QCCIR 12 – 14 June 2026

What is this committee responsible for?

QCCIR helps Quakers in Britain in their work with other religious faiths, churches, and spiritual and human values groups. It does this by reflecting deeply on Quaker insights and values. It writes publications to explain Quaker faith and decisions in theological terms. It helps Friends enter imaginatively into the life and witness of other faith groups, for example by holding webinars. It aims to create bonds of friendship and mutual understanding.

What did it do at this meeting?

Our Elder introduced opening worship by reading part of 'Standing together' by Michael and Karen Gibbs of the Corrymeela Community in Northern Ireland. With its call for moral clarity and deep reflection it was most apt as we were meeting just after racially-motivated violence had occurred in Southampton and Belfast.

As well as regular business including reports from its three working groups, its subgroup and its staff member, the committee considered an exciting proposal from Friends World Committee for Consultation, which is represented on QCCIR. 2030 will mark the symbolic 2000^th anniversary of Jesus's Sermon on the Mount. Initiated by Friends, there are now ecumenical plans to mark this with a world-wide commitment to peace: Blessed are the Peacemakers 2030 invites everyone to use the opportunity to promote peace. QCCIR decided to recommend this to BYM, sending its minute to several other committees. In due course, Friends may be asked to participate in various ways, including reading the Beatitudes aloud outside, on high ground if possible, even on a hill or a 'mount', in ecumenical groups. And, of course, to call for, and work for, peace.

Together with Woodbrooke, QCCIR had held its biennial conference in March. Whilst hailed as a successful and interesting event, the committee wondered whether a conference is the best way to encourage and support Friends in local work with other churches and other faiths. The feedback from Friends who attended was excellent, but why did some Area Meetings not send a representative? The next event will be in March '28.

We spent a long time considering QCCIR's work in the new Yearly Meeting structure, including how we might invite and look after guests, and wondering whether this will work in the one-day format.

QCCIR has new members and is more energised than at its last meeting though still not up to capacity. Watch out for webinars next spring & for an updated version of the booklet 'Quakers and other faiths'.

Our closing minute included these words, “It has been a joy over a weekend in London for us to come together, getting to know one another better through our worshipful business and convivial mealtimes.

We have been reminded that in our relational work the wisdom of peacebuilding is essential, and that “contact has to be meaningful…. We also need to engage with those who are anxious, angry or susceptible to divisive narratives."

We have talked much about how to communicate more persuasively with Friends about the importance of our work and how we might engage effectively with our reconfigured Yearly Meeting in session.

How can I find out more?

Please read our webpage

We also have an action page to support Friends in work with other churches and faiths. This page has links to webinar recordings, to written resources and to receive occasional news by email.