This is written from the perspective of
theologically pluralistic liberal Friends; I make no claims or
assumptions either way of its validity to any other branch/wing of
the Religious Society of Friends.
Is it that we are
shy, culturally, corporately or individually? Our record on outspoken
activism for peace, equality and justice says not.
Is it that we
don't want new people in our Meetings? Maybe that is true for some; I
have certainly heard some comments that seem to amount to that,
reading between the lines. However, a great many of us are concerned
about our numbers, about our sustainability. We cannot continue to do
our work, follow our leadings, if we do not have the resources that
ultimately come from there being people in our Meetings.
Is it because we
do not wish to cause offence, to seem that we know better, as so many
of us have felt when other faith groups have evangelised at us? Can
we truly not imagine any way to be outspoken and inviting without
being thus obnoxious?
Is it because we
do not know how to communicate the heart of our message in a way that
speaks to people? That is a harder matter, but I think not as hard as
we make out. We try different things, and assume we are saying things
wrong when the message does not get across – but rarely do we
consider that perhaps we were saying it too quietly.
Our message is
simple, though there are a hundred ways to say it. We need not cause
offence because we do not need to tell people they are wrong in order
to say they might see some value in our ways. We have a rare gift,
for a faith community, in that we can welcome those of diverse
beliefs without intending they change to match our own.
Why can't we
stand up, loud and proud, and say “come, be welcome, come as
yourself and we will welcome you”. We know that our practices lead
people to change; many, perhaps most Friends would say that their
experience of the Divine has changed them – or some form of words
to that effect. We do not all change in the same way, however, nor
necessarily in the same direction.
Our message is
simple, though it can be said in many different ways. We should not
be confounded with uncertainty, wanting to speak only when we can say
it best, when we can be sure of a receptive audience. We have a
treasure, our own pearl of great price, and we are meant to share it.
We have found a way to light and life, strength and love, and we
should not conceal it. We let our lives speak, but people will not
hear clearly if we muffle the most spiritual parts of them and show
only that which is not out of place for the secular.
We can say “all
are welcome” more truly than most, for the reason that we do not
ask for, nor expect change. If people can join our practices, and
respect the diversity of belief that they find, they will be
respected. If they can open their hearts to the love we share, they
will be loved. We need not tell people “you are wrong; come to us
and be saved”. We can say “come, share with us your experience,
and we will share ours, and we will all be the richer”. We do not
expect those who become part of our community to shed their religious
identity in order to take up the Quaker mantle; it is a mantle that
can be worn over many other garments. We do not ask people to leave
behind any community to be part of ours.
By our nature, we
are able to be fundamentally welcoming in a way that few can; why do
we find it so hard to put into practice?
Let us go out.
Let us speak. Let us be visible, loud, and proud – and humble, and
welcoming, and open to learning.
Can you guess how
many we let down by hiding our light under a bushel? I know I cannot.
Written May 2018
