For a small society the groups display a remarkable liveliness and commitment.
About fifteen years ago a group was formed called The Quaker Universalist Group whose members regard spiritual awareness as universal and feel that no one religious tradition can rightly claim to possess a final revelation or to hold a monopoly of truth. There are many similarities in mankind's spiritual search in all cultures, past and present. Stimulation can arise from various religious traditions and cultural backgrounds.
Rather like the Sea of Faith Network, the group has a membership of 300 - 400 persons. (Actua/4/, SOF Zs current/' around 200 - Ed.) It publishes a magazine three times a year, holds an annual conference and is organised by a small committee. It has published a 14 SOF MAGAZINE 6, SUMMER 1991 score of pamphlets with titles such as : A Sense of the __Numinous, Christ in a Universe_of Faiths, A Century of Surprises, TheWatchmaker_Re_consi.- (feted, There is another World but it is this one, Living and Acting.
In some respects, in its origins, The Quaker Universalist Group faced circumstances somewhat akin to the Sea of Faith Network. For some Friends the existence of the Group represented a threat - was it to be a pressure group trying to undermine valuable traditions ? Many other Friends asked why it was necessary to have a special group when Quakerism has always been universalist since its inception.
Over time the Group has proved to be extremely worthwhile. It has provided communion for many individuals who have felt isolated. It has provided a sheltered environment in which people can explore ideas and give expression to their spiritual searching truthfully and without fear. By its very existence it has given people permission to release themselves from preconceptions and the shackles of other people's beliefs in order to search creatively and positively for their own way forward.
The annual conferences are attended by about 60 people and prove to be very valuable. Friends are cautious over verbal expression, definitions and labels, seeking beyond superficialities to the place where words come from. We have been fortunate in the quality of the contributions from invited speakers but we try to avoid too much emphasis upon the intellect. We hold participative plenary sessions, and small groups for discussion, but each day we find time for a meeting in the manner of Friends.
Friends are not afraid of silence and seek, within it, to develop a corporate unity. Held in a spirit of awareness and listening, such meetings are always an adventure and give space for those present to speak as they feel it right to do so. Such contributions are received into the warm silence, not directly responded to, but often developed by subsequent speakers. These corporate meetings for worship or meditation give a depth to the conference which often leaves a lasting appeal and turns the memory of such weekends from what might have been seen as an intellectual or doctrinal exercise in word play into a real experience of relationship and searching in those aspects of life from which our dynamism and commitment spring.
As the idea of universalism is explored, fresh insights arise. What, for example, is meant by 'Christian' ?
Many Friends would not regard themselves as within that category if the boundaries are expressed in terms of creed, doctrine or ritual. What is the significance of an historical event which took place 2000 years ago, when men of faith have lived throughout mankind's existence ? Can any one religion rightly claim pre-eminence and exclusivity ?
Many people, whilst firmly convinced of the validity of their own religious tradition, can accept that others may find an equal validity in theirs. "Each has a unique insight into the one reality" as a Catholic monk has put it. Because members have no creed and seek to be open to the truth and wisdom from whatever quarter it may arise, The Quaker Universalist Group offers a natural home for many who are not comfortable with religious institutions and formulations, or who have outgrown the religious language of their youth or of their peers.
Over time The Quaker Universalist Group has become established and has enabled a sister group to be formed in America. The Group has helped to liberate forms of expression and changed traditional stances. Perhaps SOF Network has embarked upon a similar pathway towards being accepted as a welcome and valuable inspiration for the expression of truth in new language and new thought patterns within the Churches. (Readers wishing to make any enquiries about The Quaker Universalist Gmu,o should address them to Sheila Jackson, 18 Woodville Road, Gokiers Green, LONDON, NW/1 .9TN THE FALCON AND THE CROSS Tony Grist In the Coptic Christian museum in Cairo there is a carved crucifix dating back to the early centuries A.D.
NORMAN RICHARDSON is retired from Head of Design for a Regional Health Authority. He and his wife, Julia, are currently serving as wardens to the Leicester Meeting of the Society of Friends. He chairs the Quaker Universalist Group and the Leicester Quaker Housing Association.