A Quaker Take

What are some examples of reparations? How can we make our reparations meaningful? We continue our conversation about reparations with Edwina Peart and Rebecca WalkerWoo, who we spoke to in the first episode. We also speak to Oonagh Ryder who was the Faith in Action Coordinator for Quakers in Britain around that time and Siobhán Haire, Deputy Recording Clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting (Quakers in Britain). But first we should probably explain why it took so longer for this second episode to come out... in the midst of recording we both caught COVID and the disruption meant we were no longer able to keep up with the recording schedule. So, if you want to go back and relisten to the first part you're welcome to. A lot of the content of this episode was recorded around the same time. Despite the delay we felt it was still important to get the episode out as it remains relevant. We will revisit the subject in the future but in 2024 we are starting a new series with new topics. *** FURTHER INFO Find information about Quakers in Britain's commitment to reparations and other resources at www.quaker.org.uk/reparations Find Woodbrooke courses and information on anti-racism work at www.woodbrooke.org.uk/anti-racism *** QUOTED & MENTIONED - Caribbean Community (CARICOM): https://caricom.org/caricom-ten-point-plan-for-reparatory-justice/ - Cotton Capital Podcast (The Guardian): https://www.theguardian.com/cotton-capital - Human Resources Podcast: https://www.broccoli.productions/our-shows - Racial Justice Advocacy Forum: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Groups/365504/Racial_Justice_Advocacy.aspx - Saidiya Hartman (2006) Lose Your Mother: A Journey Along the Atlantic Slave Route - Others mentioned: Anthony G. Reddie, Kofi Mawuli Klu

What are reparations? And what's the role of faith communities in this conversation? We speak to Edwina Peart, Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator, and Rebecca Woo, Campaigns Coordinator, about the reparations conversation that is just beginning amongst British Quakers. *** FURTHER INFO Find links to Woodbrooke courses and other resources at: www.quaker.org.uk/reparations Swarthmore Lecture: www.woodbrooke.org.uk/swarthmore Ann Morgan, on Lancaster Quaker involvement in slave economies: https://youtu.be/RiC39-UepCE Join the climate justice year of learning: www.quaker.org.uk/efcj *** QUOTED Richard Reddie (2007) Abolition Adrienne Maree Brown (2019) Pleasure Activism: https://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Pleasure-Activism-The-Politics-of-Feeli_9781849353267 Verene Shepherd, Sam Sharpe lecture 2019: https://www.baptist.org.uk/Articles/564908/Sam_Sharpe_Lecture.aspx Others mentioned: Brené Brown, Hilary Beckles

How do Quakers read and interpret the Bible? This episode we hear from Mark Russ, Rhiannon Grant, Peterson Toscano and Timothy Ashworth for their takes on the Bible. We discuss how Quakers have read scripture over the centuries, how we can engage with it now and look at how Biblical texts can help us explore Quaker concerns today. *** This is our first joint Woodbrooke/Quakers in Britain episode of the podcast. Mark Russ, Rhiannon Grant and Timothy Ashworth are tutors at Woodbrooke. Find out more about Woodbrooke courses, including discounts and bursaries (such as 50% off for 18–35s), by visiting www.woodbrooke.org.uk/learn. *** During the Coronavirus lockdown, you can watch two of Peterson Toscano's films for free at https://petersontoscano.com/saucy-seriousfree-stuff-stream/ • Transfigurations—Gender Outlaws in the Bible • Doin' Time in the Homo No Mo Halfway House The full performance lecture, Transfigurations—Transgressing Gender in the Bible, (film plus commentary) is available on Amazon Prime UK. A free study guide is available at: https://petersontoscano.com/portfolio/transfigurations/ Even before the Coronavirus global pandemic, Peterson was isolating at home producing podcasts including Citizens Climate Radio, Bubble&Squeak, and Bible Bash Podcast with co-host Liam Hooper. *** We incorrectly named the author of Resisting Empire: The Book of Revelation as Resistance. Our apologies for that, the author is C Wess Daniels. *** Books can be ordered via the Quaker Centre Bookshop at bookshop.quaker.org.uk.

What do Quakers think and sex, sexuality and spirituality? How do we talk to young people about sex, consent and boundaries? In this bumper episode we interview author Lucy-Anne Holmes about her sexual and spiritual experiences, and talk to David Brockway from the Good Lad Initiative and researcher and lecturer Elsie Whittington about relationships and sex education with young people. - Don't hold my head down by Lucy-Anne Holmes https://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Dont-Hold-My-Head-Down_9781783526215 - The Good Lad Initiative https://www.goodladinitiative.com/ - Elsie Whittington https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/sociology/staff/profile/index.php?id=3799 - Quaker faith & practice (Chapters 22 and 16 in particular) https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/ - Woodbrooke https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/ - Quakers and same-sex marriage https://www.quaker.org.uk/marriage-equality - Quaker theology and same-sex marriage (PDF) https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/we-are-but-witnesses-2009 https://www.quaker.org.uk/podcast

It's part 2 of A Quaker Take on climate change and we've got interviews with Elinor from Extinction Rebellion Jews, Quakers involved in the school strikes, as well as excerpts of a recording of a talk with Greta Thunberg, Anna Taylor and Caroline Lucas on the new climate movement. With thanks to The Guardian for the new climate movement recording! *** Extinction Rebellion Jews Find XR Jews on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/xrjews. The Climate Justice Seder was run by Yael Tischler, the second woman outside North America to be ordained as a Kohenet (Hebrew Priestess). She is also part of Yelala, which creates inspiring earth-based feminist Jewish rituals and practices in the UK. www.yelala.co.uk The XR Jews 10 climate plagues leaflet: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1XmU_MEde4z2G8vNrAyZDJcd4syQ4i2-P/view?usp=sharing XR Jews seder in the Jewish Chronicle - https://www.thejc.com/news/uk-news/climate-change-protesters-to-hold-demonstration-seder-in-westminster-tomorrow-1.483107 Rabbi Daniel Lichman reflects on XR: https://www.willesdenminyan.com/blog/humanity-hope-the-fight-for-freedom-rabbi-daniel-reflects-on-extinction-rebellion Engaging with people of colour on climate justice: http://gal-dem.com/this-is-what-extinction-rebellion-must-do-to-engage-with-people-of-colour-on-climate-justice/ *** Greta Thunberg and Anna Taylor UK student climate network: https://ukscn.org/ The new climate movement talk was held in partnership with the UK Student Climate Network, Greenpeace UK, Amnesty UK, Campaign against Climate Change, Friends of the Earth, the Guardian Live, 350.org, NUS, Policy Connect, 10:10 Climate Action, Parents4Future, Quakers in Britain, WWF and the APPG on Climate Change. Here's the full talk: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/video/2019/apr/23/greta-thunberg-anna-taylor-and-caroline-lucas-on-the-new-climate-movement-guardian-live *** Quaker links How to work with local government (PDF) https://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/local-government-a-guide-for-quakers Find @EarthEconQuaker on Twitter: https://twitter.com/EarthEconQuaker Swarthmore lecture: https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/learn/about/swarthmore-lecture/

What's the Quaker part in the wider climate movement? Why are faith groups so involved in taking action to tackle climate breakdown? In part 1 we talk to Susanna Mattingly from Friends Worlds Committee for Consultation (the international Quaker body) about what that looks like in different parts of the world. fwcc.world/sustainability We also talk to Olivia Hanks about the Quakers in Britain take on the climate crisis. To join the mass lobby of parliament on 26 June email Philip Wood philipw@quaker.org.uk www.quaker.org.uk/sustainability. Find them on Twitter @EarthEconQuaker or as Quaker faith in action on Facebook. *** Subscribe to listen to part 2 'A Quaker Take on climate activism' where we talk to a founder of Extinction Rebellion Jews, hear from young Quakers involved in climate strikes, and some fresh takes on climate justice from lots of different activists. Or check out the playlist of other climate and economic episodes: https://soundcloud.com/qwitness/sets/earth-and-economy podcast

What's the Quaker position on immigration and why? What are Quakers doing to tackle some of the injustices in the current system? Asking some of the most common questions, we discuss the Quaker position on immigration with Tatiana Garavito, Jessica Metheringham and Bridget Walker. We talk about why it's not just about refugees and asylum seekers, and how we can all work together to tackle the injustices in the UK's current immigration system. Further info on Quaker work: http://www.quaker.org.uk/sanctuary and http://www.qarn.org.uk/homepage/ More information about immigration detention: http://detentionforum.org.uk/ Power and privilege toolkit (PDF): http://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/owning-power-and-privilege-2nd-edition-october-2018

Do Quakers celebrate Christmas? This episode we hear about different Quaker takes on the festive season, discuss why Quakers don't traditionally celebrate Christmas (and how they sometimes do now), and explore ways to approach difficult conversations with family and friends. BLOG Times and seasons: A Quaker reflection on Christmas www.quaker.org.uk/blog/times-and-seasons-a-quaker-reflection-on-christmas VIDEO 5 ways to disrupt racism: https://youtu.be/Lcd4VXHTR3Y TOOLKITS FOR ACTION Having difficult conversations (PDF) www.quaker.org.uk/documents/having-difficult-conversations Owning power and privilege (PDF) www.quaker.org.uk/documents/owning-power-and-privilege-2nd-edition-october-2018 MORE INFO www.quaker.org.uk/podcast

Jon and Elizabeth talk to two Quaker parents, one non-Quaker parent and two people raised by Quakers to find out what the common experiences are. Quaker Parenting Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/259029634289418/ Resources for Quaker parents: www.quaker.org.uk/children-and-young-people/quaker-parent Find events for children and young people: www.yqspace.org.uk/find-event

What does it mean to be an ally? What does it mean to practise allyship? In this episode we discuss allyship and solidarity with Tatiana Garavito, Sanctuary Everywhere Programme Manager. We also discuss the history of Quaker abolitionist thought with historian Marcus Rediker. Power and privilege toolkit (PDF) www.quaker.org.uk/documents/owning-power-and-privilege-2nd-edition-october-2018 Healing Justice podcast www.healingjustice.org The Fearless Benjamin Lay http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/The-Fearless-Benjamin-Lay-The-Quaker-Dwarf-Who-Became-the-First-Revolutionary-Abolitionist_9781786634719

Five Quakers discuss their take on God, spirituality and Quaker faith. ARTICLES The Quakers are right, we don't need God - Simon Jenkins https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/04/quakers-dropping-god And some letters in response https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/07/debate-on-god-language-doesnt-mean-all-quakers-are-losing-faith Telling our stories: exploring the Quaker way - Alistair Fuller https://www.quaker.org.uk/blog/telling-our-stories-exploring-the-quaker-way BOOK God, words and us: Quakers in conversation about religious difference http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/God-words-and-us_9781999726928 Quaker faith & practice https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/ PODCAST The Sacred https://soundcloud.com/thesacredpodcast CBC Tapestry interview with Paul Parker – discussing faith and the revision of Quaker faith & practice https://www.cbc.ca/listen/shows/tapestry/segment/15548362

Discussing peace education and nuclear weapons we join peace poet, Antony Owen, CND peace educator Owen Everett, and Quaker staff Ellis Brooks and Sahdya Darr to reflect on the role of peace education in encouraging critical thinking. Find out more Antony Owen: antonyowenpoetry.wordpress.com *** CND peace education England: cnduk.org/education Scotland: www.peaceeducationscotland.org Wales: walesforpeace.org or www.cymdeithasycymod.org.uk *** Action you can take Peace education resources: www.quaker.org.uk/teachpeace ICAN Parliamentary Pledge: http://uk.icanw.org/projects/appeal/ *** What we're reading Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy Briefs: centreforfeministforeignpolicy.org Barracoon: http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Barracoon-The-Story-of-the-Last-Slave_9780008297664 Millennium: bookshop.quaker.org.uk Trans Britain: http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Trans-Britain-our-journey-from-the-shadows_9781783524716 Quaker Centre Bookshop events: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/quaker-centre-bookshop-15554426114 PS. We haven't got rid of Quaker faith & practice either, we've just decided to revise it www.quaker.org.uk/blog/revision-of-the-book-of-discipline-what-happens-now

In an environment of increasing polarisation it's more important than ever to understand how to disagree well. In this episode we chat to Lisa Cumming, Turning the Tide Programme Manager, about different approaches to try when engaging with friends and family – or people you don't know well – on difficult topics. Find further resources from Turning the Tide at: https://turningtide.org.uk/ Other resources 5 ways to disrupt racism video: https://youtu.be/Lcd4VXHTR3Y Having difficult conversations toolkit (PDF): http://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/having-difficult-conversations The civil conversations project from On Being: http://www.civilconversationsproject.org/ Books we're reading How to understand your gender: http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/How-to-Understand-Your-Gender-A-practical-guide-for-exploring-who-you-are_9781785927461 How not to be a boy: http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/How-Not-To-Be-a-Boy_9781786890085 Fields of blood: http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Fields-of-Blood_9780099564980 Image: Ben Wood

Universal human rights are the legal and practical sibling to the Quaker idea that every person is unique, precious and a child of God - simply, that every person has a right to be treated with dignity and respect. In this episode we explore human rights from a European and international perspective. As Quakers in Britain issue a manifesto about the need to welcome newcomers to the UK with respect and dignity, we reflect on the perception of human rights in a Brexit landscape and hear about the Quaker spiritual view on human rights from Helen Drewery, Head of Witness and Worship at Quakers in Britain. In a wide-ranging conversation we speak with Sylvain Mossou and Martin Leng from the Quaker Council of European Affairs about human rights, the impact of Brexit, and responding to child immigration detention. Further reading --------------------------- Read the Quaker United Nations Office briefing at: http://quno.org/resource/2017/12/briefing-friends-human-rights-migrants-under-new-york-declaration Quaker Council for European Affairs: Briefing on the European Convention on Human Rights www.qcea.org/2017/08/new-brochure-the-european-convention-on-human-rights/ Report on child immigration detention in Europe: www.qcea.org/2017/07/report-child-immigration-detention-in-europe/

“We can't have security for people in the UK at the expense of security for people in other parts of the world” Rethinking security is an invitation to engage in public debate and dialogue about the way we think about security. The aim is to think and plan creatively in relation to safety, security, nonviolence and the role of peace initiatives, and revisit how we think about security to encompass all aspects of human well-being. In this episode of Q:Witness, we speak to Marigold Bentley, Head of Peace Programmes and Faith Relations, about why Quakers are involved in the rethinking security project. We also speak to Celia McKeon about the aims of the project and the ways that people can get involved. Learn more at rethinkingsecurity.org.uk or follow Rethinking Security on Twitter @SecurityRethink.

The housing crisis in Britain has reached new lows in 2017, with 1 in every 200 people in the UK being homeless, house prices soaring far beyond the range of ordinary people, and social housing stock being decommissioned and not replaced. Quakers are stepping into the breach wherever they can – setting up YMCAs in meeting houses, running housing initiatives for young carers, and submitting amendments to housing bills as they go through parliament. In this episode of Q:Witness, Parliamentary Engagement Officer Jessica Metheringham speaks about living in true community, the Quaker roots of the Ethical Landlords Association, and upcoming work around demanding big-scale policy changes. We also speak with Jon Scarth of the anti-poverty campaigning organisation Quaker Social Action, which is 150 this year. Jon is piloting a housing scheme for young adults with caring responsibilities in East London, ensuring that they have an opportunity to live independently for the first time, and form their own connections to the wider world. Learn more about the projects mentioned in this podcast: • Ethical Landlords Association | www.ethicallandlords.org.uk • Quaker Housing Trust | www.qht.org.uk • Quaker Social Action, Move On Up | www.quakersocialaction.org.uk/we-can-help/your-house-and-home/move | • Further information around Quakers in Britain and housing | www.quaker.org.uk/housing #qwitness

This episode of #QWitness focuses on making witness happen, shifting towards a movement-focused approach from a more information-based one. We chat to Gurpreet Bola, Hannah Smith and Maya Williams about their work to support groups to take action on different issues and how you can access this. We also catch up with two people who attended the Quaker Activist Gathering earlier this month. Lesley Grahame gives an update on supporting the ban on nuclear weapons and Laurence Hall talks about his concern around housing, particularly around justice for residents of Grenfell Tower. For more information about Turning the Tide visit their website at turningtide.org.uk or follow them on Twitter @TTTideUK. Read stories of Quaker action at www.quaker.org.uk/stories-witness. Download the toolkit for action at www.quaker.org.uk/toolkit-for-action. Discover more about the work of young Friends in The Young Quaker theyoungquaker.org.uk. Find out about upcoming Quaker events: - Skilling up for the new economy, Manchester, 18-19 November www.quaker.org.uk/events/skilling-…-the-new-economy - Quaker Peace & Social Witness Spring Conference 2018, Swanwick, 23-25 March 2018 www.quaker.org.uk/events/2018-qpsw…pring-conference

"It's really hard to stop 30,000 arms buyers from getting into the Excel centre, but it's really easy – and it feels amazing! – to stop a truck with a tank on from driving into the arms fair." In this episode of Q:Witness we talk about the many ways that people can help build a peaceful society. We hear from Sam Walton who helped organise the headline-grabbing actions to try and stop the world's largest arms fair in London this September; Ellis Brooks joins us to share news and hopes around peace education in British schools; and we celebrate this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner. Make a donation: www.quaker.org.uk/giving Find out about the Sanctuary Everywhere conference in Brussels this December: www.qcea.org/home/events/conferences/ Find out about the Take Action on Militarism Gathering: www.quaker.org.uk/events/taomg Register for regular peace work email updates: www.quaker.org.uk/educate-disarm Follow @DisarmQuaker and @PeaceEduQuaker on Twitter.

In the first episode of Q:Witness's new season, two campaigners discuss how they came to Quakerism through activism. In an intergenerational, wide-ranging conversation, Chris Venables and Jane Pearn speak of overcoming their own self-doubts around 'doing enough,' and the importance of doing what you can, when you can. Listen to hear more about how ordinary people live their everyday lives according to Quaker values, and give strength to those who feel called to dedicate their lives to a cause. -------- Jane Pearn is a local and national organiser for the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), an anti-land-mine campaigner, and guides BYM's peace campaigns work. Chris Venables is the Engaging Young Adult Quakers Project Officer at Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM). He is also a sustainability campaigner, human rights observer, and former parliamentary assistant. ------ Find out more about Quakers in Britain at www.quaker.org.uk

Quakers use the term 'witness' to describe their faith in action. In the closing episode of the first Q:Witness podcast series, we explore what this term really means. We also explore how people sustain their activism. We chat to Paul Parker, the Recording Clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting, about what witness means to him and reflect on the spiritual underpinnings of Quaker activism. We also talk to George Lakey, the veteran US trainer and activist (pictured)about how he has remained resilient in his witness over the course of decades. He shares his thoughts on how to build successful campaigns that address different layers of structural and cultural violence. Learn more about Quaker witness work at www.quaker.org.uk/our-work • CAAT's podcast | www.soundcloud.com/caatuk • George Lakey's book is ‘Viking Economics: How the Scandinavians got it right – and how we can too' | www.bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Viking-Economics_9781612195360 • Paul Parker's blog 'Campaigning for change – in it for the long haul' | www.thinknpc.org/blog/campaigning-for-change-in-it-for-the-long-haul/ • @RCQuaker | www.twitter.com/RCquaker • @EQAT | www.twitter.com/eqat • George Lakey's column on Waging Nonviolence | www.wagingnonviolence.org/archives/?column=living-revolution

This Q:Witness we discuss the tide of militarisation in Britain and how to take action to stop it. The belief that military solutions are superior is one of the things that makes war more likely. From cadets in state schools to Armed Forces Day, we hear how new initiatives amount to a deliberate militarisation of society to counteract falling support for Britain's wars. We hear about the movement to challenge militarism in Britain. Suki Ferguson, debut interviewer, speaks to Ellis Brooks and Sam Walton who work to challenge militarism in education and across society. Meanwhile, Elizabeth Payne speaks to Scottish Parliamentary Engagement Officer Mairi Campbell-Jack about Quaker work in Scotland to increase transparency and scrutiny of military involvement in schools. Don't forget our questionnaire; we want to know what you think! http://forms.quaker.org.uk/qpsw-comms-survey-2017/ www.quaker.org.uk/militarism • Short film, the Unseen March | www.unseenmarch.org.uk • Veterans for Peace UK | http://vfpuk.org • New Film | http://War.School • INSPIRE Peace project | www.oasisacademymediacityuk.org/content/inspire • Forces Watch | www.forceswatch.net • Quaker Council for European Affairs | www.qcea.org/peace • Child Soldiers International UK | www.child-soldiers.org/uk o Child Soldiers International report: www.child-soldiers.org/news/british-army-is-targeting-working-class-young-people-report-shows • Our stories | www.quaker.org.uk/stories-witness

How can Quakers offer sanctuary to those forced to flee their homes? Jon Martin and Tim Gee explore the idea of sanctuary and prepare for the launch of the Sanctuary Meetings programme. Tim also asks the various speakers from Refugee Week at Friends House (Euston, London) what sanctuary means to them. Learn why and how Quaker meetings can become Sanctuary Meeting and how you can join our movement challenging the process of destitution, deportation and detention. Interviews in order: Sita Brahmachari, Gulwali Passarlay (pictured), Maron Ehad, Gaël Le Cornec, Hassan Abdulrazzak. Closing poems read by Ambrose Musiyiwa from the anthology; Over Land Over Sea, poems for those seeking refuge. Visit www.quaker.org.uk/migration for more information about becoming a Sanctuary Meeting or contact the team on Sanctuary@quaker.org.uk For more information about Refugee Week see: refugeeweek.org.uk/ You may also be interested in www.qarn.org.uk/homepage/ Tell us what you think of this podcast! https://forms.quaker.org.uk/qpsw-comms-survey-2017/

What happens when you feel compelled to action on an issue but don't know where to start? Elizabeth and Jon chat to Hannah and Steve from the Turning the Tide social action training programme about how they support groups looking to help build a more just and peaceful world. Turning the Tide uses the skills and tools of nonviolence to support social change at the grassroots. Ellis also catches up with Sally Ingham, a Quaker from Cumbria who was part of a group motivated to 'walk for the welfare system'. Kendal and Sedbergh Area Meeting worked with Turning the Tide to develop their plan and engaged with local media and politicians about why they were compelled to act. Visit turningtide.org.uk for more information about the Turning the Tide programme or contact Hannah and Steve on +44 (0)20 7663 1064 or turningtide@quaker.org.uk. Tell us what you think of this podcast and fill in our survey: https://forms.quaker.org.uk/qpsw-comms-survey-2017/ Follow @BritishQuakers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Following the UK General Election on 8th June 2017, Ellis speaks to Jessica Metheringham, the Parliamentary Engagement Officer at Quakers in Britain. Jess reports on Quaker action during the campaign on key issues like nuclear disarmament and economic inequality and how to keep these on the agenda. She also reflects on the impact of the Lobbying Act on civil society's voice during the election. Read more about Quakers and the Lobbying Act on the ACEVO website: https://acevoblogs.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/quakers-and-the-lobbying-act/ Follow @politicalQuaker and @ScotPolQuaker on Twitter

War, human rights abuses and forced migration start in London. The Defence and Security Exhibition International (DSEI - pronounced 'dicey') is the largest arms fair in the world. Every two years, DSEI allows arms buyers and sellers to network and make deals. It's coming again 4 September 2017, at ExCeL – the huge exhibition centre in London Docklands. This episode is about how to stop the arms fair. Ellis and Elizabeth hear from Sam Walton, the Peace and Disarmament Programme Manager for Quakers in Britain, and Kat Hobbs from Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), as well as lots of activists ready to challenge the repression. Quakers in Britain are a founder member of Stop the Arms Fair: a coalition of groups working together to oppose the arms fair in East London. We are building resistance to the arms fair through protest, lobbying, witness, creativity and prayer. The next DSEi is due to take place in 2017: if it does, Quakers will be working to increase the resistance. Quakers work to raise awareness of the human and environmental cost of the arms trade. We work with others to challenge the morality of the trade as a whole and to shine a light on the unethical and sometimes illegal activities of the arms industry. Find out more about our work. Get all the updates you need from www.stopthearmsfair.org.uk or contact Sam on Samw@quaker.org.uk for more help. Find out more about Campaign Against Arms Trade at www.caat.org.uk or follow @CAATuk on Twitter Thanks to audioungle.com and Bensounds for the music in this episode.

Quakers in Britain are deeply concerned by the widening gulf between rich and poor, which is brought about by injustice within our economic system. Quakers call for an economic system that values and protects all people. Any government strategy to reduce economic inequality should include a fair social security system which is upheld by a fair tax system and decent pay. In this episode we talk to Gurpreet Bola and Mairi Campbell-Jack about economic inequality, exploring what we can do to support work to reduce it. We also catch up on the other areas Quakers are raising at this election. We speak to Tim Wallis about the nuclear ban treaty currently being negotiated, and to Tim Gee about countering negative stereotypes around migration and refugees. www.quakervote.org.uk | @QuakerVote | www.quaker.org.uk/economic-justice

Land across Lancashire is at risk of fracking, a new form of fossil fuel extraction that is set to threaten the UK's ability to meet its low carbon commitments. Planning permission has been granted for fracking at Preston New Road in Lancashire, between Blackpool and Preston. Pendle Hill Area Meeting Quakers joined together to organise a meeting for worship for witness against fracking atop Pendle Hill, a historic site for Quakers. The land that can be seen from Pendle Hill is licensed for fracking, or at risk of being so. Jon Martin went along to hear from those who attended the meeting for worship on 6 May. It's urgent that we move beyond reliance on fossil fuels. This means campaigning against fracking, and many other types of action too. Sunniva Taylor, Sustainability and Peace Programme Manager, celebrates 19 area meeting fossil fuel divestment commitments and outlines key climate change questions to put to parliamentary candidates before the general election on 8 June. We need their answers – and their actions. For further information about the general elections, and question to ask candidates, go to www.quakervote.org.uk. A note for listeners: whilst fracking receives government support in England, this issue will be devolved to the Welsh Assembly next year. Listeners in Scotland can take action to uphold and strengthen the Scottish Government's moratorium on fracking by responding to the official online consultation before 31 May. Find out more at www.quaker.org.uk/fracking. Twitter: @EarthEconQuaker @QuakerVote

As a collective body Quakers in Britain are not party political. But that doesn't mean we're neutral. A general election is a good time to raise some key concerns with parliamentary candidates. In this episode of Q:Witness we speak to Jessica Metheringham, who works on political engagement, about how to get involved with the election and how we stay engaged afterwards. www.quakervote.org.uk | @QuakerVote | quakervote@quaker.org.uk

How is money actually created? Can a bank be ethical? How would you ensure a favourable reincarnation? These questions and more are explored in this episode of Q:Witness, the podcast from Quakers in Britain all about taking action for sustainability, equality and peace. We talk to Cait Crosse, who has been running the New Economy Programme, about the recently released the fourth New Economy Booklet, Money, banks and finance in the new economy. “Savings accounts, investments and loans: the financial sector provides essential services at the heart of any modern economy. Some people view it as the oil that allows the wheels of the economy to turn effectively. “Yet, as most recently shown by the 2007/8 financial crash, the system is also highly volatile and when it goes wrong can wreak havoc across society. This booklet explores the financial system and money creation, asking how they could be reformed to help create a more stable, equal and just economy.” – Money, banks and finance in the new economy The new economy project supports Quakers to articulate a vision of a practical, ethical economic system in line with Quaker values. neweconomy@quaker.org.uk | www.quaker.org.uk/neweconomy | @EandEQuaker | Credit union survey by North Wales Quakers: http://bit.ly/qcredit See www.yourfaithyourfinance.org, a guide to money, faith and ethics "Enigmatic" Royalty Free Music from Bensound.com

Europe is experiencing the largest number of refugees since World War II. This is bringing attention to a steadily growing global crisis of human displacement, born of war, inequality and environmental degradation. In this episode of Q:Witness, we speak to Tim Gee who is scoping new work on forced migration from Quakers in Britain. We then hear from Sheila Mosley and Bridget Walker who help run the Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network (QARN), an independent group that has been working to change the way that asylum seekers are treated since 2007. www.quaker.org.uk/migration | www.qarn.org.uk Get involved in exploring the new work by email timothyg@quaker.org.uk A transcript can be provided if requested- email ellisb@quaker.org.uk

Why are Quakers and others taking action to stop fracking? In February 2017, Quakers in Britain called for a ban on shale gas fracking and all forms of intensive fossil fuel extraction. Meeting for Sufferings, Quakers in Britain's representative body, said “We have faith that we can tackle climate change and build a more sustainable future, but we know this is only possible if fossil fuels remain underground [...] Fracked gas is not the low-carbon solution some suggest that it is and is incompatible with tackling the climate crisis.” In this episode we talk to Sunniva Taylor and Chris Walker who manage the Sustainability and Peace Programme and Quakers in Britain, and we hear from Stephen Lee about upcoming action led by Pendle Hill Quakers. On Saturday 6 May, many will be climbing Pendle Hill in Lancashire to protest against the effects of fracking, both locally and around the world. Quakers are known for worshipping in stillness and they will gather in a meeting for worship for witness. Find out more: www.quaker.org.uk/fracking

Do you want to be a Peaceworker? The Quaker Peaceworker scheme funds one year placements in organisations in Britain working for peace at a national or international level. In this episode we talk to Steve Whiting, who manages the scheme, and to Philip Wood, one of this year's peaceworkers, placed with Scientists for Global Responsibility. Carefully supported by Steve and a committee of Quakers, the Peaceworkers make a big contribution to the work for peace. More information at www.quaker.org.uk/jobs | www.quaker.org.uk/peaceworkers The closing date for receipt of application forms is Tuesday 2 May 2017 (9am). Interviews will be held on Tuesday 16 and Wednesday 17 May 2017. We regret that we are unable to apply on a candidate's behalf for a UK permit to work in this role. Hear more about how Mr Meanor wrote Think About It: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pCWbfAZYeQ Image: 2016-17 Peaceworkers

Ellis Brooks and Elizabeth Payne outline some of the topics coming up on Q:Witness, including fracking, the Quaker Housing Trust, stopping the arms fair and a Quaker response to forced migration. If you can't wait for these episodes, check out www.quaker.org.uk/qpsw to find out more about the work of Quakers in Britain. If you have questions about the issues we've discussed or those coming up, or perhaps a topic you'd like us to cover, email Ellis on ellisb@quaker.org.uk

Explore the peace and justice work from the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), an international programme coordinated by the World Council of Churches. EAPPI brings people from around the world to the West Bank to serve for 3 months as human rights monitors. We call them Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs). Keith Reeves, an EA from Yorkshire, offers eyewitness accounts of Israeli activists striving for a change and of house demolitions in the West Bank. Teresa Parker leads EAPPI in the UK and Ireland and gives an overview of the successes and challenges over its 15 year history. Find out more: Eyewitnessblogs.com http://www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/international-work/eappi Take action: tell the UK Government to recognise Palestine: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/174181 House demolition data from UNOCHA: http://www.ochaopt.org/content/protection-civilians-report-18-31-october-2016

In this episode we discuss peace education, specifically how teaching the skills and approaches of conflict resolution can have a transformative effect on individuals and communities. With the voices of young peacemakers and educators past and present, we look at the benefits and ongoing challenges. Featuring Isabel Cartwright from Quaker Peace & Social Witness; Tom Leimdorfer, who helped pioneer peace education in Britain and beyond; Sara Hagel, Director of Peacemakers – a Quaker peace education charity; and Kezia, a sixth form peer mediator. Find out more about peace education at: www.quaker.org.uk/peace-education www.peermediationnetwork.org.uk www.peacemakers.org.uk

Quakers work with other organisations, policy-makers and the public to rid the world of nuclear weapons. In this episode, we look back at the struggle against Trident renewal in 2016, then at the way forward as the United Nations begins to negotiate a new treaty banning the development, testing, production, financing, transferring, stockpiling, use and threat of use of any nuclear weapon. What role will the United Kingdom play, and what role can you play? Follow @DisarmQuaker on Twitter For info and resources: http://www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/peace/nuclear-disarmament Newsletters: http://www.quaker.org.uk/educate-disarm Take action: http://www.cnduk.org/ https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/175096

The current economic system has provided humanity with many material benefits. However those benefits have been unequally shared. In this episode we hear from Cait Crosse, the New Economy Project Manager in Quaker Peace & Social Witness. The project is enabling Quakers and others to articulate a vision of how the economy could be transformed. Cait shares what's happening with the project and interviews Yuan Yang, Beijing correspondent for the Financial Times and founder of Rethinking Economics. Find out more: http://www.quaker.org.uk/new-economy http://www.rethinkeconomics.org/

Hear about the nonviolent grassroots movement standing up for human rights and a just peace in Kenya with Ezra Kigondu (Turning the Tide Kenya) and Laura Shipler Chico (Quaker Peace & Social Witness).

Introducing the new podcast about witness in action from Quakers in Britain. This tease explains what it's all about so you know to subscribe!