Go and Do Likewise Leinster Quarterly Meeting report, June 2016

Go and Do Likewise" (Luke 10: 29-37) was the theme of Leinster Quarterly Meeting (LQM), June 2016, in Enniscorthy, County Wexford, in the height of the strawberry season.

Patricia Garland-Moloney, Clerk of LQM, opened the bi-annual business meeting in which several issues were discussed. We were informed that the appropriate moieties had been paid to Ireland Yearly Meeting. Retiring Elders and new Elders were nominated and appointed. It was noted that Gerry Murtaghs appointment as an Elder marked the first Elder appointed for Drogheda Meeting. The Clerk of LQM informed the meeting that efforts to find an Assistant Clerk had failed. However, Clodagh Davis, a former Assistant Clerk of LQM, had agreed to take the minutes of the discussion in the afternoon.

A discussion ensued about difficulties facing Nomination Committees throughout Dublin Monthly Meeting in finding Friends willing to put their names forward for appointment, particularly as Clerks. It has been decided that some appointments could be for one year with the option of extending the term of appointment. The discussion broadened and included reference to how Britain Yearly Meeting has restructured, with conferences replacing quarterly meetings; the lack of active engagement of young people, whose skills are sometimes underestimated, was mentioned. To illustrate that young people can be very competent, the story was told of the bank manager in the past wanting to go on holiday and decided to appoint his 14-year-old grandson to sign cheques in his absence this arrangement worked out much better than the astounded bank officials expected; we may need to think outside the box and see the potential in our young people. Many young Friends are already involved but in a more hands on way we need to encourage them to become involved in the running of the Society as well.

While no decision was reached as a broader discussion is required, there was some support for change and a recognition that our systems and structures may need to adapt to the times we live in. The slowness of decision-making within Friends can be an obstacle to attracting people to become involved. While we were reminded of the eighth Query for Serious Consideration, it was also acknowledged that Friends and Attenders face many competing demands on their time and resources. During the discussion it was also noted that our organisational structures should not become more important than our Worship and care for one another. Despite the difficulties faced by Nominations Committee, some nominations were made and Friends appointed.

The meeting was reminded that Assistant Clerks can be appointed on the day of the meeting (PM/LQM). At this point, our Friend, Rachel Bewley Bateman offered to assist and the meeting accepted her kind offer.

Newtown School: there was a clarification that LQM does not nominate Friends to the Board of Management of the School but does nominate two Friends to Patron. Friends noted that the school continued to offer education in the Quaker tradition.

The Clerk informed the meeting that Dublin Monthly Meetings Concerns Fund has been laid down as there is no longer a surplus of income over expenditure.

Friends joined together to enjoy an indoor picnic lunch with tea and coffee provided by Enniscorthy Friends. There were opportunities after lunch to do some sightseeing and to visit the Farmers Market across the River Slaney.

Ian Woods introduced the afternoon discussion, which was based on the theme of Ireland Yearly Meeting, 2016: Who is My Neighbour? The title of the discussion was Go and Do Likewise which is taken from Luke 10:25-37, the parable of the Good Samaritan.

Ian told us that doing likewise or being compassionate and caring for our neighbour could be done both on an individual and corporate basis. He wondered if we needed to coordinate the efforts of the various funds and committees to address the needs of those who are marginalised both at home and abroad. We also need to ensure that any investments held were ethical. While we can act individually and donate to worthy causes, we also need to look at how we can act collectively as a Religious Society to address inequality and poverty.

Jonathan Pim was the main speaker on the topic and gave us food for thought. Jonathon told us about the work the Concerns Fund, now laid down, had done. One project that was supported was the employment of the IYM Youth Coordinator and this has brought great benefit to our Society and to our young people. Other recipients of grants included the education fund, Alternatives to Violence Project and developing the visitor centre at Wheatfield prison. He went on to tell us about the work of IQFA which supports many projects such as Christian Aids work in Zimbabwe, Jubilee House in West Uganda. Quaker Cottage in Ulster has done tremendously important work and continues to support individuals, families and communities. While contributing to these funds gives us a good feeling and is, itself, important, Jonathan challenged us to reflect on whether we do enough in our own lives to go and do likewise. Are we using our talents and gifts to their fullest extent for the benefit of others? Do we step outside our comfort zone to help others or do we just content ourselves with a monetary donation to good causes?

In the discussion that followed the thought-provoking presentations, Friends shared their views and concerns. We need to guard against getting so caught up in our structures and procedures that we lose sight of what is important the command to love one another. Do we get bogged down in the right way to do things while our neighbours continue to be in need mulling over should I get involved or not?

One Friend reminded us all of a saying associated with Susan E Bewley (affectionately known as Granny Bewley) which challenges us all to focus on the person right in front of us: Do the good that nearest, though it is dull at times, helping when they need it, lame dogs over stiles.

The tea was provided by Enniscorthy Friends with lovely fresh strawberries and cream and delicious cakes and sandwiches. Friends were nourished both spiritually and physically enjoyed the fellowship of Friends, renewing old acquaintances and making new connections.