Make 2017 a turning point for peace
At the close of a turbulent year, Paul Parker, Recording Clerk for Quakers in Britain, has spoken publicly following recent attacks in Berlin, Egypt and elsewhere.
“Quakers are saddened that some are exploiting these events to encourage yet more violence and intolerance, to pit religion against religion, or even to imply that faith itself poses a danger.
“Our faith strengthens our resolve to join with people of all religions and none to make 2017 the year that peace, understanding and tolerance return to the public domain. These events and their aftermath make that work even more difficult and even more important."
Appalled by the suffering in Syria, Paul Parker urged the Government to welcome a fairer share of refugees to Britain. In a letter published in the Evening Standard, he said, “It is time to challenge the anti-immigration sentiment that holds back the Government from offering the hand of friendship and sanctuary."
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“Quakers are saddened that some are exploiting these events to encourage yet more violence and intolerance, to pit religion against religion, or even to imply that faith itself poses a danger.
- Paul Parker, Recording Clerk
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Meanwhile, Quakers in Britain this week supported a plea to tackle social injustice in the UK.
The Equality Trust coordinated 22 organisations to write to the Prime Minister calling for the socio-economic duty on public bodies, contained within section one of the Equality Act 2010, to be brought into force. The letter, published in The Sunday Telegraph, said, “This duty would shield the most vulnerable and build a fairer and more cohesive society." The First Minister has announced her government will bring the duty into force in Scotland.