Bohol Worship Group, Philippines
 
Many Are Called...
Today
was an exceptionally meaningful day—one of
Spirit-led community service and worship in
deep, serene stillness.
The day began with a forum on peace advocacy
with some student leaders from a couple of
universities in our province. We organised
the event and we specifically set it up to
coincide with World Quaker Day as a reminder of
our commitment, as Friends, to social action and
community service. Other than us three
Quakers, the participants were a mix of diverse
faith traditions.
In the forum, we introduced the concept of peace
building and non-violent conflict transformation
through dialogues on interfaith cooperation, a
small taster using exercises of the Alternatives
to Violence Project (AVP) and a brief workshop
on employing poetry as an artistic tool for
peace building. It was very well
received. Everyone left with smiles on
their faces and a renewed commitment to peace.
What followed was a special get-together for us
Friends. We had a great time at afternoon
tea discussing concepts of genuine Christian
Socialism—what it means for us as Quakers and
how it fits with our testimonies. It all
ultimately came down to an exchange of ideas
about social justice and our advocacy to uphold
it.
Meeting for Worship followed. We sat in
silence and waited upon the leadings of the
Divine Light for a little over an hour.
One Friend gave vocal ministry about his
struggle of being a pioneer in the movement for
non-violent conflict transformation and his
reconciliation with how his mystical practice as
a Quaker has enabled him to respond to the call
by the Divine that is given to many, heard by
few and heeded by fewer. It was dark when
we shook hands to end the Meeting but our smiles
made it feel like the day had just began.
We, as relatively isolated Friends, always feel
connected to the global community of Quakers
each time we sit for Meeting on First Day, but
today was extra special. World Quaker Day,
more than a celebration of our identity, has
been a celebration of unity. As diverse as
we are the world over, we recognise that we each
have the Divine Spirit within us and we allow
ourselves to be a conduit for the Divine
will. It is such an honour and a great joy
to know that people all over the world, no
matter how alike or how different we interpret
our faith, have chosen this day as a global
communion in the manner of Friends.
In Peace and Loving Friendship,
Ludwig, Boni and Marjorie
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