Radical Hearts, Open Minds: the story so far
Do you have a vision for the future of Quakerism—or perhaps you're feeling a bit weary and stuck in a rut? Either way, we'd love to hear your perspective at a Radical Hearts, Open Minds session.”
We're looking for Friends who know our greatest strength comes from our grassroots. We're looking for the visionaries, the frustrated, the committed, the exhausted, the joyful, the grumpy and the young at heart.
And why do we want you? Because, just like our revision of the Book of Discipline, it's time to review how we meet the spiritual needs and challenges of our Quaker communities in the coming decade.
Every Quaker in our Yearly Meeting is invited to contribute their hopes, thoughts and ideas on how our Quaker communities could flourish and thrive in the latter part of this decade and into the next. There are 'Radical Hearts, Open Minds' events being held all over the country for grassroots Friends to drive the future direction of Quakers in Britain.
You may be wondering who 'we' are? Some of us are members of the Quaker Life Representative Council which boasts representatives from every area meeting in Britain. The rest of us are staff from Quakers in Britain and Woodbrooke offering support and opportunities in spiritual and community development.
What happened at the first sessions?
The first all-age 'Radical Hearts, Open Minds' event was held on Saturday for Friends from the South East, London, East Anglia & Midlands. In the first session, one group imagined how our Quaker communities might look in 2035 – getting a sneak peek through a local meeting newsletter, a letter from one friend to another, and a varied and exciting Quaker community weekly timetable.
In the second session, another group explored how we'd achieve a vision for 2035 and what support might be needed. The youngsters created a Quaker meeting using lego and playdoh. In this group, there was a strong feeling that EVERY Quaker community should have a pond!
“After a very lovely lunch, and lots of chat, we held a short time of worship," explained Rachel Matthews who has designed the 'Radical Hearts, Open Minds' programme and consultation. “There was a rug and cushions in the centre of the room, and people were invited to sit wherever they wished. Art and craft materials and books were available, and during the meeting, people were free to use them – creative ministry included origami, drawing, pipe cleaner sculpture, reading and making friendship bracelets."
This led to the suggestion that Quaker communities could offer 'relaxed' meetings for worship, taking inspiration from 'relaxed' offers in other cultural spaces and churches, such as concerts, museums and visitor attractions. These might also be suitable as dementia or neurodivergent-friendly spaces. Other suggestions for holding worship in different ways and places included forest Quakers, ecumenical Quaker worship, programmed and semi-programmed, 'jazz worship' and… 'Pond Meeting'!
In the final session all the groups worked together to create a visual allotment of the things which Quaker communities currently do which help them to thrive.
“People shared lots of activities, including house groups, family days, film club, pantomime visits, more ponds and opening our buildings to a variety of other groups," said Rachel. “We recognised the value of secateurs to cut away things which are not needed, and compost heaps which support regeneration and new growth. We had light – from more than one source – our meeting for worship - to nurture and warm us."
Get involved
If you'd like to be part of this important, fun and spiritually stimulating day then find out more and come along to the next sessions in Bristol, Manchester, Darlington, Birmingham, Edinburgh and online.
Find out more and book now for sessions around Britain and online.