At All Times

Quakerism: a view from the back benches
Copyright 1966 The Back Benches

At All Times

We should review at frequent intervals our forms, procedures and committees to see if they serve our current needs an, if not, revise them with the ruthlessness of truth. We must not drift into ritual in business any more than in worship. The Society cannot afford to be a procedural museum.

“Business” for Friends is not confined to appointed sessions. Between sessions, at the personal level, we must reconcile those differences, which have become apparent. Anticipating others’ reactions to planned proposals, we ought to consult with Friends who may disagree before presenting an item to the Meeting. Little will be gained, usually by precipitating differences on the floor of the Meeting when advance soundings might have disclosed an alternative satisfactory to all.

Finally we suggest that there be more worship in meetings for business and committee meetings, not just when intractable differences arise but at all times when direction seems lacking. We profess that we will be guided in all things; we should allow opportunity to be guided.

(to be continued)