Dublin Quakers welcome visitors to their open days
by Fiona Murdoch
Quakers in Dublin welcomed visitors from all backgrounds to the open days they held during October 2010.
Open days give the public a chance to find out something about this distinctive branch of Christianity. Quakers do not try to convert people or force their opinions on other people, rather Quakers believe in living in such a way that their behaviour and life speaks for them. As the saying goes “Actions speak louder than words”. Eustace Street, Monkstown and Rathfarnham Meetings all held open days.
“We were delighted to welcome a steady stream of visitors from a variety of backgrounds,” says Julia Rowan, Rathfarnham Meeting Clerk. “They had the opportunity to view displays on our history, conflict resolution workshops and eco initiatives as well as the chance to browse books and to experience a meeting for worship.”
Julia’ Story Julia started attending Rathfarnham Meeting in 1999, several years after she had stopped going to Mass. She first became curious about Quakerism while watching the inauguration of President Mary McAleese. “Different religious leaders spoke, including a Quaker; I can’t remember what she said, but it struck a chord in me,” says Julia, who promptly phoned Quaker House to find out more.
From the information she received in the post she was glad to discover that Quakers “see the light of God in everybody”. A year later she plucked up the courage to attend Meeting for Worship for the first time. “It was great; I found it very comfortable,” she says. “I loved the silence and the fact that there was nobody running it. A couple of people spoke and the whole approach struck me as very natural and very simple.”
She continued attending regularly and seven years later she became a member. “I just felt right at home,” she says. “Quakers gives me a place to search truthfully … I liked the fact that I was not expected to say this or believe that. I also like the fact that there is very little focus on sin – and much more on living your life truthfully and doing the right thing. I just find the whole approach so enriching and so challenging.”
Jono’s Story Jono Pim an Elder, was brought up a Quaker in rural Co Laois. Attending Meeting for Worship has been important to him throughout his life. “Occasionally, I cannot attend for some reason and I feel emptier without it,” he says. “Going to a different church, whether Mass or a service, can be helpful and a satisfactory alternative but I still like coming back to the Quaker silent meeting.”
Quakers do not practise baptism with water but Jono considers himself baptised through the Holy Spirit – “something which is open to everyone who wants to receive it,” he says. “We don’t have Eucharist or Communion, but I believe in the Quaker silent Meeting for Worship we can arrive at the same understanding of the real presence of the Holy Spirit amongst us.”
Quakers never claim to have the “truth”. “Each person has to find their own truth – the truth which suits their experience and what is in their heart,” says Jono. “Nobody tells you what you must believe but that does not mean that Quakers have no beliefs. We have a series of ‘testimonies’, which have developed over the years and which are a way of how to live your life rather than a formal set of beliefs. The most well-known testimonies are peace, justice, integrity and simplicity.”
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Europe and Middle East
Young Friends’ Spring Gathering
2 – 9 Apr 2010 Moyallon Friends Meeting N. Ireland
How we Experience Conflict
European and Middle Eastern Young Friends (EMEYF) held its Spring Gathering in Northern Ireland.
The week was spent surrounded by green pastures and beautiful countryside at the Moyallon Centre on the grounds of a historic Quaker Meeting House. What brings us into conflict? How do we deal with conflict, spiritual and otherwise? Are we afraid of conflict? Can all conflicts be resolved? We explored these questions in a safe environment through worship-sharing and reflecting on our personal experiences. Drawing on our different cultural backgrounds, we built a diverse community with friendship, fun and fellowship.
The programme used the local conflict as a launching point to explore our personal and spiritual conflicts. The group was introduced to Northern Irish culture and history, visit Belfast, and had plenty of time for reflection.
Why violence ?Cartoon and art exhibition
“Why Violence?”, the campaign for violence reduction, arranged an exhibition of the cartoons submitted to The Alternative Turner Prize competition and artworks sent in by junior schools, 140 in all, on the theme of violence reduction.
The exhibition took place in Dublin Civic Offices, Wood Quay from Monday to Friday 22nd to 26th March.
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QuakerYouth Pilgrimage 2010
The Quaker Youth Pilgrimage is a long standing ministry which helps young people aged between 16 and 18 from the United States and Europe to explore their Quaker roots.
The Pilgrimage takes place every two years The 2010 pilgrimage ended on 13th August and was held in the North West of the United States.
Four young Friends from Ireland took part.
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