'We work for a more just and peaceful world, one with less discrimination and greater equality, [and] a more sustainable approach to the economy and to the planet.' - Ben Pink Dandelion, 2012
The interests of Abingdon Quakers are reflected in the Meeting's support for charities and in individual members' involvement in groups that work for peace and a sustainable environment.
Monthly charity appeals
Each month the Meeting makes a special collection for a charity in which a member has a particular interest. The charities chosen can have a local, national or international focus, and we contribute to both Quaker and non-Quaker (other religious or secular) organisations. Charities that we have supported recently include:
- Abingdon Bridge
- Abingdon Carousel Family Centre
- Oxford Friends Action on Poverty
- Quaker Social Action
- British Friends of Quaker Council for European Affairs
- Campaign Against Arms Trade
- Money for Madagascar
- Medical Aid for Palestinians
Faith in Action
Peace
'The peace testimony is about deeds not creeds; not a form of words but a way of living. It is ... a tough demand that we should not automatically accept the categories, definitions and priorities of the world.' (Quaker Faith & Practice, 24.11)
A number of members of the Meeting are active in the Abingdon Peace Group, which campaigns to:
- End the arms trade, ban all weapons of mass destruction, and understand and address the root causes of war;
- Support non-violent ways to resolve conflicts and promote the use of international law; and
- Work for a stronger United Nations.
To find out more, visit Abingdon Peace Group's Facebook page or send an email to abingdonpeace@gmail.com.
You can find out about wider Quaker work on peace and related issues in Britain on the Quakers and peace page of the Quakers in Britain website.
Sustainability and the environment
'The environmental crisis is at root a spiritual and religious crisis; we are called to look again at the real purpose of being on this earth, which is to till it and keep it so as to reveal the glory of God for generations to come.' (Quaker Faith & Practice, 25.02)
Members of the Meeting are also involved with Abingdon Carbon Cutters, a community action group that aims to:
- Help reduce the carbon footprint of Abingdon in response to climate change; and
- Promote a sustainable and resilient lifestyle for our town as fossil fuel stocks decline.
The group focuses on issues relating to food, waste reduction, energy, education and transport.
To find out more, visit Abingdon Carbon Cutters' website and their Facebook page (for up-to-date news). Alternatively, send an email to carbon.cutters@gmail.com.
You can find out about wider Quaker work on sustainability and the environment in Britain on the Quakers and climate justice page of the Quakers in Britain website.
Image credits: (top) Quaker Meetings Network; (middle) Sally Reynolds, Abingdon Meeting; (bottom) Public domain at https://stockcake.com/i/nurturing-tiny-seedling_468256_227635.