Dublin hosts Quaker conference
More than 300 Quakers from all over the world are arriving in Dublin today for a nine-day conference.
Members of the Religious Society of Friends from 40 countries will attend the denomination’s triennial international conference to explore their response to current global issues.
Delegates from as far as New Zealand, Bolivia, Japan and Kenya are travelling for the opening ceremony at King’s Hospital School, Palmerstown, tomorrow.
It is the second time the event has been held in Ireland, the last one being in Waterford in 1964.
“It is a tremendous privilege for us in Ireland to host this gathering of Quakers from around the world,” said Alan Pim, Clerk of Ireland Yearly Meeting of Friends.
“The conference happens every three years, and this is only the second time that Ireland has been the venue.
“We stress putting our faith into action in a variety of ways, so it is really special to meet with Friends from other countries to hear how about their experiences and the challenges they face.
“The triennial conference builds solidarity and connections which we can use in spiritual and practical ways when we return home.”
There are 350,000 Quakers all over the world, with 1,600 in Ireland attending 27 local meetings from Killarney to Coleraine.
Americas (North and South) have 167,765 members, with 155,871 in Africa, 22,723 in Europe and the Middle East, and 12,564 in Asia and West Pacific.
Almost 40 Irish Friends will be attending the conference, which has been organised by the international Quaker network, Friends World Committee for Consultation.
Its theme – Finding the Prophetic Voice for our Times – was inspired by the Bible verse 1 Corinthians 14:1 with its programme including business, worship, discussion of current global issues, and a celebration of 70 years since the founding of FWCC.
“The programme will include worship led by African, Asian, European and American Friends, reports on Quaker work worldwide and a taste of Irish culture with a ceilidh and excursions,” said Nancy Irving, from Oregon, USA, General Secretary of Friends World Committee for Consultation.
“Delegates will also consider how to respond to climate change, the Aids crisis and violence in different cultures.”
A Friends group was first established in Ireland in 1654 in Lurgan, Co. Armagh, and as a Christian denomination, Friends believe in a personal relationship with God.
The international body of Quakers, the Friends World Committee for Consultation, was set up in 1937 to provide a network to connect the groups of Friends.
