THINKING OF THE FUTURE

This may be the time-  a few days after returning from the New Foundation Gathering at Woodbrooke-  to express some thoughts  concerning both the past and the future.

It was good to meet, and spend time with, those who had given not only their time, but their lives, to carrying out the work which Lewis Benson and others started. It was clear that their commitment was beyond that which might be expected in the mundane affairs of everyday life. But they were not dealing with everyday life. They were bringing forward a vision of what it should mean to be a Quaker

The question for now is who will carry on that work within a Religious Society of Friends which has changed, and continues to change, beyond recognition? Committed people are coming forward, but we need, more than anything, to take our vision to young people who have the determination and energy to carry it forward. This is not an easy task. Any visit to a Meeting in Britain, or a Friends' House event, will be evidence of the fact that Quakers are largely middle-aged or elderly. But the younger people taking an interest in Friends generally, must be given every opportunity to understand and appreciate what we in New Foundation have to offer.