Faithfulness Groups To Support Witness

With so many pressing and significant issues, it can be difficult to know where to put our limited energy and time. Listening to the spirit in a group setting can help us understand our leadings and limitations. The concept of faithfulness has deep roots in Quaker faith, and refers to simply listening to the Spirit and doing what it teaches (and no more than that).

This spirit-led space could be especially useful due to the increasing criminalisation and oppression of peaceful protest – which may necessitate a greater discernment around risks, and perhaps alternate pathways.

Session 1:

In the initial session we will introducing the concept of faithfulness groups outlined by Marcelle Martin in the book 'Guide to Faithfulness Groups' http://www.innerlightbooks.com/books/guide-to-fait...

We will then form into smaller faithfulness groups and divide into breakout rooms, one room per group. We will remain with these smaller groups for the remainder of the process, to have a full experience of the faithfulness group process.

Session 2:

The second session will include some warm up activities in the spirit of getting to know each other, and exploring spiritual vulnerability.

Session 3-6:

We will then enter into a full experience of 4 faithfulness group sessions with each person in the group taking a turn as the 'focus person' who brings and issue. Members of each group will also get to try out supporting roles if they wish. Support will be on hand from the facilitators at all times.

Session 7:

The final session will reflect on the process and discern next steps.

It is important to highlight here that this is a participatory, peer-based, mutually-held process, not a traditional or theoretical 'course' type experience. We are facilitating a space for a group spiritual practice. This necessitates a commitment to the entire process from everyone involved.

The live Zoom sessions are at 19:00-20:30 (UK time) every other Wednesday from 4 September.