Shows
A Quaker TakeOn reparations: how can we make reparations meaningful?What are some examples of reparations? How can we make our reparations meaningful?
We continue our conversation about reparations with Edwina Peart and Rebecca WalkerWoo, who we spoke to in the first episode. We also speak to Oonagh Ryder who was the Faith in Action Coordinator for Quakers in Britain around that time and Siobhán Haire, Deputy Recording Clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting (Quakers in Britain).
But first we should probably explain why it took so longer for this second episode to come out... in the midst of recording we both caught COVID and the disruption meant we were n...2024-03-2653 min
Quakers TodayQuakers and Worship, Nature, and HuntingQuaker Worship, Nature, and Hunting
The episode introduces Timothy Tarkelly, a Quaker in Chanute, Kansas with a deep love for nature. Tarkelly draws parallels between the stillness of Quaker worship and his experiences in the outdoors, emphasizing the power of silence and anticipation in both settings. He wrote the Friends Journal article, Allowable Diversions: A Friend Explores the Morality of Hunting.
Timothy published several books of poetry including On Slip Rigs and Spiritual Growth (OAC Books), Objects We Know We Don’t Deserve: Poems on Dutch Art (Alien Buddha Press), and Gently in Manner, Strongly in Deed: Poe...2023-08-1520 minQuakers TodayQuakers and Worship, Nature, and HuntingQuaker Worship, Nature, and Hunting
The episode introduces Timothy Tarkelly, a Quaker in Chanute, Kansas with a deep love for nature. Tarkelly draws parallels between the stillness of Quaker worship and his experiences in the outdoors, emphasizing the power of silence and anticipation in both settings. He wrote the Friends Journal article, Allowable Diversions: A Friend Explores the Morality of Hunting.
Timothy published several books of poetry including On Slip Rigs and Spiritual Growth (OAC Books), Objects We Know We Don’t Deserve: Poems on Dutch Art (Alien Buddha Press), and Gently in Manner, Strongly in Deed: Poe...2023-08-1520 min
A Quaker TakeOn reparations: what are reparations?What are reparations? And what’s the role of faith communities in this conversation?
We speak to Edwina Peart, Inclusion and Diversity Coordinator, and Rebecca Woo, Campaigns Coordinator, about the reparations conversation that is just beginning amongst British Quakers.
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FURTHER INFO
Find links to Woodbrooke courses and other resources at: www.quaker.org.uk/reparations
Swarthmore Lecture: www.woodbrooke.org.uk/swarthmore
Ann Morgan, on Lancaster Quaker involvement in slave economies: https://youtu.be/RiC39-UepCE
Join the climate justice year of learning: www.quaker.org.uk/efcj
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QUOTED
Richard Reddie (2007) Abolition
Adrienne Maree Brown (2019) Pleasure Activism: https://bookshop.quaker.or...2022-06-2235 min
A Quaker TakeOn the BibleHow do Quakers read and interpret the Bible? This episode we hear from Mark Russ, Rhiannon Grant, Peterson Toscano and Timothy Ashworth for their takes on the Bible. We discuss how Quakers have read scripture over the centuries, how we can engage with it now and look at how Biblical texts can help us explore Quaker concerns today.
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This is our first joint Woodbrooke/Quakers in Britain episode of the podcast. Mark Russ, Rhiannon Grant and Timothy Ashworth are tutors at Woodbrooke. Find out more about Woodbrooke courses, including discounts and bursaries (such as 50% off for 18–35s), by visiting www.wo...2020-12-101h 19
A Quaker TakeOn sexWhat do Quakers think and sex, sexuality and spirituality? How do we talk to young people about sex, consent and boundaries?
In this bumper episode we interview author Lucy-Anne Holmes about her sexual and spiritual experiences, and talk to David Brockway from the Good Lad Initiative and researcher and lecturer Elsie Whittington about relationships and sex education with young people.
- Don’t hold my head down by Lucy-Anne Holmes https://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/Dont-Hold-My-Head-Down_9781783526215
- The Good Lad Initiative https://www.goodladinitiative.com/
- Elsie Whittington https://www2.mmu.ac.uk/sociology/staff/profile/index.php?id=3799
- Qu...2020-02-131h 29
A Quaker TakeOn climate activismIt’s part 2 of A Quaker Take on climate change and we’ve got interviews with Elinor from Extinction Rebellion Jews, Quakers involved in the school strikes, as well as excerpts of a recording of a talk with Greta Thunberg, Anna Taylor and Caroline Lucas on the new climate movement. With thanks to The Guardian for the new climate movement recording!
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Extinction Rebellion Jews
Find XR Jews on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/xrjews.
The Climate Justice Seder was run by Yael Tischler, the second woman outside North America to be ordained as a Kohenet (Hebrew Priestess). She is also part...2019-06-2859 min
A Quaker TakeOn climate changeWhat’s the Quaker part in the wider climate movement? Why are faith groups so involved in taking action to tackle climate breakdown?
In part 1 we talk to Susanna Mattingly from Friends Worlds Committee for Consultation (the international Quaker body) about what that looks like in different parts of the world. fwcc.world/sustainability
We also talk to Olivia Hanks about the Quakers in Britain take on the climate crisis. To join the mass lobby of parliament on 26 June email Philip Wood philipw@quaker.org.uk www.quaker.org.uk/sustainability. Find them on Twitter @EarthEconQuaker or as Quaker faith in...2019-05-2454 min
A Quaker TakeOn immigrationWhat's the Quaker position on immigration and why? What are Quakers doing to tackle some of the injustices in the current system?
Asking some of the most common questions, we discuss the Quaker position on immigration with Tatiana Garavito, Jessica Metheringham and Bridget Walker. We talk about why it's not just about refugees and asylum seekers, and how we can all work together to tackle the injustices in the UK's current immigration system.
Further info on Quaker work: http://www.quaker.org.uk/sanctuary and http://www.qarn.org.uk/homepage/
More information about immigration detention: http://detentionforum.org.uk/
...2019-03-3159 min
A Quaker TakeOn ChristmasDo Quakers celebrate Christmas? This episode we hear about different Quaker takes on the festive season, discuss why Quakers don't traditionally celebrate Christmas (and how they sometimes do now), and explore ways to approach difficult conversations with family and friends.
BLOG
Times and seasons: A Quaker reflection on Christmas www.quaker.org.uk/blog/times-and-seasons-a-quaker-reflection-on-christmas
VIDEO
5 ways to disrupt racism: https://youtu.be/Lcd4VXHTR3Y
TOOLKITS FOR ACTION
Having difficult conversations (PDF) www.quaker.org.uk/documents/having-difficult-conversations
Owning power and privilege (PDF) www.quaker.org.uk/documents/owning-power-and-privilege-2nd-edition-october-2018
MORE INFO
www.quaker.org.uk/podcast2018-12-1850 min
A Quaker TakeOn parentingJon and Elizabeth talk to two Quaker parents, one non-Quaker parent and two people raised by Quakers to find out what the common experiences are.
Quaker Parenting Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/259029634289418/
Resources for Quaker parents: www.quaker.org.uk/children-and-young-people/quaker-parent
Find events for children and young people: www.yqspace.org.uk/find-event2018-11-301h 02
A Quaker TakeOn allyshipWhat does it mean to be an ally? What does it mean to practise allyship?
In this episode we discuss allyship and solidarity with Tatiana Garavito, Sanctuary Everywhere Programme Manager. We also discuss the history of Quaker abolitionist thought with historian Marcus Rediker.
Power and privilege toolkit (PDF) www.quaker.org.uk/documents/owning-power-and-privilege-2nd-edition-october-2018
Healing Justice podcast www.healingjustice.org
The Fearless Benjamin Lay http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/The-Fearless-Benjamin-Lay-The-Quaker-Dwarf-Who-Became-the-First-Revolutionary-Abolitionist_97817866347192018-10-1959 min
A Quaker TakeOn GodFive Quakers discuss their take on God, spirituality and Quaker faith.
ARTICLES
The Quakers are right, we don't need God - Simon Jenkins https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/may/04/quakers-dropping-god And some letters in response https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/07/debate-on-god-language-doesnt-mean-all-quakers-are-losing-faith
Telling our stories: exploring the Quaker way - Alistair Fuller https://www.quaker.org.uk/blog/telling-our-stories-exploring-the-quaker-way
BOOK
God, words and us: Quakers in conversation about religious difference http://bookshop.quaker.org.uk/God-words-and-us_9781999726928
Quaker faith & practice https://qfp.quaker.org.uk/
PODCAST
The Sacred https://soundcloud.com/thesacredpodcast
CBC Tapestry interview with Paul Parker – discussing faith and th...2018-09-091h 05
A Quaker TakeOn peace educationDiscussing peace education and nuclear weapons we join peace poet, Antony Owen, CND peace educator Owen Everett, and Quaker staff Ellis Brooks and Sahdya Darr to reflect on the role of peace education in encouraging critical thinking.
Find out more
Antony Owen: antonyowenpoetry.wordpress.com
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CND peace education
England: cnduk.org/education
Scotland: www.peaceeducationscotland.org
Wales: walesforpeace.org or www.cymdeithasycymod.org.uk
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Action you can take
Peace education resources: www.quaker.org.uk/teachpeace
ICAN Parliamentary Pledge: http://uk.icanw.org/projects/appeal/
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What we're reading
Centre for Feminist Foreign Policy Briefs: centreforfeministforeignpolicy.org
Barracoon: http://bookshop.quaker...2018-08-0946 min
A Quaker Take#27 – Q:Witness – Courageous conversationsIn an environment of increasing polarisation it’s more important than ever to understand how to disagree well. In this episode we chat to Lisa Cumming, Turning the Tide Programme Manager, about different approaches to try when engaging with friends and family – or people you don’t know well – on difficult topics.
Find further resources from Turning the Tide at: https://turningtide.org.uk/
Other resources
5 ways to disrupt racism video: https://youtu.be/Lcd4VXHTR3Y
Having difficult conversations toolkit (PDF): http://www.quaker.org.uk/documents/having-difficult-conversations
The civil conversations project from On Being: http://www.civilconversationsproject.org/
Books we...2017-12-2033 min
A Quaker Take#26 – Q:Witness – Human rightsUniversal human rights are the legal and practical sibling to the Quaker idea that every person is unique, precious and a child of God - simply, that every person has a right to be treated with dignity and respect.
In this episode we explore human rights from a European and international perspective. As Quakers in Britain issue a manifesto about the need to welcome newcomers to the UK with respect and dignity, we reflect on the perception of human rights in a Brexit landscape and hear about the Quaker spiritual view on human rights from Helen Drewery, Head of Witness...2017-12-0829 min
A Quaker Take#25 – Q:Witness – Rethinking security“We can’t have security for people in the UK at the expense of security for people in other parts of the world”
Rethinking security is an invitation to engage in public debate and dialogue about the way we think about security. The aim is to think and plan creatively in relation to safety, security, nonviolence and the role of peace initiatives, and revisit how we think about security to encompass all aspects of human well-being.
In this episode of Q:Witness, we speak to Marigold Bentley, Head of Peace Programmes and Faith Relations, about why Quakers are involved in the re...2017-11-2435 min
A Quaker Take#24 – Q:Witness – HousingThe housing crisis in Britain has reached new lows in 2017, with 1 in every 200 people in the UK being homeless, house prices soaring far beyond the range of ordinary people, and social housing stock being decommissioned and not replaced. Quakers are stepping into the breach wherever they can – setting up YMCAs in meeting houses, running housing initiatives for young carers, and submitting amendments to housing bills as they go through parliament.
In this episode of Q:Witness, Parliamentary Engagement Officer Jessica Metheringham speaks about living in true community, the Quaker roots of the Ethical Landlords Association, and upcoming work around demanding bi...2017-11-1026 min
A Quaker Take#23 – Q:Witness – Making witness happenThis episode of #QWitness focuses on making witness happen, shifting towards a movement-focused approach from a more information-based one.
We chat to Gurpreet Bola, Hannah Smith and Maya Williams about their work to support groups to take action on different issues and how you can access this.
We also catch up with two people who attended the Quaker Activist Gathering earlier this month. Lesley Grahame gives an update on supporting the ban on nuclear weapons and Laurence Hall talks about his concern around housing, particularly around justice for residents of Grenfell Tower.
For more information about Turning the Tide visit...2017-10-2727 min
A Quaker Take#22 – Q:Witness – Waging peace"It's really hard to stop 30,000 arms buyers from getting into the Excel centre, but it's really easy – and it feels amazing! – to stop a truck with a tank on from driving into the arms fair."
In this episode of Q:Witness we talk about the many ways that people can help build a peaceful society. We hear from Sam Walton who helped organise the headline-grabbing actions to try and stop the world's largest arms fair in London this September; Ellis Brooks joins us to share news and hopes around peace education in British schools; and we celebrate this year's Nobel Peac...2017-10-1325 min
A Quaker Take#21 – Q:Witness – Spiritual activismIn the first episode of Q:Witness's new season, two campaigners discuss how they came to Quakerism through activism. In an intergenerational, wide-ranging conversation, Chris Venables and Jane Pearn speak of overcoming their own self-doubts around 'doing enough,' and the importance of doing what you can, when you can.
Listen to hear more about how ordinary people live their everyday lives according to Quaker values, and give strength to those who feel called to dedicate their lives to a cause.
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Jane Pearn is a local and national organiser for the Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), an anti-land-mine campaigner...2017-09-2929 min
A Quaker Take#20 – Q:Witness – What is witness?Quakers use the term 'witness' to describe their faith in action. In the closing episode of the first Q:Witness podcast series, we explore what this term really means. We also explore how people sustain their activism.
We chat to Paul Parker, the Recording Clerk of Britain Yearly Meeting, about what witness means to him and reflect on the spiritual underpinnings of Quaker activism. We also talk to George Lakey, the veteran US trainer and activist (pictured)about how he has remained resilient in his witness over the course of decades. He shares his thoughts on how to build successful...2017-08-1143 min
A Quaker Take#19 – Q:Witness – Challenging militarismThis Q:Witness we discuss the tide of militarisation in Britain and how to take action to stop it. The belief that military solutions are superior is one of the things that makes war more likely. From cadets in state schools to Armed Forces Day, we hear how new initiatives amount to a deliberate militarisation of society to counteract falling support for Britain’s wars. We hear about the movement to challenge militarism in Britain.
Suki Ferguson, debut interviewer, speaks to Ellis Brooks and Sam Walton who work to challenge militarism in education and across society.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Payne speaks to...2017-07-2840 min
A Quaker Take#18 – Q:Witness – SanctuaryHow can Quakers offer sanctuary to those forced to flee their homes? Jon Martin and Tim Gee explore the idea of sanctuary and prepare for the launch of the Sanctuary Meetings programme.
Tim also asks the various speakers from Refugee Week at Friends House (Euston, London) what sanctuary means to them. Learn why and how Quaker meetings can become Sanctuary Meeting and how you can join our movement challenging the process of destitution, deportation and detention.
Interviews in order: Sita Brahmachari, Gulwali Passarlay (pictured), Maron Ehad, Gaël Le Cornec, Hassan Abdulrazzak.
Closing poems read by Ambrose Musiyiwa from the a...2017-07-1332 min
A Quaker Take#17 – Q:Witness – Turning the TideWhat happens when you feel compelled to action on an issue but don't know where to start? Elizabeth and Jon chat to Hannah and Steve from the Turning the Tide social action training programme about how they support groups looking to help build a more just and peaceful world. Turning the Tide uses the skills and tools of nonviolence to support social change at the grassroots.
Ellis also catches up with Sally Ingham, a Quaker from Cumbria who was part of a group motivated to 'walk for the welfare system'. Kendal and Sedbergh Area Meeting worked with Turning the Tide...2017-06-3052 min
A Quaker Take#16 – Q:Witness – Post GE2017 round-upFollowing the UK General Election on 8th June 2017, Ellis speaks to Jessica Metheringham, the Parliamentary Engagement Officer at Quakers in Britain. Jess reports on Quaker action during the campaign on key issues like nuclear disarmament and economic inequality and how to keep these on the agenda. She also reflects on the impact of the Lobbying Act on civil society's voice during the election.
Read more about Quakers and the Lobbying Act on the ACEVO website:
https://acevoblogs.wordpress.com/2017/06/02/quakers-and-the-lobbying-act/
Follow @politicalQuaker and @ScotPolQuaker on Twitter2017-06-1513 min
A Quaker Take#15 – Q:Witness – Stop the Arms FairWar, human rights abuses and forced migration start in London. The Defence and Security Exhibition International (DSEI - pronounced 'dicey') is the largest arms fair in the world. Every two years, DSEI allows arms buyers and sellers to network and make deals. It’s coming again 4 September 2017, at ExCeL – the huge exhibition centre in London Docklands.
This episode is about how to stop the arms fair. Ellis and Elizabeth hear from Sam Walton, the Peace and Disarmament Programme Manager for Quakers in Britain, and Kat Hobbs from Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT), as well as lots of activists ready to chal...2017-06-0935 min
A Quaker Take#14 – Q:Witness – Economic inequalityQuakers in Britain are deeply concerned by the widening gulf between rich and poor, which is brought about by injustice within our economic system. Quakers call for an economic system that values and protects all people. Any government strategy to reduce economic inequality should include a fair social security system which is upheld by a fair tax system and decent pay.
In this episode we talk to Gurpreet Bola and Mairi Campbell-Jack about economic inequality, exploring what we can do to support work to reduce it. We also catch up on the other areas Quakers are raising at this election...2017-05-2645 min
A Quaker Take#13 – Q:Witness – Pendle Hill, fossil fuels and GE2017Land across Lancashire is at risk of fracking, a new form of fossil fuel extraction that is set to threaten the UK’s ability to meet its low carbon commitments. Planning permission has been granted for fracking at Preston New Road in Lancashire, between Blackpool and Preston. Pendle Hill Area Meeting Quakers joined together to organise a meeting for worship for witness against fracking atop Pendle Hill, a historic site for Quakers. The land that can be seen from Pendle Hill is licensed for fracking, or at risk of being so. Jon Martin went along to hear from those who at...2017-05-1223 min
A Quaker Take#12 – Q:Witness – General election 2017As a collective body Quakers in Britain are not party political. But that doesn’t mean we’re neutral. A general election is a good time to raise some key concerns with parliamentary candidates.
In this episode of Q:Witness we speak to Jessica Metheringham, who works on political engagement, about how to get involved with the election and how we stay engaged afterwards.
www.quakervote.org.uk | @QuakerVote | quakervote@quaker.org.uk2017-04-2829 min
A Quaker Take#11 – Money & banking in the new economyHow is money actually created? Can a bank be ethical? How would you ensure a favourable reincarnation? These questions and more are explored in this episode of Q:Witness, the podcast from Quakers in Britain all about taking action for sustainability, equality and peace.
We talk to Cait Crosse, who has been running the New Economy Programme, about the recently released the fourth New Economy Booklet, Money, banks and finance in the new economy.
“Savings accounts, investments and loans: the financial sector provides essential services at the heart of any modern economy. Some people view it as the oil that al...2017-04-1328 min
A Quaker Take#10 – Q:Witness – Forced migrationEurope is experiencing the largest number of refugees since World War II. This is bringing attention to a steadily growing global crisis of human displacement, born of war, inequality and environmental degradation. In this episode of Q:Witness, we speak to Tim Gee who is scoping new work on forced migration from Quakers in Britain. We then hear from Sheila Mosley and Bridget Walker who help run the Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network (QARN), an independent group that has been working to change the way that asylum seekers are treated since 2007.
www.quaker.org.uk/migration | www.qarn.org.uk
...2017-03-3031 min
A Quaker Take#9 – Q:Witness – Take action on frackingWhy are Quakers and others taking action to stop fracking?
In February 2017, Quakers in Britain called for a ban on shale gas fracking and all forms of intensive fossil fuel extraction. Meeting for Sufferings, Quakers in Britain’s representative body, said “We have faith that we can tackle climate change and build a more sustainable future, but we know this is only possible if fossil fuels remain underground [...] Fracked gas is not the low-carbon solution some suggest that it is and is incompatible with tackling the climate crisis.”
In this episode we talk to Sunniva Taylor and Chris Walker who manage...2017-03-1627 min
A Quaker Take#8 – Q:Witness – Call for peaceworkersDo you want to be a Peaceworker? The Quaker Peaceworker scheme funds one year placements in organisations in Britain working for peace at a national or international level. In this episode we talk to Steve Whiting, who manages the scheme, and to Philip Wood, one of this year’s peaceworkers, placed with Scientists for Global Responsibility. Carefully supported by Steve and a committee of Quakers, the Peaceworkers make a big contribution to the work for peace.
More information at www.quaker.org.uk/jobs | www.quaker.org.uk/peaceworkers
The closing date for receipt of application forms is Tuesday 2 May 2017 (9am...2017-02-2428 min
A Quaker Take#7 – Q:Witness – Queued WitnessEllis Brooks and Elizabeth Payne outline some of the topics coming up on Q:Witness, including fracking, the Quaker Housing Trust, stopping the arms fair and a Quaker response to forced migration. If you can’t wait for these episodes, check out www.quaker.org.uk/qpsw to find out more about the work of Quakers in Britain.
If you have questions about the issues we’ve discussed or those coming up, or perhaps a topic you’d like us to cover, email Ellis on ellisb@quaker.org.uk2017-02-1706 min
A Quaker Take#6 – Q:Witness – Palestine and IsraelExplore the peace and justice work from the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel (EAPPI), an international programme coordinated by the World Council of Churches. EAPPI brings people from around the world to the West Bank to serve for 3 months as human rights monitors. We call them Ecumenical Accompaniers (EAs).
Keith Reeves, an EA from Yorkshire, offers eyewitness accounts of Israeli activists striving for a change and of house demolitions in the West Bank. Teresa Parker leads EAPPI in the UK and Ireland and gives an overview of the successes and challenges over its 15 year history.
Find out more:
...2017-02-0346 min
A Quaker Take#5 – Q:Witness – Educating for peaceIn this episode we discuss peace education, specifically how teaching the skills and approaches of conflict resolution can have a transformative effect on individuals and communities. With the voices of young peacemakers and educators past and present, we look at the benefits and ongoing challenges.
Featuring Isabel Cartwright from Quaker Peace & Social Witness; Tom Leimdorfer, who helped pioneer peace education in Britain and beyond; Sara Hagel, Director of Peacemakers – a Quaker peace education charity; and Kezia, a sixth form peer mediator.
Find out more about peace education at:
www.quaker.org.uk/peace-education
www.peermediationnetwork.org.uk
www.peacemakers.org.uk2017-01-2433 min
A Quaker Take#4 – Q:Witness – Banning nuclear weaponsQuakers work with other organisations, policy-makers and the public to rid the world of nuclear weapons. In this episode, we look back at the struggle against Trident renewal in 2016, then at the way forward as the United Nations begins to negotiate a new treaty banning the development, testing, production, financing, transferring, stockpiling, use and threat of use of any nuclear weapon. What role will the United Kingdom play, and what role can you play?
Follow @DisarmQuaker on Twitter
For info and resources: http://www.quaker.org.uk/our-work/peace/nuclear-disarmament
Newsletters: http://www.quaker.org.uk/educate-disarm
Take action:
http...2017-01-1329 min
A Quaker Take#3 – Q:Witness – New economyThe current economic system has provided humanity with many material benefits. However those benefits have been unequally shared. In this episode we hear from Cait Crosse, the New Economy Project Manager in Quaker Peace & Social Witness. The project is enabling Quakers and others to articulate a vision of how the economy could be transformed.
Cait shares what’s happening with the project and interviews Yuan Yang, Beijing correspondent for the Financial Times and founder of Rethinking Economics.
Find out more:
http://www.quaker.org.uk/new-economy
http://www.rethinkeconomics.org/2017-01-0633 min
A Quaker Take#2 – Q:Witness – Active nonviolence in KenyaHear about the nonviolent grassroots movement standing up for human rights and a just peace in Kenya with Ezra Kigondu (Turning the Tide Kenya) and Laura Shipler Chico (Quaker Peace & Social Witness).2016-12-3022 min
A Quaker Take#1 – Introducing Q:WitnessIntroducing the new podcast about witness in action from Quakers in Britain. This tease explains what it's all about so you know to subscribe!2016-12-2103 min