Friends World Committee for Consultation (World Office)

In August, around 500 Friends convened in South Africa and online for the FWCC World Plenary Meeting 2024. With representatives from 53 countries and 95 yearly meetings, worship groups, and Quaker organizations, it was a truly diverse gathering. Half of the participants joined virtually, a first-time offering in World Plenary history. An epistle was approved at the end, and is restated in part here:

Friends explored the theme “Living the Spirit of Ubuntu: Responding with hope to God’s call to cherish creation and one another.” Ubuntu is a Zulu word that speaks to the power and ceaseless work of the Holy Spirit between Friends, enabling them to go beyond their individual selves and grasp that “I am because we are.”

Attendees expanded their understanding and appreciation for who Quakers really are. Despite a multitude of differences, attendees celebrated not only their shared Quaker founders, but also deep Friendship, an openness to new biblical interpretations, commitment to peace and justice, love of the Earth, and love of God.

Prior to the gathering, 46 young adult Friends came together for four days of shared conversation, reflection, worship, and song. Living in community, these Friends explored commonalities and differences. A committee of eight young adult Friends from all FWCC sections was formed to keep nurturing this newfound sense of community.

World Quaker Day will be celebrated on October 6, 2024.

fwcc.world

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Maximum of 400 words or 2000 characters.

Comments on Friendsjournal.org may be used in the Forum of the print magazine and may be edited for length and clarity.