Letters - 31 July 2026
From Convergent Quakerism? to A way to go
Convergent Quakerism?
Thank you Sungsoo Kim for the timely article on the pivotal events which precipitated the ends of the Quietist and Evangelical eras of British Quakerism, both of which had strong connections to the north of England, where our most recent Yearly Meeting sessions were also held (‘From beacon to renaissance’, 10 July).
Prompted by a number of things, I have been convinced for some time that our Liberal era of Quakerism has also effectively ended. Certainly it is very different now to when it began. In this year’s Swarthmore Lecture – almost as an aside – Stuart Masters matter-of-factly named the present and next phase as ‘Pluralist’.
It is good that in Britain we have largely avoided major splits, by adapting and holding together. That said, if the edges continue to diverge, I don’t see how the centre can hold. In the USA there is talk of ‘convergent Quakerism’ to help the different branches to engage. This might also help Friends in Britain.
Related to each change of Quaker era having a relationship with northern England, it has also involved a revisiting and reassessment of the origins of the Quaker movement. I hope as we do so we value and make use of those places and projects like Swarthmoor Hall and the Quaker Tapestry Museum, which can assist us to do so.
Tim Gee
Don’t count him out
I hope our senior clerks have something to say about the parlous state of our democracy, after the announcement that an irresponsible exhibitionist has announced his intention to run for parliament in Clacton-on-Sea. ‘Count Binface’ will also be running.
It is very disappointing to see our electoral system treated as though it is some kind of joke. Surely it is an insult to those who turn out to vote to have to put up with a silly lightweight character who has no interest in the local people. He appears to be in it solely for himself and is intent on turning our democratic processes into some kind of publicity stunt.
At least there is a more serious alternative to this novelty candidate. If there is any justice in this world, the good people of Clacton will return ‘Count Binface’ with a thumping majority.
Tony D’Souza
