Quakers in BritainBridget Holtom shows on having discussions with individuals who may see the world in a different way, as part of putting faith into action.In this time of growing department, my encounters with individuals who have drastically various beliefs to mine are couple of and far in between. With the DSEI Arms Fair simply around the corner, how need to we as Quakers interact with people who work in the military industry and with the police officers and Police Liaison Officers who might be present while the right to protest is steadily eroded?I bumped into a former associate from the civil-service grad scheme recently who Quakers might state has gone over to the dark side. At the DSEI Arms Fair in September, as well as encounters with employees of the arms business or their prospective consumers lots of Quakers will come into contact with the cops and possibly Police Liaison Officers (PLOs). Police Liaison Officers appear in some way separate and friendly from the authorities of which they are a part.However, this NetPol video advises us that we must not forget that the information they gather (such as names, how far you have actually travelled to go to, whether you have actually been before and how lots of people you took a trip with) are used in wider cops operations and PLOs do sometimes pass on info that can be utilized against individuals in court. When the right to demonstration is being systematically dismantled and the authorities are being offered more sweeping powers, how do we react to authorities and police intermediary officers?
Quakers in BritainBridget Holtom assesses having discussions with people who might see the world in a different way, as part of putting faith into action.In this time of growing division, my encounters with individuals who have significantly different beliefs to mine are scarce. My circles are ending up being the traditional echo chamber of familiar news stories. I am terrified that in another 10 years time these discussions will not simply be unpleasant, talking across the divide may be impossible.I feel called to attempt to do my bit to bridge distinctions between people. I think that human connection and relationship, deep listening and curiosity across distinction is a form of ministry. Listening and continuing to love family and pals who believe in a different way from me is one of the methods I try to put my faith in action. With the DSEI Arms Fair just around the corner, how must we as Quakers engage with individuals who work in the military industry and with the law enforcement officer and Police Liaison Officers who may exist while the right to demonstration is progressively eroded?I run into a former coworker from the civil-service graduate scheme just recently who Quakers may state has gone over to the dark side. We had been close 10 years earlier and so we fulfilled a week later to talk and swap stories about the typical things early 30-year-olds are up to– what babies are on the way, devastating DIY, the expense of living and so on etc.We quickly got onto what we provide for a living. I enjoy that question now I work for Quakers in Britain. People hardly ever inquire about faith or spirituality in the very first five minutes of small talk but now I get to tell cabby, household friends and people down t bar about Quakerism almost every day. I delight in answering their questions about oats, same-sex marriage and non-hierarchical structures and hearing from them what they believe, where we differ and where we are the same.It is a Monday afternoon and my old associate and I are being in a cafe at a busy crossroads enjoying people press prams, grab a Greggs pasty and fight with umbrellas in the unforeseeable British summertime weather condition. We eventually get onto my role as Engagement and Faith in Action Lead and I tell him that ministry for Quakers means putting our worths and faith in to action. I shared that a person thing my team do is support Quaker activism and we are currently supporting Quakers to prepare for a quiet vigil and conference for praise at the No Faith in War Day at the bi-annual DSEI Arms Fair in London in September. “Interesting” he stated, “youre not going to like what I do then.”” Oh truly, what is it that you provide for a living?” I asked.” You d most likely say what do I provide for a dying?” he replied.I felt the gulf open between us, that area of discomfort when you anticipate confrontation where before there was connection.” I operate in research study, think-tank sort of stuff … about the military … the arms trade is a huge part of it.” He was right, I do not like what he does to earn money, and I told him so. I likewise told him it doesnt suggest I do not like him as a person. All offices are comprised of people. With hearts and minds, households and wish for the future. As long as there are wars, there will be arms fairs and if there are arms fairs there will be people behind the scenes. He relaxed and opened up about all sorts of interesting things I would never ever otherwise have actually known about when I had actually revealed my interest. He spoke about the arms trade like it was any other organization. I found the mundane nature of the market likewise remarkable but stunning. He kept in mind how business was “rapidly recovering because Covid”, how “company was flourishing” considering that the war in Ukraine and spoke candidly about which weapons are made and/or sold on these soils.It can be challenging to see mankind within the military market. For me it takes an extra effort to see God/good in individuals who economically benefit by working in the military, the nonrenewable fuel source market and the authorities or border force. It feels like a balancing act, attempting to hold individuals to represent their complicity as well as trying to see their mankind. Along with being a human being with a household and a face, employees in these markets are likewise really much a part of the system. At the DSEI Arms Fair in September, along with encounters with staff members of the arms business or their potential clients numerous Quakers will come into contact with the authorities and perhaps Police Liaison Officers (PLOs). Cops Liaison Officers are the friendly face of cops forces in Britain, they wear blue vests and are there to function as a go-between. Cops Liaison Officers appear approachable and in some way separate from the authorities of which they are a part.However, this NetPol video reminds us that we must not forget that the information they gather (such as names, how far you have taken a trip to attend, whether you have actually been previously and how many people you took a trip with) are utilized in wider cops operations and PLOs do in some cases hand down information that can be used versus people in court. When the right to demonstration is being methodically taken apart and the authorities are being provided more sweeping powers, how do we react to cops and authorities liaison officers? There is a balance to be struck– we must see the human in the system and the system in the human at the same time.It is not always simple and it is at these times that my faith, patience and relationships are most challenged. What does it indicate to think in that of God in everyone? To truly search to see that there is a sort of goodness or light in all individuals, even those purchasing and offering some of the most destructive and evil weapons humans have ever created? What conversations could you be having in the run up to the DSEI arms fair that challenge you as well as the individuals youre speaking with however might simply be the discussion all of us require to be having? Get included and discover more about Quaker DSEI actions and occasions 10 August 2023 by Bridget Holtom Bridget is Engagement and Faith in Action Lead. She works along with Friends to support Quaker advocacy. 10 December 2018 by Cassidy McKenna Cassidy McKenna discusses how Quakers can use a new UN contract to press for a more inviting and gentle environment for migrants to Britain. 12 June 2020 by Olivia Hanks Olivia Hanks shares how a fairer tax system could result in a more simply, serene and sustainable world, and why churches have a key function to play in speaking about tax as a moral problem. 8 March 2021 by Joe Jukes Joe Jukes from CND Peace Education talks about womens participation and explores why justice is main to the nuclear debate.View all post >> > > Telephone: 020 7663 1000 Registered charity number: 1127633Privacy policy Version 0.11.0 source
