The Peace Board, issue 9, October 2000
Contents:
- Announcing The Peace Papers
- Eurosatory - Friends gather for European peace witness
- Scottish Centre for Nonviolence
- National Missile Defence, Menwith, Meetings for Worship
- Building a culture of peace after 2000
- NFPB looks ahead
- Coming events
Announcing ... The Peace Papers
Newly published, this NFPB publication brings together personal
testimony, factual background and pointers for action on a spread of peace
concerns. Published in a ring-binder to enable aditions and updates, this
resource for Friends and others is available from NFPB at £8 plus
£3.50 p&p. Short extracts from just some of the first set of
papers are printed here to give a flavour.
OUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE "OCEAN OF LIGHT" may seem small when compared to the 'ocean of darkness' but we trust that God is making something good come out of what we are doing. We always have a choice: we can add to conflict or we can try to lessen it. Just realising we have a choice changes us. By exercising our choice, we may also help other people to feel they have choices too. In this way, different bits of peace activity relate to each other and show us what the peace movement will be like in the new millennium - multi-faceted yet connected, richly varied yet with a common purpose to move us nearer to God.
From Caroline Westgate's Introduction to The Peace Papers
IT SEEMED THE RIGHT TIME to offer support to young people and to share with others the possibilities and skills for non-violent approaches to relationships. We wanted to be able to give them some creative ways of handling these problems. It is on the initiative of parents in our monthly meeting that the widely supported concern to promote a creative response to conflicts programme in schools has got off the ground. This project is seen as a long-term investment in peace making. It is on a small scale, but doing something positive and fundamental towards peace. It is one way of sharing and passing on our belief in the power of non-violence.
Kathleen Rodham
MY OWN INVOLVEMENT IN THE CAMPAIGN against Arms Trade has been modest. I'm on the committee of Hull Group of CAAT. I've prayed. I've written letters. I've taken part in symbolic blockades at arms fairs. I've been arrested about twenty times. I've had a brief spell in prison. I've struggled (though you may not think so) against my natural arrogance and self-righteousness. I've been sustained by Douglas Steere's saying "A Christian should be happy, without fear, and always in trouble", but still with most aptitude for the last bit. "War", we are told in Quaker Faith and Practice 24.13, "cannot rightly come to an end from self-interest or cowardice or any worldly reason but only because men and women, by one and one, without waiting for the others, have become loyal to the spirit of Christ". May God guide us in the decisions we must take "by one and one".
John Lynes
I HOPE TO STIMULATE OTHERS to take on responsibilities for citizens' disarmament. Through writings and personal contacts these ideas will penetrate into more conservative circles, and even people who do not normally reflect on these issues will need to think again. I would suggest that the more alliances you can make, the more times you can raise the topic [of nuclear weapons] in circles where it has not been raised before, the greater will be the impact.
Ellen Moxley
Eurosatory: Friends gather for European peace witness
AROUND THIRTY OF US met up at a hostel in Viarmes, about 30km from Le Bourget, on 18 June, gathering there to wintess against the European arms fair. We came from ten different nationalities, mainly European and a good number of Friends amongst them. We joined with French Friends and members of the gandhian Ark Community in standing outside the base in silent vigils.
We witnessed at the gate and other parts of the perimeter fence, in 'early shifts' and later ones, marking the handover with Meetings for Worship by the main entrance. This was a powerful and moving experience. Although the arms traders had to walk around or through the circle to gain access to Eurosatory, the French police made no attempt to move us or charge us with obstruction.
We gave out leaflets explaining why we were there. These were accepted willingly by passing motorists, many agreeing with our protest or hooting their approval. Posters and banners, carried and attached to the fence, also made an impact.
Wider support came from Paris Metro staff, who allowed us to travel free, and from catering staff asked to serve at a banquet for the arms dealers. Some refused to do this, whilst others gave guests paper plates with skulls printed on in silhouette. Some Campaign Against Arms Trade members managed to visit the arms fair, gaining interesting information before being identified and ejected.
It seemed very worthwhile to take part in the protest, and I do hope British Friends will continue to support opposition to the arms trade as expressed by this witness in June 2000.
Anne Marshall Brighouse Monthly Meeting
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Contents
Scottish Centre for Nonviolence
Those present at the AGM in Dunblane of the Scottish Centre for Nonviolence broke into applause after hearing the report of their first sixteen months' activities. The congratulations were richly deserved: the staff of four (one full-time, three part-time) had achieved an astonishing amount. Helen Steven summed it up in her talk, 'A Small Centre With A Big Agenda'. Three areas of the Centre's word are outlined below:
1. Nonviolence in the community All the workers at the Centre had participated in running workshops and seminars covering a variety of aspects of nonviolent social change and conflict-resolution. It was noted that requests for workshops were increasing and that statutory bodies as well as voluntary organisations were asking for them. The Centre had also been approached by schools to advise on the development of peace in the curriculum.
2. Alternatives to Military Security A particularly exciting project has been participating in the development of international civilian peace teams. many organisations are beginning to work on this concept, and Helen has been contributing ideas and comments to the process. It is hoped that the Centre will be involved in training volunteers.
3. Developing Academic Credibility Working with the Centre for Human Ecology, Helen and Graham Venter have developed a module for a 10-point option on Nonviolence for the CHE's MSc course, which is accredited by the Open University. The module develops the frameworks of understanding , critical tools and reflexive practices that are necessary for the analysis, prevention and transformation of violent conflicts. The Centre plans to build on this exciting first year. They deserve our encouragement and active support.
Caroline Westgate, NFPB's representative to the Scottish Centre for
Nonviolence, and a member of Northumbria MM
Contents
National Missile Defence, Menwith, Meetings for Worship . . .
| “When, in the course of human events, a greater state imperils the safety and continuance of a lesser, under the appearance of being a protector, it becomes necessary for the greater to remove its military powers from the other’s land to its own territory. The Laws of Nature and of Nations entitle the people who seek this removal to declare the causes which impel them to make this demand. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all people are created equal, that they are endowed with certain inalienable Rights, that among these is the Liberty together to determine the means by which they, as a free nation, would seek to defend themselves. ” |
These are opening words of a Declaration of Independence from American Militarism presented (and reluctantly received) at the US base at Menwith Hill in Yorkshire on 5 July.
Meetings for Worship continue to take place at Menwith Hill and at Fylingdales. A demonstration at Fylingdales in July saw a good number of Friends gathering with others to call for an end to the plans for the US National Missile Defence.
Lindis Percy's legal claim (known earlier as a 'writ') to seek an injunction to stop the building of two new radomes at Menwith Hill has been withdrawn in the light of Bill Clinton's decision to not approve (for the time-being) the NMD system. Lindis and Anni Rainbow feel positive about this, having learnt a lot through the process - legally, technically and politically - and having moved from a situation of general public and media ignorance of the issues in October last year, to now, when they are on the world stage. Lindis and her legal team will be keeping the situation under review.
Coming events:
- 7 October - Demonstration (8am-4pm)and Meeting for Worship (2-3pm) at Menwith Hill
- 4 November - Meeting for Worship at Fylingdales.
- 2 December- Menwith Hill, Meeting for Worship(2-3pm)
Building a Culture of Peace - after 2000
Workshop on offer
Northern Friends Peace Board now has on offer to Friends a workshop that
aims to give participants a chance to relfect on the Manifesto 2000. But
it seeks also (and perhaps more importantly) to provide a framework for
discussion that will move good intentions into action.
The year for a culture of peace comes before a decade to overcome violence and a decade for a culture of peace and nonviolence. These decades can be an opportunity to think through and to develop our own practical contributions to building a culture of peace in our own communities. (Contact the NFPB Office - see over for details)
Materials for young people
The National Peace Council is being wound up, due to financial problems,
but some of its work has been continued this year by a Culture of Peace
Committee. One of these projects is the Peace Education work. A pack produced
for 7-14 year olds, "Building Peace Where I live" is available
at the cost of £5.00 (plus 50p p&p). Culture of Peace Committee,
162 Holloway Road, London N7 8DD
Marjorie Hindley, of Stockport Meeting, is a member of the local UNA group which produced a cartoon book (called Did you Know?") which they have distributed to all local primary schools to encourage understanding of the UN Declaration of Human Rights and of building peace in all parts of life.
NFPB looks ahead
Northern Friends Peace Board last carried out a significant review of its
work at the beginning of 1998, to which many Friends and Meetings contributed
minutes and comments. The discernment process of that review has significantly
shaped our work over the past two-and-a-half years, with short briefing
papers, opportunities for active witness, and engagement with culture of
peace issues from a strong basis of our Quaker faith being key features.
At a Board meeting in Darlington in September, members agreed in principle that we should further sharpen our focus. Key elements are:
- With a strengthened peace and disarmament programme in Friends House now, our role in challenging militarism should have a regional focus, working to address and support concerns about military-related activity in the north of Britain whilst identifying the national and global context and consequences of such activities.
- As a Quaker body, we need continually to articulate our vision of peace in this world, and to assist other northern Friends in doing so. Helping to develop a culture of peace both within and beyond our Religious Society.
- Both the above to be grounded in a solid foundation of links and communication with Friends in the north (so that concerns can be heard and information passed on) and with other peace organisations in the north, from campaigning groups to academic bodies.
New concerns do and will continue to come to us through our members, but our main programmes of work should be shaped by these key elements. These principles will be developed into work plans during the last months of this year.
Robert McKinlay
As we went to press we were sad to hear the news of the death on 28 September of Robert McKinlay at the age of 85. Robert McKinlay, of Ambleside Meeting, was long associated with NFPB and played a pivotal role in establishing a Chair of Peace Studies at the University of Bradford.
Dilwyn Spence
NFPB remembered Dilwyn Spence when it met in September. Dilwyn died on 10 September. From Wythenshawe Meeting in Manchester she had been Representative to NFPB for Hardshaw East Monthly Meeting.
Coming Events
“NMD Challenges”
a NFPB Peace is Growing day Harrogate. - 25 November
Speakers: Paul Rogers, Bradford Dept of Peace Studies,
Anni Rainbow, Campaign for the Accountability of American Bases,
David Gee, QPS Peace & Disarmament Programme.
Details from NFPB, 0845 458 3095. nfpb@gn.apc.org and on this web site
Remembrance & Reconciliation: Reflection & Hope
An afternoon organised by the Northern Friends Peace Board to remember those who have suffered as a result of war and to consider how to prepare the ground for a culture of peace
• Friends Meeting House, Mount St, Manchester
• Saturday 11 November
• 1.30-5.00pm
•NFPB, Victoria Hall, Knowsley St, Bolton BL1 2AS • 0845 458 3095 • nfpb@gn.apc.org
Glasgow Friends' weekend of peace activities
11 - 12 November Saturday 11 November - Meeting for Worship at North Gate of Faslane Trident Submarine base at 11.00am Sunday 12 November - Peace workshop with speakers, Helen Steven (Scottish Centre for Nonviolence) and Rachel Brett (Quaker UN Office in Geneva), Glasgow FMH
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