QWRC 27 June 2026

Quaker World Relations Committee (QWRC) met and amongst some smaller items, we considered the welcome offered to Friends visiting from overseas at Yearly Meeting in May, as well as the opportunities that British Friends had to meet overseas Friends.


What is this committee responsible for?

Quaker World Relations Committee (QWRC) helps Britain Yearly Meeting keep in contact with other Quaker meetings and groups abroad, understand their witness, communicate ours, and maintain mutual support. QWRC liaises with the global Friends World Committee for Consultation (FWCC), and in particular with its Europe and Middle East Section (EMES).

What did it do at this meeting?

We also updated the advice provided for Representatives from Britain Yearly Meeting to other European Yearly Meetings. All the other European Yearly Meetings are much smaller. What does it feel like to attend another Yearly Meeting? How can you prepare? How does it differ from attending Britain Yearly Meeting? How can you best report back?

We heard updates from FWCC, including three queries that Yearly Meetings are being asked to consider ahead of their Online Global Gathering in the autumn of 2027 about Sowing the Seeds of Justice:

1. What acts of injustice, prejudice and discrimination occurring in your communities could your Yearly Meeting be aware of and take action on?

2. What learnings from our Quaker history are there that may be applicable to helping address current injustices and inequities?

3. How are you sowing seeds of justice, reconciliation and hope?

We spent the afternoon hearing about the work of the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), which receives support from many Yearly Meetings in the USA. Their work is delivered through three thematic departments: Just Economies, Just Peacemaking and Just Migration. For more information, visit their website here There are ongoing links between AFSC and QPSW.

We upheld Friends in Cuba, who are witnessing to their faith while their whole nation faces many economic challenges. See website here

How can I find out more?

For more information about Quaker World Relations Committee see Quaker World Relations Committee, for information about Friends around Europe see website and for Friends around the world see website

Or contact its secretary Michael Booth