The Salter Lecture 2024 (2)

by Sheila Taylor.

The Salter Lecture

6 thoughts on “The Salter Lecture 2024 (2)

  1. Dear Friend – The banning of Jeremy Corbyn in Friends House

    I too was very disarmed when I heard Jeremy was banned from speaking in Friends House. Then I met Jennifer Barraclough who represents OxSwindonAM on Sufferings. She explained that what they did not want to do was to jeopardise Quaker work in the Middle East. I was slightly convinced but thought there were ways to ameliorate any fall out as anything we get involved in we do in peace.

    We all know how antisemitism has been weaponised, sadly particularly by the Labour Party and it would have been good if Quakers could have challenged this. Or may be not?”

    Please tell me when the lecture will get on to You Tube?

    Sarah Lasenby Oxford Meeting

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    1. Dear Sarah,
      QSS argued with BYM for 6 months about this issue! They had produced a Risk Assessment claiming that if Jeremy spoke at Friends House, Quakers might become associated with his ‘antisemitism’. And the Israeli government might refuse visas for people going to Palestine and Israel on the EAPPI programme which Quakers coordinate for the UK and Ireland.

      QSS felt the issue was a matter of principle. We wanted to stand up against lies and distortions, and were sad that BYM was not prepared to take the ‘risk’. It has been heartening to find so much genuine concern amongst Friends about the decision. The debate continues. As you yourself say, “It would have been good if Quakers could have challenged the weaponisation of antisemitism. Or maybe not?” Indeed, that is the question!

      One thing’s for sure: the 2024 Salter Lecture provided a wonderful, thought-provoking evening. I recommend Joe Jones’ report in The Friend magazine: https://thefriend.org/article/war-and-peace-joe-jones-watches-the-salter-lecture-2024

      Sheila Taylor
      Salter Lecture Coordinator

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