Category Archives: Quaker Theology

A Cautionary Tale and an Inspiration? The “Life of Quaker Service” of Annice carter

Finishing the new book Annice Carter’s Life of Quaker Service, my first query was: What if Annice Carter had ever learned to make bagels? Could that have changed history in the Middle East? She had the training and experience. With her college degree in Home Economics, cooking, including for large groups, was one of her … Continue reading A Cautionary Tale and an Inspiration? The “Life of Quaker Service” of Annice carter →

For Quakers, Friends & Others – A Welcome & Colorful Break From The Weekend Madness

Amid the upheavals, wars & rumors of war of the first weekend in October, 2023, there was a burst of light and fun and even joy, in one seemingly unlikely place — Alamance County, North Carolina. Let’s go visit it: The occasion was as unlikely as the locale, by the historic railroad station in the … Continue reading For Quakers, Friends & Others – A Welcome & Colorful Break From The Weekend Madness →

FUM, John Muhanji, Uganda & “KILL The GAYS Laws: A Few Questions

October is Visitation & Board meeting month for Friends United Meeting (FUM). Besides board members from FUM’s shrinking but scattered territories, notable Friends will be gathering in and around its home turf of Richmond Indiana. Among the most notable of these visitors is Kenyan Friend John Muhanji, who heads FUM’s African ministries. Besides official sessions, … Continue reading FUM, John Muhanji, Uganda & “KILL The GAYS Laws: A Few Questions →

Another Quaker Breakup: Indiana YM “Quits” FUM (Sort of)- Wants to Take Africa Missions With It

The total number of splits in American Quakerdom since 2000 has just gone from five to six. And signs of more trouble are on the horizon. Indiana Yearly Meeting (IYM), which saw eighteen of its meetings expelled or withdraw in 2013, has now pushed its separatism further by leaving Friends United Meeting. But IYM … Continue reading Another Quaker Breakup: Indiana YM “Quits” FUM (Sort of)- Wants to Take Africa Missions With It →

”All God’s Critters Got a Place In the Choir”–But Sometimes They have to Make (or Change) It

”All God’s Critters Got a Place In the Choir.” And being in the choir is work. I’m not much for singing gospel songs; but Bill Staines, who wrote this one, was more of a folkie, and his tune, “All God’s Critters” is more folk than (Lord help us) “praise” music. But whatever the genre, I’m … Continue reading ”All God’s Critters Got a Place In the Choir”–But Sometimes They have to Make (or Change) It →