earth'. God said: 'For all generations to come, this is the sign which I am giving of the covenant between myself and you and all living creatures with you: my bow I set in the clouds to be a sign of the covenant between myself and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth, the rainbow will appear in the clouds. Then I shall remember the covenant which I have made with you and all living creatures, and never again will the waters become a flood and destroy all creation. Whenever the bow appears in the cloud, I shall see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and living creatures of every kind on earth.' So God said to Noah, 'This is the sign of the covenant which I have established with all that lives on earth.' Genesis 9, 8-18

Somewhat earlier in Genesis God asks humankind to name all creatures. Giving names, or definitions is a basic scientific act. It is also a very intimate act: humans entered into intimate relationships with the 'creatures of every kind on earth', thus becoming part of the 'web of life'. So who are we, not to honour the covenant and - unlike God - potentially allowing a flood to wipe out much of this beautiful creation?

As some would see climate change as a positive: warmer and more agreeable weather... I prefer to call it climate disruption…as this has a more realistic negative ring about it! Climate disruption is not just about climate change, it will drastically interfere with God's creation! Many plant- and animal species may become extinct due to our present way of life... Should we not also respect the biblical, spiritual covenant? Surely Friends should not only work for peace on earth, but also peace with earth!

For a long time care for the natural environment has already been part of the Quaker perspective of creation. Friends are heirs to a rather special tradition in this respect. William Penn called George Fox a 'believer and lover of nature', not just because he was against hunting and falconing, but also because he stimulated young people to study nature. In the vision of Fox God revealed himself not only 'in his Words, but also his Works', that is in the magnificent beauty of Creation. In the same spirit John Woolman taught us that to 'say that we love God and at the same time commit cruelties against the least of His creatures is a contradiction in itself'.

In the Bible the rainbow is the sign of God's eternal relationship with all of creation. Already during his days John Woolman stated that all the earth produces is a gift of our gracious Creator to its inhabitants and that to impoverish the earth here and now to support outward greatness is an injury to future generations.

The Religious Society of Friends counted many great natural scientists amidst their members. To mention a few: John Barton, William Barton, Thomas Lawson, William Curtis, Peter Collinson, John Fothergill and Sydney Parkinson, the last named was aboard the Endeavour during Captain Cook's journey in the Pacific.

The term 'environment' suggests that humans position themselves at the centre and therefore may rule over nature. However, we humans are part of the worldwide 'web of life' and not only dependent upon it, but also responsible for it! At the moment the care for creation is needed more than ever before. Humankind is causing the planet and all of life serious damage.

Our hunger for resources and raw materials exhausts the earth and is in many locations in the world cause for violent conflicts and even climate change! This in turn threatens many plant and animal species with extinction. We need to be aware that this is mainly caused by the so-called industrialised nations in the northern hemisphere. This gives Quakers living in these parts a special responsibility to contribute to counter these negative developments.

We need to urgently develop new policies and lifestyles that provide a closer fit with sustainable development for all, now and in the future.

A growing concern amongst Friends worldwide.

A growing number of Epistles sent by Yearly Meetings around the world testify to the deeply - and widely - felt concern for a more sustainable lifestyle. A brief anthology:

New York YM 2007:
The 'presentation on Quaker Earthcare Witness encouraged us to take individual action. In the way that John Woolman challenged earlier Friends, we were challenged to examine our choices and possessions. Roland Keager spoke on the economics of Right Sharing... (and the need for) a spiritual ground for any economic system (which provides for) an even allocation and redistribution of wealth across the globe... Earthcare Working Group brought us an Eco-Spirituality and Action Minute which included this excerpt: we are led to widen our witness to work for peace between humans and our sacred earth community'.

IOWA YM, 2007:
'The YM (has) had leadings during the past year to examine our personal and institutional practices in relationship to earthcare, sustainability, and the consequences of our disproportionate use of resources'.

Aotearoa/New Zealand YM 2007:
'One issue that is uniting the enthusiasm of young and old Friends is addressing climate change, and the future of our planet. We have been reminded of the urgency of changing our lives to reduce our contribution to the causes of global warming, and acting thoughtfully to influence our communities in seeking true sustainability'.

Ireland YM, 2007:
'Two Friends gave a presentation on 'Caring for Creation: what canst thou do?. It is hoped to raise consciousness of Irish Friends about sustainability and the natural environment'.

Triennial 2007, Ireland:
'We believe we have a duty of responsible stewardship for all of God's creation, although we recognise that we do not always achieve it fully. When we damage the natural world and its creatures, we damage God's creation... We call upon all the peoples and governments of the world to recognise the equal worth of all people, the integral worth of the natural world and to work together for the common good of all the earth community. With God's help, we resolve toe examine our lives in light of the needs of the whole Earth and cooperate in taking steps towards sustainable living for all.'

Norway YM, 2008:
'The theme for our gathering was 'A Quaker perspective on environmental concerns' …We feel that Quakers have a distinct message based in a unique tradition arising out of religious conviction. The go-ahead spirit of early Quakers in the face of insurmountable challenges, may provide inspiration and hope as we face the ecological crisis of our historical period. We are challenged to proceed from the joy which fills us as we mobilise to protect the natural environment which we love...'.

North Carolina YM, 2008:
'In our Bible study each morning Jennie Ratcliffe... led us in exploring how we understand our relationship with the wider natural world when we read the Bible... Carl Magruder... encouraged us to listen carefully to the Spirit and live out of that Spirit when considering the current ecological crisis we face'.

Aotearoa/New Zealand, 2008:
'...the ethics of investing money and the ethics of economic systems affecting climate change. Quakers recognised the need to change behavioural patterns and to learn to live sustainably'.

Denmark YM, 2008:
'The choice between fear and love provoked by the climate crisis and the threat of immense suffering for human beings and all living creatures on this planet, must inspire us to make a constructive effort'.

Australia YM 2008:
'We are developing an Earthcare Statement addressing the issues of global warming, the threat of poverty and the spread of war. The Statement reminds us that we are called to consider the world as in inspirited whole. We feel a greater imperative to simplicity in our lives'.

The Earthcare Statement itself says:
'Our very existence depends upon sustaining our intimate relationships within nature…..Once our lack of care caused little damage. Now our thoughtlessness endangers whole ecosystems, and even the entire biosphere, through global warming, pollution, destruction of habitats, and accelerated extinction of species... We seek to transform this culture of domination and exploitation, of false witness and idolatry, and instead develop a culture of caring for the planet, preparing for future generations of living things and honouring God's gifts. Each of us must now strive to live a just life which values the air, the waters, the soil, living things and the processes sustaining all life... We are called to consider the world as en inspirited whole.. We must listen to the call of creation...'.

Netherlands YM, 2008:
'The theme for this year was suggested by our children: 'Sustainability- where is your limit?' The children made a considerable contribution to the programme of this gathering... They very fittingly constructed ventilators that worked on solar power. At the final presentation they held up mirrors to everybody, which were decorated with texts concerning sustainability that were both stimulating and confrontational... We call on each other to donate over and above our present contributions 1% of our annual incomes to the Dutch Quaker Service Fund to support sustainable development... Over the years we have taken part in peace organisations. We want to broaden the scope of our witness and support organisations for sustainability as well. As a first step Netherlands YM shall sign the appeal from two Dutch initiatives: Climate Law Now (for Governments to enforce reduction of CO-2 emission by law and Countdown 2010 (to check the loss of biodiversity). Last but not least we intend to continuously encourage each other to seek a more sustainable lifestyle'.

Australia YM, 2009:
'We were moved... by the children's contribution to our discussion on Earthcare (saying) "We need a safe climate. Please adults we need you to fix things up very quickly. We want to help too!!!".

Illinois YM, 2009:
'(The) clerk of Quaker Earthcare Witness of North America addressed us with a message of simple, faithful environmentalism and urged us to reconsider our relationship to the Earth including practising discernment on all our actions and purchases as they profoundly affect the health and survival of the earth and all its inhabitants...the antidote to fearful living (is) to be faithful living...

BYM., Climate Statement 2009:
'The Earth is Cod's work and not ours to do as we please... As a Quaker community we do try to live what we believe, guided by the values of simplicity, truth, equality and peace... We gladly take up our responsibility and call for unprecedented international cooperation to enable then large cuts in global emissions that are required... The goal is achievable but priorities will need to change: currently the majority of states commit more resources to warfare than to tackling climate change... where we see crisis, we also see opportunity to remake society as a communion of people living sustain ably as par of the natural world...'.

Caring for Creation: Friends what can we do?

The focus here is on corporate action, either as meetings or through Quaker agencies.

Examples:

Friends House at London is implementing policies that will result in a 20% reduction of the carbon footprint in the next four years, this will include all rood waste to be recycled by the end of this year and the introduction of a zoned heating system, as well as stimulating staff to come to work on bicycles. Can Ireland YM carry out a similar audit of Quaker House Dublin?

Quakers in the Midlands own the Northfield Ecocentre in Birmingham providing advice on sustainable living.

Since 2002 the Living Witness Project under the inspired guidance of Laurie Michaelis involved meetings right across Britain in sustainability. The model used is that we ourselves are the change and can take responsibility for it!

The Quaker Council for European Affairs is currently implementing a project on energy security and in so doing cooperating closely with the Living Witness Project. Since this is now available more widely Ireland YM and Monthly Meetings might invite LWP over for a visit and training?

Recently FWCC started a project called Friends responses to Global Change. I sincerely hope this would feed into the workprogramme of QUNO on behalf of all Friends.

Netherlands YM endorsed the Climate Statement of BYM to be presented to the Copenhagen UN Summit later this year. I sincerely hope Ireland YM did too!

As stated above Netherlands YM introduced a 1% more fund for sustainable development. Could Ireland YM do this too?

At an ecumenical level there is the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) of the Conference of European Churches (CEC) that is doing good work which Friends might join in and make use of! Could Ireland YM involve itself in this respect?

Kees Nieuwerth, Sept 2009.

Epistle 2009

Irish Friends have met from 22nd-26th July in 2009, rather than at our customary Spring-time.

It has been a residential Yearly Meeting, in the Kings Hospital School where the Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC) Triennial was held two years ago, and in similarly wet weather.

We have welcomed Friends from other Yearly Meetings including USA, Britain, Germany and Netherlands and Quaker international agencies, also particularly two Friends from Kenya and Georgia who have spoken eloquently of life in their country and their work as Quakers.

The Theme of Ireland Yearly Meeting was from Galatians 5, vv 22 & 23: 'The Fruit of the Spirit is Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-control'. Our morning worship each day began with a meditation on one or two of these 'fruits', and it was inspiring to see how frequently throughout the Meeting the words of Friends on various topics related back to the guiding Theme.

The public lecture was given by John Dunston, Headmaster of Leighton Park, the Quaker School in Reading, UK. The title was 'The Stranger who lives within thy gates' and the speaker drew on particular insights from his Jewish background as well as his understanding of the practical application of Quaker testimonies.

There was evidence of the guidance of these testimonies in the eighteen Epistles received from Yearly Meetings world-wide. Likewise, much of the work being undertaken by Irish Friends at the present time shows the palpable inspiration of one or more Testimony, in particular the overseas work of Irish Quaker Faith and Action, the Peace Committee, the aims and ideals of the newly-formed EcoQuaker Ireland committee, and the beautiful handworked quilt which is but one outcome of the continuing cross-community work of Quaker House Belfast.

Regarding the 'Why Violence' campaign, we can report that the initial concern of a small number of Friends has become a catalyst for a much bigger Irish movement against violence, involving other churches and peace organisations.

During Yearly Meeting there have been nine well-attended special interest groups, healing group meetings, bible study and worship sharing, swimming and guided relaxation sessions. Excursions to places of interest filled a free afternoon and we enjoyed an evening performance of the thought-provoking Quaker play about John Woolman 'On Human Folly'.

Before Yearly Meeting began we sang together the Quaker poet John Whittier's beautiful hymn 'Dear Lord and Father of Mankind'. We take our leave from you, dear Friends, with his words : 'Take from our souls the strain and stress, and let our ordered lives confess the beauty of Thy Peace'.

Signed on behalf of Ireland Yearly Meeting, 26 July 2009

Alan C Pim - Clerk

Ireland Yearly Meeting 2009: Eco-related Minutes:

The Committee presently has three main aims: to provide a Quaker input into the environmental and related social and economic problems in Ireland; to encourage Friends and Meetings to become better informed and more confident about these issues; and to connect with similar initiatives in other Yearly Meetings.

Denise Gabuzda gave a powerpoint presentation, highlighting the links between the Quaker testimonies, concern for environmental matters and effective stewardship of the world's resources.

Kees Nieuwerth from Netherlands Yearly Meeting spoke of the present and future effects of climate change in his country, and the prospect of severe flooding. Netherlands Friends are working closely with other churches, and with international Quaker bodies. Their '1% More' fund is designed to raise funds for work on environmental matters. Tony Weekes stressed that it is easy to feel overcome by such large issues world-wide, including the current financial crisis. A move towards a more sustainable society requires a better informed citizenry.

Ian Woods requested that Yearly Meeting would grant the Interim Committee the status of a Recognised Committee of the Yearly Meeting, and also an initial grant of €900. The Meeting agreed to both requests.

The Committee currently stands as follows :- Tony Weekes (South Belfast), Natasha Harty (Cork), Denise Gabuzda (Cork), Roy Johnston (Churchtown), Ian Woods (Dublin) and Gillian Armstrong (Rathfarnham).

IRELAND YEARLY MEETING PEACE COMMITTEE

The Committee plans a public meeting during Non-Violence week in Autumn 2009. There are now a number of concerns relating to peace emanating from Ireland Yearly Meeting, and the Peace Committee welcomes in particular the new EcoQuaker Committee. Opportunities to build relationships within Ireland and also abroad will be welcomed.

Ireland Yearly Meeting 2009: Synopses of Eco Interest Groups

Building Sustainable Energy Security: responses from Lifestyle Change to Political Action.

QCEA has been working on its new project 'Building Sustainable Energy Security' for nearly a year now. Come and hear what we have been saying at European level on your behalf, and how you might help us get our message across. Comment on our ethical consumption fact sheets - do they speak to you? And has 'Living Witness Europe' got a message for you? Please come and discuss all these and more.

Led by: Liz Scurfield (QCEA Brussels)

2) Friday 24th July - 7.00pm to 8.15pm

The Economic Crisis - disaster or opportunity?

As Quakers, we have a rich inheritance of concern for 'the economy', from William Penn, John Woolman, the Rowntree's work on poverty, and the writings of the 20th century academic economists Kenneth Boulding and Charles Carter. As the present economic crisis grows we need to rediscover our prophetic voice. This session will briefly introduce a number of aspects, in particular : an economy which respects creation; the no-growth economy; work and the citizens' income; and will then proceed as a conversation.

Led by: Tony Weekes (South Belfast) and Denise Gabuzda (Cork)

3) Saturday 25th July - 2.00pm to 3.15pm

Friends and Sustainability: an open forum

As an introduction, we would like to explore together the spiritual roots of the Quaker testimonies to simplicity and sustainability. Then we will highlight where the concern for sustainability has surfaced in Epistles, sent by Yearly Meetings throughout the world in the recent past. Furthermore, we shall consider why sustainability is so important at this point in time : the urgency to safeguard planet Earth and God's creation. Practical examples of what we might do, as individual Friends and Yearly Meetings, will be shared. After this introduction we hope to dialogue about the testimony of Friends to the challenges of sustainability.

Led by: Natasha Harty (Cork) and Kees Nieuwerth (Netherlands YM)