A Quaker Take

What are some examples of reparations? How can we make our reparations meaningful? We continue our conversation about reparations with Edwina Peart and Rebecca WalkerWoo, who we spoke to in the first episode. We also speak to Oonagh Ryder who was the Faith in Action Coordinator for Quakers in Britain around that time and Siobhán Haire, Deputy Recording Clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting (Quakers in Britain). But first we should probably explain why it took so longer for this second episode to come out... in the midst of recording we both caught COVID and the disruption meant we were no longer able to keep up with the recording schedule. So, if you want to go back and relisten to the first part you’re welcome to. A lot of the content of this episode was recorded around the same time. Despite the delay we felt it was still important to get the episode out as it remains relevant. We will revisit the subject in the future but in 2024 we are starting a new series with new topics. *** FURTHER INFO Find information about Quakers in Britain’s commitment to reparations and other resources at www.quaker.org.uk/reparations Find Woodbrooke courses and information on anti-racism work at www.woodbrooke.org.uk/anti-racism *** QUOTED & MENTIONED - Caribbean Community (CARICOM): https://caricom.org/caricom-ten-point-plan-for-reparatory-justice/ - Cotton Capital Podcast (The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/cotton-capital - Human Resources Podcast: https://www.broccoli.productions/our-shows - Racial Justice Advocacy Forum: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/365504/Racial_Justice_Advocacy.aspx - Saidiya Hartman (2006) Lose Your Mother: A Journey Along the Atlantic Slave Route - Others mentioned: Anthony G. Reddie, Kofi Mawuli Klu

What are reparations? And what’s the role of faith communities in this conversation? We speak to Edwina Peart, Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator, and Rebecca Woo, Campaigns Coordinator, about the reparations conversation that is just beginning amongst British Quakers. *** FURTHER INFO Find links to Woodbrooke courses and other resources at: www.quaker.org.uk/reparations Swarthmore Lecture: www.woodbrooke.org.uk/swarthmore Ann Morgan, on Lancaster Quaker involvement in slave economies: https://youtu.be/RiC39-UepCE Join the climate justice year of learning: www.quaker.org.uk/efcj *** QUOTED Richard Reddie (2007) Abolition Adrienne Maree Brown (2019) Pleasure Activism: https://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Pleasure-Activism-The-Politics-of-Feeli_9781849353267 Verene Shepherd, Sam Sharpe lecture 2019: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/564908/Sam_Sharpe_Lecture.aspx Others mentioned: Brené Brown, Hilary Beckles

How do Quakers read and interpret the Bible? This episode we hear from Mark Russ, Rhiannon Grant, Peterson Toscano and Timothy Ashworth for their takes on the Bible. We discuss how Quakers have read scripture over the centuries, how we can engage with it now and look at how Biblical texts can help us explore Quaker concerns today. *** This is our first joint Woodbrooke/Quakers in Britain episode of the podcast. Mark Russ, Rhiannon Grant and Timothy Ashworth are tutors at Woodbrooke. Find out more about Woodbrooke courses, including discounts and bursaries (such as 50% off for 18–35s), by visiting www.woodbrooke.org.uk/learn. *** During the Coronavirus lockdown, you can watch two of Peterson Toscano’s films for free at https://petersontoscano.com/saucy-seriousfree-stuff-stream/ • Transfigurations—Gender Outlaws in the Bible • Doin’ Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House The full performance lecture, Transfigurations—Transgressing Gender in the Bible, (film plus commentary) is available on Amazon Prime UK. A free study guide is available at: https://petersontoscano.com/portfolio/transfigurations/ Even before the Coronavirus global pandemic, Peterson was isolating at home producing podcasts including Citizens Climate Radio, Bubble&Squeak, and Bible Bash Podcast with co-host Liam Hooper. *** We incorrectly named the author of Resisting Empire: The Book of Revelation as Resistance. Our apologies for that, the author is C Wess Daniels. *** Books can be ordered via the Quaker Centre Bookshop at bookshop.quaker.org.uk.

What do Quakers think and sex, sexuality and spirituality? How do we talk to young people about sex, consent and boundaries? In this bumper episode we interview author Lucy-Anne Holmes about her sexual and spiritual experiences, and talk to David Brockway from the Good Lad Initiative and researcher and lecturer Elsie Whittington about relationships and sex education with young people. - Don’t hold my head down by Lucy-Anne Holmes https://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Dont-Hold-My-Head-Down_9781783526215 - The Good Lad Initiative https://www.goodladinitiative.com/ - Elsie Whittington https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/sociology/staff/profile/index.php?id=3799 - Quaker faith & practice (Chapters 22 and 16 in particular) https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/ - Woodbrooke https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/ - Quakers and same-sex marriage https://www.quaker.org.uk/marriage-equality - Quaker theology and same-sex marriage (PDF) https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/we-are-but-witnesses-2009 https://www.quaker.org.uk/podcast

It’s part 2 of A Quaker Take on climate change and we’ve got interviews with Elinor from Extinction Rebellion Jews, Quakers involved in the school strikes, as well as excerpts of a recording of a talk with Greta Thunberg, Anna Taylor and Caroline Lucas on the new climate movement. With thanks to The Guardian for the new climate movement recording! *** Extinction Rebellion Jews Find XR Jews on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/xrjews. The Climate Justice Seder was run by Yael Tischler, the second woman outside North America to be ordained as a Kohenet (Hebrew Priestess). She is also part of Yelala, which creates inspiring earth-based feminist Jewish rituals and practices in the UK. www.yelala.co.uk The XR Jews 10 climate plagues leaflet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XmU_MEde4z2G8vNrAyZDJcd4syQ4i2-P/view?usp=sharing XR Jews seder in the Jewish Chronicle - https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/climate-change-protesters-to-hold-demonstration-seder-in-westminster-tomorrow-1.483107 Rabbi Daniel Lichman reflects on XR: https://www.willesdenminyan.com/blog/humanity-hope-the-fight-for-freedom-rabbi-daniel-reflects-on-extinction-rebellion Engaging with people of colour on climate justice: http://gal-dem.com/this-is-what-extinction-rebellion-must-do-to-engage-with-people-of-colour-on-climate-justice/ *** Greta Thunberg and Anna Taylor UK student climate network: https://ukscn.org/ The new climate movement talk was held in partnership with the UK Student Climate Network, Greenpeace UK, Amnesty UK, Campaign against Climate Change, Friends of the Earth, the Guardian Live, 350.org, NUS, Policy Connect, 10:10 Climate Action, Parents4Future, Quakers in Britain, WWF and the APPG on Climate Change. Here’s the full talk: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2019/apr/23/greta-thunberg-anna-taylor-and-caroline-lucas-on-the-new-climate-movement-guardian-live *** Quaker links How to work with local government (PDF) https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/local-government-a-guide-for-quakers Find @EarthEconQuaker on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EarthEconQuaker Swarthmore lecture: https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/learn/about/swarthmore-lecture/

What’s the Quaker part in the wider climate movement? Why are faith groups so involved in taking action to tackle climate breakdown? In part 1 we talk to Susanna Mattingly from Friends Worlds Committee for Consultation (the international Quaker body) about what that looks like in different parts of the world. fwcc.world/sustainability We also talk to Olivia Hanks about the Quakers in Britain take on the climate crisis. To join the mass lobby of parliament on 26 June email Philip Wood philipw@quaker.org.uk www.quaker.org.uk/sustainability. Find them on Twitter @EarthEconQuaker or as Quaker faith in action on Facebook. *** Subscribe to listen to part 2 'A Quaker Take on climate activism' where we talk to a founder of Extinction Rebellion Jews, hear from young Quakers involved in climate strikes, and some fresh takes on climate justice from lots of different activists. Or check out the playlist of other climate and economic episodes: https://soundcloud.com/qwitness/sets/earth-and-economy podcast

What's the Quaker position on immigration and why? What are Quakers doing to tackle some of the injustices in the current system? Asking some of the most common questions, we discuss the Quaker position on immigration with Tatiana Garavito, Jessica Metheringham and Bridget Walker. We talk about why it's not just about refugees and asylum seekers, and how we can all work together to tackle the injustices in the UK's current immigration system. Further info on Quaker work: http://www.quaker.org.uk/sanctuary and http://www.qarn.org.uk/homepage/ More information about immigration detention: http://detentionforum.org.uk/ Power and privilege toolkit (PDF): http://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/owning-power-and-privilege-2nd-edition-october-2018

Do Quakers celebrate Christmas? This episode we hear about different Quaker takes on the festive season, discuss why Quakers don't traditionally celebrate Christmas (and how they sometimes do now), and explore ways to approach difficult conversations with family and friends. BLOG Times and seasons: A Quaker reflection on Christmas www.quaker.org.uk/blog/times-and-seasons-a-quaker-reflection-on-christmas VIDEO 5 ways to disrupt racism: https://youtu.be/Lcd4VXHTR3Y TOOLKITS FOR ACTION Having difficult conversations (PDF) www.quaker.org.uk/documents/having-difficult-conversations Owning power and privilege (PDF) www.quaker.org.uk/documents/owning-power-and-privilege-2nd-edition-october-2018 MORE INFO www.quaker.org.uk/podcast

Jon and Elizabeth talk to two Quaker parents, one non-Quaker parent and two people raised by Quakers to find out what the common experiences are. Quaker Parenting Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/259029634289418/ Resources for Quaker parents: www.quaker.org.uk/children-and-young-people/quaker-parent Find events for children and young people: www.yqspace.org.uk/find-event

What does it mean to be an ally? What does it mean to practise allyship? In this episode we discuss allyship and solidarity with Tatiana Garavito, Sanctuary Everywhere Programme Manager. We also discuss the history of Quaker abolitionist thought with historian Marcus Rediker. Power and privilege toolkit (PDF) www.quaker.org.uk/documents/owning-power-and-privilege-2nd-edition-october-2018 Healing Justice podcast www.healingjustice.org The Fearless Benjamin Lay http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/The-Fearless-Benjamin-Lay-The-Quaker-Dwarf-Who-Became-the-First-Revolutionary-Abolitionist_9781786634719

Five Quakers discuss their take on God, spirituality and Quaker faith. ARTICLES The Quakers are right, we don't need God - Simon Jenkins https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/04/quakers-dropping-god And some letters in response https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/07/debate-on-god-language-doesnt-mean-all-quakers-are-losing-faith Telling our stories: exploring the Quaker way - Alistair Fuller https://www.quaker.org.uk/blog/telling-our-stories-exploring-the-quaker-way BOOK God, words and us: Quakers in conversation about religious difference http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/God-words-and-us_9781999726928 Quaker faith & practice https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/ PODCAST The Sacred https://soundcloud.com/thesacredpodcast CBC Tapestry interview with Paul Parker – discussing faith and the revision of Quaker faith & practice https://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/tapestry/segment/15548362

Discussing peace education and nuclear weapons we join peace poet, Antony Owen, CND peace educator Owen Everett, and Quaker staff Ellis Brooks and Sahdya Darr to reflect on the role of peace education in encouraging critical thinking. Find out more Antony Owen: antonyowenpoetry.wordpress.com *** CND peace education England: cnduk.org/education Scotland: www.peaceeducationscotland.org Wales: walesforpeace.org or www.cymdeithasycymod.org.uk *** Action you can take Peace education resources: www.quaker.org.uk/teachpeace ICAN Parliamentary Pledge: http://uk.icanw.org/projects/appeal/ *** What we're reading Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy Briefs: centreforfeministforeignpolicy.org Barracoon: http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Barracoon-The-Story-of-the-Last-Slave_9780008297664 Millennium: bookshop.quaker.org.uk Trans Britain: http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Trans-Britain-our-journey-from-the-shadows_9781783524716 Quaker Centre Bookshop events: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/quaker-centre-bookshop-15554426114 PS. We haven't got rid of Quaker faith & practice either, we've just decided to revise it www.quaker.org.uk/blog/revision-of-the-book-of-discipline-what-happens-now

In an environment of increasing polarisation it’s more important than ever to understand how to disagree well. In this episode we chat to Lisa Cumming, Turning the Tide Programme Manager, about different approaches to try when engaging with friends and family – or people you don’t know well – on difficult topics. Find further resources from Turning the Tide at: https://turningtide.org.uk/ Other resources 5 ways to disrupt racism video: https://youtu.be/Lcd4VXHTR3Y Having difficult conversations toolkit (PDF): http://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/having-difficult-conversations The civil conversations project from On Being: http://www.civilconversationsproject.org/ Books we’re reading How to understand your gender: http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/How-to-Understand-Your-Gender-A-practical-guide-for-exploring-who-you-are_9781785927461 How not to be a boy: http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/How-Not-To-Be-a-Boy_9781786890085 Fields of blood: http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Fields-of-Blood_9780099564980 Image: Ben Wood

Universal human rights are the legal and practical sibling to the Quaker idea that every person is unique, precious and a child of God - simply, that every person has a right to be treated with dignity and respect. In this episode we explore human rights from a European and international perspective. As Quakers in Britain issue a manifesto about the need to welcome newcomers to the UK with respect and dignity, we reflect on the perception of human rights in a Brexit landscape and hear about the Quaker spiritual view on human rights from Helen Drewery, Head of Witness and Worship at Quakers in Britain. In a wide-ranging conversation we speak with Sylvain Mossou and Martin Leng from the Quaker Council of European Affairs about human rights, the impact of Brexit, and responding to child immigration detention. Further reading --------------------------- Read the Quaker United Nations Office briefing at: http://quno.org/resource/2017/12/briefing-friends-human-rights-migrants-under-new-york-declaration Quaker Council for European Affairs: Briefing on the European Convention on Human Rights www.qcea.org/2017/08/new-brochure-the-european-convention-on-human-rights/ Report on child immigration detention in Europe: www.qcea.org/2017/07/report-child-immigration-detention-in-europe/

“We can’t have security for people in the UK at the expense of security for people in other parts of the world” Rethinking security is an invitation to engage in public debate and dialogue about the way we think about security. The aim is to think and plan creatively in relation to safety, security, nonviolence and the role of peace initiatives, and revisit how we think about security to encompass all aspects of human well-being. In this episode of Q:Witness, we speak to Marigold Bentley, Head of Peace Programmes and Faith Relations, about why Quakers are involved in the rethinking security project. We also speak to Celia McKeon about the aims of the project and the ways that people can get involved. Learn more at rethinkingsecurity.org.uk or follow Rethinking Security on Twitter @SecurityRethink.

The housing crisis in Britain has reached new lows in 2017, with 1 in every 200 people in the UK being homeless, house prices soaring far beyond the range of ordinary people, and social housing stock being decommissioned and not replaced. Quakers are stepping into the breach wherever they can – setting up YMCAs in meeting houses, running housing initiatives for young carers, and submitting amendments to housing bills as they go through parliament. In this episode of Q:Witness, Parliamentary Engagement Officer Jessica Metheringham speaks about living in true community, the Quaker roots of the Ethical Landlords Association, and upcoming work around demanding big-scale policy changes. We also speak with Jon Scarth of the anti-poverty campaigning organisation Quaker Social Action, which is 150 this year. Jon is piloting a housing scheme for young adults with caring responsibilities in East London, ensuring that they have an opportunity to live independently for the first time, and form their own connections to the wider world. Learn more about the projects mentioned in this podcast: • Ethical Landlords Association | www.ethicallandlords.org.uk • Quaker Housing Trust | www.qht.org.uk • Quaker Social Action, Move On Up | www.quakersocialaction.org.uk/we-can-help/your-house-and-home/move | • Further information around Quakers in Britain and housing | www.quaker.org.uk/housing #qwitness

This episode of #QWitness focuses on making witness happen, shifting towards a movement-focused approach from a more information-based one. We chat to Gurpreet Bola, Hannah Smith and Maya Williams about their work to support groups to take action on different issues and how you can access this. We also catch up with two people who attended the Quaker Activist Gathering earlier this month. Lesley Grahame gives an update on supporting the ban on nuclear weapons and Laurence Hall talks about his concern around housing, particularly around justice for residents of Grenfell Tower. For more information about Turning the Tide visit their website at turningtide.org.uk or follow them on Twitter @TTTideUK. Read stories of Quaker action at www.quaker.org.uk/stories-witness. Download the toolkit for action at www.quaker.org.uk/toolkit-for-action. Discover more about the work of young Friends in The Young Quaker theyoungquaker.org.uk. Find out about upcoming Quaker events: - Skilling up for the new economy, Manchester, 18-19 November www.quaker.org.uk/events/skilling-…-the-new-economy - Quaker Peace & Social Witness Spring Conference 2018, Swanwick, 23-25 March 2018 www.quaker.org.uk/events/2018-qpsw…pring-conference

"It's really hard to stop 30,000 arms buyers from getting into the Excel centre, but it's really easy – and it feels amazing! – to stop a truck with a tank on from driving into the arms fair." In this episode of Q:Witness we talk about the many ways that people can help build a peaceful society. We hear from Sam Walton who helped organise the headline-grabbing actions to try and stop the world's largest arms fair in London this September; Ellis Brooks joins us to share news and hopes around peace education in British schools; and we celebrate this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner. Make a donation: www.quaker.org.uk/giving Find out about the Sanctuary Everywhere conference in Brussels this December: www.qcea.org/home/events/conferences/ Find out about the Take Action on Militarism Gathering: www.quaker.org.uk/events/taomg Register for regular peace work email updates: www.quaker.org.uk/educate-disarm Follow @DisarmQuaker and @PeaceEduQuaker on Twitter.

In the first episode of Q:Witness's new season, two campaigners discuss how they came to Quakerism through activism. In an intergenerational, wide-ranging conversation, Chris Venables and Jane Pearn speak of overcoming their own self-doubts around 'doing enough,' and the importance of doing what you can, when you can. Listen to hear more about how ordinary people live their everyday lives according to Quaker values, and give strength to those who feel called to dedicate their lives to a cause. -------- Jane Pearn is a local and national organiser for the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), an anti-land-mine campaigner, and guides BYM's peace campaigns work. Chris Venables is the Engaging Young Adult Quakers Project Officer at Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM). He is also a sustainability campaigner, human rights observer, and former parliamentary assistant. ------ Find out more about Quakers in Britain at www.quaker.org.uk

Quakers use the term 'witness' to describe their faith in action. In the closing episode of the first Q:Witness podcast series, we explore what this term really means. We also explore how people sustain their activism. We chat to Paul Parker, the Recording Clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting, about what witness means to him and reflect on the spiritual underpinnings of Quaker activism. We also talk to George Lakey, the veteran US trainer and activist (pictured)about how he has remained resilient in his witness over the course of decades. He shares his thoughts on how to build successful campaigns that address different layers of structural and cultural violence. Learn more about Quaker witness work at www.quaker.org.uk/our-work • CAAT's podcast | www.soundcloud.com/caatuk • George Lakey's book is ‘Viking Economics: How the Scandinavians got it right – and how we can too’ | www.bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Viking-Economics_9781612195360 • Paul Parker's blog 'Campaigning for change – in it for the long haul' | www.thinknpc.org/blog/campaigning-for-change-in-it-for-the-long-haul/ • @RCQuaker | www.twitter.com/RCquaker • @EQAT | www.twitter.com/eqat • George Lakey’s column on Waging Nonviolence | www.wagingnonviolence.org/archives/?column=living-revolution