Comments for Yearly Meeting Gathering 2009

Comment on Committed relationships: Tweeting every twist and turn by William

William — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 11:20:20 +0000

Dear Fee

You’re absolutely right. I now gather that YMAC had beforehand advised against Tweeting for such reasons such as you outline.

I think the line is that it’s fine to report with sensitivity once sessions were concluded, but not during sessions.

I’d missed that, and fear I got carried away. Sorry about that.

William

Comment on Committed relationships: Tweeting every twist and turn by William

William — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:57:15 +0000

If they are confidential then I stand corrected. I’m not quite sure what the precedent is, if any. I did get an informal second opinion at the time, but since you raise the question I’d better seek further advice.

Comment on Committed relationships: Tweeting every twist and turn by Fee Berry

Fee Berry — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:02:17 +0000

I am sorry… I’ll read that again. If I read this blog posting correctly, someone was twittering during a meeting for worship for business? How can that be right? I thought meetings for worship were confidential? I cannot see how anyone can be listening openly or participating in the discernment of the meeting if they are on their mobile phone at the same time.

If this occurred in my meeting I would assume it was a matter for the elders. I really think it is a very inappropriate use of twittering… twittering the content of the minute when released would be quite another thing.

Comment on Marriages regardless of gender by Richard Postles

Richard Postles — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 12:08:52 +0000

Dear Friends

I agree with Tony that our personal judgement should not be used to lead us in our society. It is a fundamental principle of the society that we are lead by the Holy Spirit / Inner Light.

I am very concerned about the acceptance of same sex relationships by the yearly meeting. I believe its God’s will only a man and woman can and should marry. Any other sexual relationship is sinful.

I believe accepting the ‘gay testimony’ is wrong and sinful and is brought about by personal judgement of some Friends.

In Friendship and Spirit

Richard

Comment on Home group pics by Yearly Meeting Gathering 2009 » Blog Archive » Daily round-up – Thursday

Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:57:40 +0000

[...] John Ironside took pictures of his home group [...]

Comment on Marriages regardless of gender by Tony Haynes

Tony Haynes — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:24:31 +0000

As one who was heavily influenced in the past by Bible text on this matter, I am glad this decision has been taken despite that. I am not gay, but I have resolved to stand by decisions made in a gathered Quaker meeting whether I personally agree with them or not. I cannot trust my own judgement. I am aware that it is influenced by personal abuse, both physical and mental. I cannot trust the Bible any more. It is fixed in history.

I have a feeling that ‘TheQuaker Gay Testimony’ might become as strong as ‘The Quaker Peace Testimony’.

I am proud to have been a part of this decision, and I hope we can influence a future government to make it legal.

I am still reeling from this gathering. The words of that round we learned in our Home Group still echo in my mind:

“Dear Friends, Dear Friends, let me tell you how I feel. You have given me so much. I love you so.”

Well done all, especially the clerks. I learned a lot by your example too.

Tony Haynes
clerk to Surrey and Hampshire Border Area Meeting

Comment on It’s a Myers-Briggs thing by Yearly Meeting Gathering 2009 » Blog Archive » Daily round-up – Thursday

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:21:08 +0000

[...] Gil Skidmore reflects on the management of and participation in large gatherings [...]

Comment on Half way there by Yearly Meeting Gathering 2009 » Blog Archive » Daily round-up – Thursday

Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:20:43 +0000

[...] Clare Scott Booth on the mid-point of the Gathering [...]

Comment on It’s a Myers-Briggs thing by William

William — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:10:05 +0000

I found that very helpful…as an extrovert Quaker I feel in a minority and at the same time I’m conscious I’m not always aware of the needs and feelings of others.

Comment on Disturbances and inspiration by Mary Munro-Hill

Mary Munro-Hill — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:01:02 +0000

Like Clare, I have been both inspired and disturbed: inspired by the speakers, by the quality of the worship and by the depth of the stillness but disturbed by the vast number of Friends who cough constantly, especially when they do not cover their mouths!