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Salter Lecture 2017 – Brexit, Chilcott, and the role of conscience in public life

Molly Scott Cato MEP

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Yearly Meeting 2025: Gaza24/01/2026
by Rebecca Hardy, Joseph Jones and Elinor Smallman. [QSS Editor: At last year’s Yearly Meeting of Quakers in London there was a protracted debate about Gaza. It ended with British Quakers becoming the first British church to say they believed that Israeli actions in Gaza constituted a “genocide”. During the past year there has been … Continue reading Yearly Meeting 2025: Gaza
Socialism is an Effort of the Will, Spurred by the Truth29/10/2025
by Ruth Kettle-Frisby. This was my contribution to ‘What Does Socialism Mean to Me?’ – a discussion evening organised by the Quaker Socialist Society (QSS) on 14th October 2025. What Does Socialism Mean to Me? Truthfully? Is it a ‘love of hopeless causes’; the pipe dream that political centrists would have us believe? The desperate … Continue reading Socialism is an Effort of the Will, Spurred by the Truth
What does Quaker Socialism mean to me?29/10/2025
by Priscilla Alderson. At a recent Quaker Socialist Society (QSS) meeting, three members responded to this question, followed by a general discussion. Socialism is widely attacked and wrongly linked to repressive communism although it promotes democracy, peace and justice. How relevant is socialism to Friends today? Ian Martin, co-clerk of QSS, welcomed 39 people online. … Continue reading What does Quaker Socialism mean to me?
An Online Discussion: What does Quaker Socialism mean to me?01/10/2025
by Priscilla Alderson. [Advert from the Friend of 26.09. 2025. The Friend is the Quaker weekly. Published since 1843, it remains essential reading for all Quakers.] All are welcome, please bring your ideas. Chair: Ian Martin: Welcome. Priscilla Alderson: Brief introduction. Christine Green: Quaker testimonies, the gospel message, socialism – one and the same? Jesus would … Continue reading An Online Discussion: What does Quaker Socialism mean to me?
Slating Silence31/08/2025
by Graham Taylor Review of Slating Silence by David Morris, published by Journeymen Theatre Press 2025. [A version of this review appeared previously in the Friend of 01 August 2025.] Quakers around the country know David Morris as one half of the Journeymen Theatre. Since 2012, he and Lynn Morris have been performing plays at … Continue reading Slating Silence
SALTER LECTURE 2025: “Pausing the Police”07/06/2025
by Abimbola Johnson. Below is the transcript of the 2025 Salter Lecture. Those who wish to watch the Lecture can view it on: https://youtube.com/live/3P-1XNpRPhQ?feature=share This year the Lecture was delivered in the Large Meeting Room at Friends House, Euston, London, on Sunday evening, May 25. The Lecturer, Abimbola Johnson, was introduced by Sheila Taylor, who … Continue reading SALTER LECTURE 2025: “Pausing the Police”
Salter Lecture 2025: ‘Pausing the Police’18/05/2025
by Abimbola Johnson. Abi studied law at Oxford University and is currently a barrister at Doughty Street Chambers in London. She has worked on a number of high-profile public inquiries and reviews: Abimbola also chairs the Independent Scrutiny & Oversight Board which is tasked with scrutinising the National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing’s … Continue reading Salter Lecture 2025: ‘Pausing the Police’
Meet on the Ledge: Palestine, Genocide and Quaker Witness 04/04/2025
by Nicola Grove. Quakers are the centre of media attention after the shocking police raid on Westminster Meeting House on 27/3/25. A room in this beautiful Meeting House had been let to Youth Demand for a welcome talk to discuss issues such as climate change and Gaza, and the women present were arrested for conspiracy … Continue reading Meet on the Ledge: Palestine, Genocide and Quaker Witness
Quakers In Our Time18/03/2025
by Priscilla Alderson. Review: Jesus in His Time (2024) by Elizabeth Coleman and Beyond the Spirit of the Age (Swarthmore Lecture 1996) by Jonathan Dale. In Elizabeth Coleman’s very clear, readable book, Jesus’s friends and family, and a few critics, vividly describe his life and teaching through personal accounts. Jesus in His Time relies on … Continue reading Quakers In Our Time
The Friend18/03/2025
by Joe Jones (editor). The Friend is the weekly magazine of British Quakers, founded in 1843. It is autonomous from Quakers in Britain, and so can inspire independent debate, but on the whole it reflects the concerns of British Quakers. Shown below are the contents of the latest issue (14 March 2025). Although the majority … Continue reading The Friend
Faith, Politics & Belonging18/03/2025
by Chris Wilson. The ILP (Independent Labour Publications) has always been highly regarded by the Quaker Socialists and we can recommend its current array of articles. Very topical is the article by Mary Stratford on ‘Labour in Government: We Need Hope, Not Hardline Polices’ (21 Feb 2025); then there is ‘The WOW Factor: The Future … Continue reading Faith, Politics & Belonging
FWCC: Year in Review: 202404/02/2025
by Tim Gee (FWCC General Secretary). Thank you so much for being a supporter of FWCC, as we act on our mission to bring Friends of varying traditions and cultural experiences together in worship, communications, and consultation, to express our common heritage and our Quaker message to the world. Here are some highlights of what … Continue reading FWCC: Year in Review: 2024
George Fox – The First Quaker Socialist?17/12/2024
by Graham Taylor. What follows is the text of the lecture delivered to the Quaker Socialist Society by Zoom on 04 November, 2024. Unlike the first posting of the text on 21 November, this version is accompanied by extensive footnotes. They have been added in response to several requests for more information. George Fox – … Continue reading George Fox – The First Quaker Socialist?
Nozizwe Madalala-Routledge Receives Doctorate from Bradford University15/12/2024
by Hal Weaver and The Black Quaker Project. Bradford University Honors BQP Associate, World Citizen Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, with Honorary Doctor of Education! Dear F/friends,As the year closes, our ministry is thrilled to spotlight the achievements of our Associate and regular collaborator, Friend Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, who was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Education from the University of … Continue reading Nozizwe Madalala-Routledge Receives Doctorate from Bradford University
JUST….24/11/2024
by Nicola Grove. “Whilst the horrors we are witnessing serve to dry my tears as though in frozen repulsion, it is the little kindnesses that enable them to flow…” Heather Stroud, CAMPAIN. JUST… One thing you can do this week for peace and justice in Palestine Every Monday 19.30 GMT Witness… a minute silence remembering … Continue reading JUST….
Update on the NHS07/11/2024
by Priscilla Alderson. Here in three minutes is what is really happening to the NHS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO2Z-iIBYwY For everyone who voted for Labour hoping to ‘save the NHS’ from being privatised, recent news raises questions. District General Hospitals usefully centralise all the interrelated local clinical services. However, hospital departments that offer quicker profits are being cut … Continue reading Update on the NHS
The Man from Galilee (A Point of View)17/10/2024
by David Credland. Jesus of Nazareth (The Light Within) provided for humanity and still provides a straightforward moral compass. What is said by Him makes use of a plain vocabulary. It does not require a major work of theology to give expression to it and yet it is amazingly powerful. Christianity is inclusive and should … Continue reading The Man from Galilee (A Point of View)
John Cripps and the Countryman16/10/2024
by Bert Clough. I have just written a monograph about the Burford Quaker, Socialist, and pacifist who championed access to the countryside. If any QSS member would like a copy (the price is only £5) then I will post it to them. Please write your name in the Comment box below and you’ll be contacted … Continue reading John Cripps and the Countryman
Roger Baker, the Man who Changed the World08/10/2024
by Graham Taylor. Last winter Grace Crookall-Greening died, a founder member of the Quaker Socialist Society in 1975, and an inspiration to the cause of ethical socialism. Grace wanted peace at home and peace abroad. She went seven times to Russia to try and further world peace through international co-operation, and she campaigned to establish … Continue reading Roger Baker, the Man who Changed the World
Fighting Air Pollution in Havering: A Faith-based Legal Action27/09/2024
by Ruth Kettle-Frisby. Two years ago, two other local mums and I set up Clear the Air In Havering to support clean air initiatives including School Streets and the expansion of the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) to Greater London by Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan. Air pollution is a thorny topic where I live; … Continue reading Fighting Air Pollution in Havering: A Faith-based Legal Action
Stop the Fires and Clean Up Toxic Launders Lane – this Landfill should be Designated Contaminated Land!25/09/2024
by Clear The Air in Havering. https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/stop-the-fires-launders-lane/ Lawyer: Mishcon de Reya. Havering, Greater London, United Kingdom. Clear the Air in Havering was founded by three local mums. We work hard to address misinformation about air pollution in Havering & to campaign for clean air strategies & education. 16 days to go: £4,088 pledged of £16,500 … Continue reading Stop the Fires and Clean Up Toxic Launders Lane – this Landfill should be Designated Contaminated Land!
QSS Recommended Books 202406/09/2024
by Graham Taylor. Here are three great books that have come to my attention this summer. Daniel Smith-Christopher is an America Quaker who studies Christian Socialism. His new book, on Keir Hardie, is an absolute must for Quaker Socialists interested in history. It is expensive but could be ordered through libraries. William Dalrymple is not … Continue reading QSS Recommended Books 2024
Salter Lecture 2024 (video & text)21/08/2024
by Paul Ingram and Jeremy Corbyn. Salter Lecture 2024 – Video Recording Salter Lecture 2024 – Transcript of Video Recording Applause, with Sheila smiling: “Well, you know what I’m thinking, don’t you? I’ll carry on anyway and say what I was going to say about the Quaker silence and no applause!” Sheila: “I would like … Continue reading Salter Lecture 2024 (video & text)
Recent Quaker MPs18/08/2024
In the General Election of July 2024 there were Six Quaker MPs elected to Parliament, four from the Labour Party, one from the Green Party and one Liberal Democrat. Ruth Cadbury and Catherine West were already MPs but the other four were elected for the first time. This is a good haul since In Quaker … Continue reading Recent Quaker MPs
Equality, Integrity and the NHS08/08/2024
by Priscilla Alderson. Quaker concerns for equality and integrity relate to NHS policy: equal healthcare for everyone according to their need, not their ability to pay, and honesty about the government’s health policies. Can these standards only be achieved through Socialist healthcare policies? Equality and privatising the NHS The UK is heading that way with … Continue reading Equality, Integrity and the NHS
Hiroshima Day 06 August 202406/08/2024
by Seishi Morikawa. Seishi Morikawa is a second generation ‘Hibakusha’ (a survivor of the atomic bomb dropped by an American pilot on the Japanese city of Hiroshima in 1945) and a campaigner against nuclear weapons. He came to London in July to speak at a meeting in Parliament planned by CND but this was cancelled … Continue reading Hiroshima Day 06 August 2024
Salter Lecture 2024 – War and Peace by Paul Ingram and Jeremy Corbyn31/07/2024
Salter Lecture 2024 – Video Recording Salter Lecture 2024 – Transcript of Video Recording Applause, with Sheila smiling: “Well, you know what I’m thinking, don’t you? I’ll carry on anyway and say what I was going to say about the Quaker silence and no applause!” Sheila: “I would like to welcome everybody and thank you … Continue reading Salter Lecture 2024 – War and Peace by Paul Ingram and Jeremy Corbyn
The Salter Lecture 2024 (2)12/07/2024
by Sheila Taylor. Here is the link to the Salter Lecture 2024 on the hot topic of ‘War and Peace’. The lecture is in two halves: first there is a contribution by Paul Ingram, and then one by Jeremy Corbyn. Finally there is a Question-and-Answer session. Paul’s contribution contains perceptive new insights drawn from his … Continue reading The Salter Lecture 2024 (2)
Behind the Privet Hedge28/06/2024
by John Boughton. Behind the Privet Hedge, a biography of Richard Sudell by Michael Gilson. Richard Sudell, a Quaker Socialist, was the gardening expert behind Ada Salter’s Beautification programme in Bermondsey but he also promoted many other gardening schemes in slums and suburbs all over the country. Quaker Michael Gilson’s new book argues that Sudell … Continue reading Behind the Privet Hedge
Quaker Socialist Election Special26/06/2024
by Jonathan Dale and Manchester-Warrington Area Meeting. The Quaker Socialist Society does not have an election programme or a view on party policies. Our ethical socialism is a question of values and principles, which may be applied by some in one way and by others in another. In our view the fundamental values, derived from … Continue reading Quaker Socialist Election Special
The Salter Lecture 2024 (1)19/06/2024
by Sheila Taylor. This year’s Salter Lecture is definitely taking place! Controversy arose because QSS invited Jeremy Corbyn to be one of our two speakers, and those responsible for Yearly Meeting felt this would cause ‘reputational damage’ to Quakers. After much debate, we were given two options: either to go ahead in Friends House without … Continue reading The Salter Lecture 2024 (1)
The Ban on Jeremy Corbyn 06/06/2024
by Ruth Kettle-Frisby. In a landmark event, Quaker management at Friends House in London has acted decisively in banning prominent socialist Jeremy Corbyn from delivering the Salter Lecture on ‘War and Peace’ at this year’s Britain Yearly Meeting in July. Although not a Quaker himself, Jeremy would have jointly presented the lecture with the Quaker … Continue reading The Ban on Jeremy Corbyn
Starmer’s challenge: a courageous government in a courageous state10/05/2024
by Jill Segger. “MY CHANGED LABOUR PARTY”. Keir Starmer has used that phrase many times in recent months. All parties must evolve – failure to do so means sclerosis and death. But the more boldly inclusive and consensual that process is, the better the health of the party and of our democracy will be. It is … Continue reading Starmer’s challenge: a courageous government in a courageous state
Different Meanings of Truth and Integrity06/05/2024
by Priscilla Alderson. Integrity The Quaker Truth & Integrity Group (QTIG) is concerned about standards in politics, public life and the media. They adopted a statement in 2022. These are a few of the points they made. ‘We seek kinder ground…of tolerance, respect, mutual cooperation and shared ethical and spiritual values’, led by individuals of … Continue reading Different Meanings of Truth and Integrity
Grace the Convenor06/05/2024
by Graham Taylor. Last January the Quaker Socialist Society (QSS) suffered a historic loss with the death of Grace Crookall-Greening. Grace had been a founder member of QSS in 1975, Convenor of QSS from 1976, and was still on the Committee in 2018. It was largely through her hard work, dedication, and quirky stubbornness that … Continue reading Grace the Convenor
Keir Hardie and the Sacred Cause20/04/2024
by Chris Wilson. An organisation allied to the Quaker Socialists is Independent Labour Publications (ILP). This is not the same as the old Independent Labour Party of Keir Hardie, George Lansbury, Ramsay MacDonald, Isabella Ford and the Salters but a successor organisation established in 1975 called Independent Labour Publications. They publish books and articles about … Continue reading Keir Hardie and the Sacred Cause
Absent Voices (and Palestine)16/04/2024
by Nicola Grove. In this article Nicola Grove reflects on how rarely these days do we hear from the people actually involved in the issues of the day. In between stand commentators, presenters, pundits, opponents and supporters. Quakers too sometimes do this, excluding the voices of those marginalised by mainstream media. I was in … Continue reading Absent Voices (and Palestine)
Quaker Socialists at Three Demonstrations15/04/2024
by Graham Taylor. In 1670 persecution of Quakers by the Puritan government was in full flood. Meeting Houses were being closed, or totally destroyed, and Quakers imprisoned. Yet Quakers did not falter but insisted on freedom of speech and freedom of assembly . Unlike most at the time, they not only insisted on free speech … Continue reading Quaker Socialists at Three Demonstrations
Quakers, Socialists and the NHS11/04/2024
by Priscilla Alderson. Recent remarks by Wes Streeting MP give a distorted view of the effect that his proposed reforms would have on the NHS . He says Labour healthcare policy is to support the private sector ‘to help to reduce NHS waiting lists’ but this involves taking doctors and all other healthcare staff out … Continue reading Quakers, Socialists and the NHS
Peace is not as Simple as it Sounds03/04/2024
by Ruth Kettle-Frisby. [This article is taken from the Quaker weekly magazine, the Friend (15.03.24), which reports all topical debates within British Quakers. You can read, and subscribe, at: thefriend.org] Back in 2016, The Guardian commissioned a short thought piece from the rapper Akala. He talked eloquently about how ‘The propaganda of “British values” is … Continue reading Peace is not as Simple as it Sounds
Salter Lecture: Jeremy Corbyn is Banned23/03/2024
by Sheila Taylor. The QSS Summary and website post: On 11 February the BYM Trustees recommended that our Salter Lecture on ‘War & Peace’ should not go ahead at the same time as Yearly Meeting if Jeremy Corbyn were one of the speakers. On 23 February QSS produced a Summary of the situation, expressing our … Continue reading Salter Lecture: Jeremy Corbyn is Banned
The Arrangements for the Salter Lecture29/02/2024
by Sheila Taylor. Here is the recent report received by the Quaker Socialist Society Committee from the Salter Lecture Co-Ordinator, Sheila Taylor, explaining the course of events since arrangements were first made for this year’s Salter Lecture back in July 2023. Quaker Socialist Society Report (01/03/2024) QSS proposal for Yearly Meeting: Ever since 1899 there … Continue reading The Arrangements for the Salter Lecture
Christ under the Rubble: A Vigil for Gaza24/02/2024
by Pastor Munther Isaac. [This is the transcript of the sermon given by Munther Isaac at Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, London, on 18th Feb 2024. Munther Isaac is pastor of the Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. As Gaza was being bombed and the West Bank raided, he addressed a packed church as follows:] “I don’t … Continue reading Christ under the Rubble: A Vigil for Gaza
Palestinian Pastor from Bethlehem Snubbed by the Archbishop of the Church of England23/02/2024
by Munther Isaac. At Christmas Palestinian Pastor Munther Isaac gripped the attention of the world with a photo on social media of a baby Jesus placed amidst rubble near his Lutheran church in Bethlehem. He said that if Jesus had been born this Christmas he would have been “born amid the rubble”. Last week he … Continue reading Palestinian Pastor from Bethlehem Snubbed by the Archbishop of the Church of England
QSS Discusses the Issue of Private Schools08/02/2024
by Priscilla Alderson. The Quaker Socialist Society (QSS) held an online meeting in January to discuss ways to promote life-long Quaker, and socialist, values in state schools and in Quaker private schools. Members of QVinE,(Quaker values in education), joined the meeting. Their key values are: integrity, equality, simplicity, community, stewardship of the Earth, and peace. … Continue reading QSS Discusses the Issue of Private Schools
Quaker Socialists on May Day March02/05/2023
by Graham Taylor. This year’s May Day march was against a backdrop of nationwide strikes by nurses, doctors, teachers, lecturers, railway workers, civil servants and others mainly in the public sector, though some were in private companies connected to the public sector, such as the railway companies. There is a political divide over the strikes. … Continue reading Quaker Socialists on May Day March
Salter Lecture 2023: “The horrible, wonderful truth on climate: how telling it changes everything”30/04/2023
by Rupert Read. [Report by Quakers in Britain on the lecture, plus video & text by Rupert Read] – How the love we are will guide us through ecological collapse – This year’s Salter Lecture, delivered by ecological philosopher Rupert Read during the Big One protests, was a timely and rousing call to action. A … Continue reading Salter Lecture 2023: “The horrible, wonderful truth on climate: how telling it changes everything”
Quaker Socialists will march on May 1st…!29/04/2023
by Laurence Hall. Quakers are marching on Mayday 2023 The Quaker Socialist Society is organising a Quaker section of the traditional May Day march through the streets of central London, Monday 1st May. This is to show publicly that we as Quaker Socialists stand in solidarity with the millions of trade unionists, especially those in … Continue reading Quaker Socialists will march on May 1st…!
Quaker Socialist Ada Salter Awarded a Blue Plaque by English Heritage01/04/2023
by Graham Taylor. There has been a campaign waged over the last decade, since the unveiling of the statue to Ada Salter in 2014, if not a little before, for more plaques, statues and memorials to women. In London there were about 300 statues celebrating named men compared to 15 celebrating named women (campaigners say … Continue reading Quaker Socialist Ada Salter Awarded a Blue Plaque by English Heritage
Quaker Socialists Reject Loyal Address28/03/2023
by Ruth Kettle-Frisby. This article in the Friend (below) by reporter, Rebecca Hardy, records that two Quaker groups were opposed to delivering a ‘Loyal Address’ to the new king: 1) Young Friends; 2) The Quaker Socialist Society. Beneath the article is a statement agreed by the QSS on March 05 and sent to the Friend … Continue reading Quaker Socialists Reject Loyal Address
Slavery and the Holocaust28/03/2023
by Joyce Trotman. A Letter to Canon Hawkey from Joyce Trotman To Rev. Canon James Hawkey, Westminster Abbey, 20 Dean`s Yard, London, SW1P 3PA Dear Canon Hawkey, A Meditation marking this season of Holocaust Memorial At the Church-of-England Grammar School I … Continue reading Slavery and the Holocaust
Celebrating the Salter Centenary 202202/12/2022
by Sheila Taylor (Salter Centenary Co-ordinator). When 2022 was approaching, we wanted to mark the centenary of Ada Salter becoming Mayor of Bermondsey and Alfred being elected MP. The Salters’ political activism was always rooted in Quaker principles and the ethical socialism of the old ILP (Independent Labour Party). So we envisaged perhaps a conference … Continue reading Celebrating the Salter Centenary 2022
Ada Salter Tea Towels09/10/2022
by Sheila Taylor. Announcing an exciting Salter Centenary tea towel! This year Ada has joined the prestigious collection on offer from the Radical Tea Towel Company. Buy online for £6.75, plus VAT & postage. With the kind permission of Paul Butler, the Radical Tea Towel Company has taken Ada’s image from the centre of his … Continue reading Ada Salter Tea Towels
Salter Centenary – A new website has been launched09/04/2022
by Graham Taylor. Organisers of the Salter Centenary Project have launched a new website to highlight a year-long series of events throughout 2022 celebrating Quaker Socialists and ILPers Ada and Alfred Salter. The project marks the 100th anniversary of the Salters’ dramatic electoral breakthroughs. Ada became Mayor of Bermondsey – the first woman mayor in London – and Alfred MP, both in … Continue reading Salter Centenary – A new website has been launched

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"It is always like this. We are against the last war, and against the next war, but not against the present war." - Ada Salter

"Let us not forget that Socialism is a great faith, prompted by a great religious motive, and inspired by a great humanitarian spirit… It is the greatest religious movement since the early days of Christianity." - Alfred Salter

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