Letter to the organiser of “Exploring Priesthood” – a Quiet Day to be held at Westminster Meeting House on 22 April 2017.
Dear Friend
I was an active member of Westminster Meeting for 17 years, and often an Elder there.
I would greatly like to attend the Quiet Day on 22 April but am prevented.
May I offer this contribution to the discussion?
As far as I am aware, all religious groups other than Quakers have appropriately selected and trained appointees (e.g. priests, pastors, ministers, rabbis, mullahs…) to lead and guide their congregations. The priestly role seems essential, in the same way that all organisations need leaders, co-ordinators or the like to ensure that the participants understand the purpose and nature of their organisation.
Quakers of our tradition do not appoint members whose role is that of a priest or leader.
Instead, all members are expected to contribute to the priestly role. Elders act as facilitators rather than as leaders or priests.
The question arises as to how all members can be equipped to fill that role. It seems that in the past there were three sources of training, education and guidance. Firstly almost everyone joining Quakers came with a good knowledge of the Christian religion, particularly the Gospels. They came either from other denominations or from Quaker families where the Bible was read. This seems no longer to be the case.
Secondly, there was a tradition of travelling ministers, who carried best practice and Quaker religious teachings from one Meeting to another. Again, this practice seems largely to have died out. Friends see it as being ‘preached at’.
Thirdly, and most importantly, was the guidance of the God’s Holy Spirit. It is problematic how effective this can be when so many Friends emphatically deny the existence of God.
It seems to me that if Quakerism is to survive as a religion (as opposed to a becoming a philanthropic Sunday Club) all of us who are members need to accept our responsibility to fill the priestly role. While remaining inclusive and open to new light from whatever source it may come, we need to ensure all Friends are:
1. aware of the religious purpose of our Society, and
2. at least aware of our Christian roots and the principle Gospel stories, and
3. familiar with the content of our ‘book of discipline’, and
4. unafraid to make our religious essentials known to newcomers and
5. hear Advices and Queries read regularly and frequently.
IMHO
Stephen Petter
My Credo Blog 