Low carbon future for Quakers in Britain

	Photograph: Kevin Krejci

Quakers in Britain have committed their whole movement to becoming a low-carbon, sustainable community.

They have always tried to lead simple lives but this decision goes further: it means every Quaker in Britain will be urged and supported to reduce their carbon footprint.

The Religious Society of Friends, as Quakers are formally known, is one of ARC's key partners and, together with 30 other faith traditions from around the world, launched its long-term action plan on the environment at ARC's Windsor event in 2009.


In a press release issued after the commitment earlier this month, Quakers said a plan was being drawn up to turn this commitment to being a low-carbon, sustainable community into action. Members have agreed to support each other and hold each other to account to achieve it.

They said:
 “We can no longer ignore the fact that our planet is finite. We have not only inherited the earth from our ancestors: we have borrowed it from our children and from their children.”

More than 1,500 Quakers made the decision gathered at the University of Kent in Canterbury for their annual Yearly Meeting last week to discern the way ahead for Quakers in Britain. The eight-day programme for all ages, from 30 July to 6 August, was an inspiring mix of worship, business, spiritual growth and fun.

	"We can no longer ignore the fact that our planet is finite. We have not only inherited the earth from our ancestors: we have borrowed it from our children and from their children.”

Recording Clerk Paul Parker said: “We met to grow in the Spirit. We listened to God and we discovered with certainty that what the world needs of us at this time is to change our lives. Our decision is exciting. This involves every child, every adult, every person in our Quaker community.”

To read the press release in full, click here.