By Tony Weekes on June 24, 2010
… to establish an informal Quaker Economics Group.
“Quakernomics” was launched around the time of the first Woodbrooke/QPSW “No Growth Economy” meetings (at Friends House, 26 September 2009) It began well and has had (at the date of this posting) over 5000 visits. But has never really fulfilled what some of us hoped it would become: the basis of a debate, from which we could share ideas, react to each other and strengthen our understandings of what was possible … and to find the means to “rattle the cage bars” a little!
It is not clear why it has failed to develop the way we hoped. My posting What do we want from Quakernomics? (23 March) has been viewed 36 times – but has attracted only 4 comments!
Other churches are beginning to find their voice on the broad theme Economics and the economy. As Quakers, we need to connect with these others, as well as with Friends in other places. Above all, we must find the confidence to speak out about the need for a transition from “… an economy which offers welfare for business” to “ … a society where the welfare of humankind and nature are the main goals”.
I have in draft a longer note than this. If others share my view that David Eversley’s words in Quaker Faith and Practice 23.53 represent an important aspect of our Society’s heritage then please contact me, and let me have your ideas on how we might move forward. I shall send you the longer note.
E-mail: ecoq@gn.apc.org
One Comment
Thanks for your blog.
I’ve just decided toe support qsa, and their thank you letter mentions your piece @ £4.50 which I will try to get in FH bookshop tomorrow when in there.
I have a high interest in your thinking, and glad you’re publishing it, but not a lot of time as I am completing an MPhil (on the shift from Q victorian world-engagement to the current spirituality focus) and am clerk of QCCIR and a member of Sufferings.
But please put me on any repeat list so I can read, and occasionally respond and when the year ends and my degree work is done I hope, will respond more often.
I was a vicar in Plaistow and Canning Town till I moved on from the CofE into my preferred career in adult education in the Battersea area, which explains something of my wish to support qsa.
Now I am retired and live in Shropshire:
31 Poyner Rd, Ludlow SY8 1QT, 01584 874752