Meeting for Sufferings
“Fifteen-year-old Retford boy, James Parnell, became a Quaker and in 1653 travelled to visit George Fox in prison in Carlisle. He preached in eastern England, was accused of causing a riot, imprisoned in Colchester, and died there after eight months of cruel treatment. Over 450 Quakers died in prison during the early years of the movement.”
— Quaker Tapestry, 1996 (source)
Today’s Invitation
Meeting for Sufferings was originally established in London to respond to the persecution of Friends. Over the centuries, the purpose of Meeting for Sufferings changed to be more like a yearly meeting that meets more often. In 2024 Britain Yearly Meeting discussed laying down Meeting for Sufferings. What does it say about modern Quakerism that Meeting for Sufferings is no longer needed in its original role? What culture do you want to be part of in your faith community?
This Week’s Query
Have you ever had to choose between your beliefs and the law?
Historically, Quakers have refused to take oaths because of their commitment to telling truth all the time. How does this resonate (or not) with your personal spiritual practice?
Photo credit: “Stone Sky,” copyright James Turrell
