Photo: Young Friends gather outside Friends House during Yearly Meeting 2024.
Long-term solutions: Imi Hills says Quakerism should harness the radicalism of young Friends
‘Young people are just asking for space. I am just asking for space.’
As a result of a declining membership, Britain Yearly Meeting has found itself in a difficult financial position. The means of addressing this problem have thus far been predominantly businesslike. It is suggested that the way forward is: to hire our rooms at Friends House to big companies and establishment bodies; to close as many unprofitable Meeting houses as possible; and to cut central staff. There is even speculation that, ultimately, Friends House must be sold. To me, all of this feels misguided – and conceding our spaces to non-Quaker businesses seems to fly in the face of our values. I am certain that some cuts, economies and efficiencies are needed, but the long-term solution has to be an increase in membership, with an emphasis on gaining young Friends.
