Truth with a capital ‘T’
Anne Hosking from our Quaker college, Woodbrooke, working with Bury St Edmunds Local Meeting
Saturday 6 April 2019
Quaker Meeting House, St John’s Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1SJ
We read much about fake news and post-truth in today’s world — but what is ‘truth’?
Early Quakers didn’t list truth as one of the testimonies: Truth and Testimony were pretty much the same. Can we still call ourselves “Friends in the Truth”? How important are truth and Truth in our faith today?
‘True’ and related meanings have shifted since Anglo-Saxon times, We will dig into Biblical sayings and scientific assertions: what happens when we assume we are using the same word?
Truth is a noun, and is often equated to fact, something that we tell to someone who ought to listen. Are there other ways of doing truth?
Truth with a capital ‘T’ is an enormous and inspiring field to explore! We will use different approaches to suit everyone, including plenary sessions and group discussions, with choices ranging from semantics to finger-painting, from agenda planning to Quaker saints, and more.
Having explored Truth with a capital ‘T’ in our Friendly context, we should be better equipped to face the world again.
Programme
10.00am Arrivals and refreshments
10.30am Morning session: plenary and group work
- (The session will include a short comfort break)
Beginning our worship
Roots, history and tradition
Sharing our insights
12.30pm Lunch, book stall and displays
1.30pm Afternoon session: plenary and group activities
- (The session will include a short comfort break)
Benjamin Lay and other saints (or sinners)
Sharing our insights
3.30pm Completing our worship
4.00pm Tea and departures
Anne Hosking had been attending meeting for years, but only realised she was a Quaker when, in an emergency, she was asked her religion. Who could she trust to tell her the truth, if the worst happened? “I am a Quaker” she said. Some weeks later, all safe again, she applied for membership. Of all aspects of Testimony, Truth has been the one she has kept returning to: in her Eva Koch scholarship, in Quaker Quest involvement, when accompanying a dying friend or clerking a meeting. Anne is a member of South Wales AM, worshipping in Cardiff.
Who can attend? We are offering this day to all members and attenders of Ipswich and Diss Area Meeting. Surrounding AMs are also welcome. There is a maximum of 30 participants. We ask for a donation of £1 0 – £20 towards the cost of the day. This can be paid in cash or by cheque on the day.
How to book: To register email Julia (juliaksmith@hotmail.co.uk).
Lunch and refreshments: Please bring a packed lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Transport: The Meeting House is close to the bus station and in walking distance of the railway station. Parking is available at nearby council car parks.