- February 15, 2021: The National “Quakers en France” site launches its blog in French: https://www.quakersenfrance.org/blog.
- See also the blog run by Quakers in Nantes: https://quakersnantes.org/blog/.
- French Quakers on Twitter: @quakersenfrance | @QuakersNantes
Finding a European Quaker voice for the moment
This year has been dominated by the COVID-19 pandemic. We mourn the significant loss of life that that has resulted from the pandemic, as well as the separation, loneliness and other consequences it has had. The lockdowns and social distancing required to control the spread of the virus are having significant economic consequences, forcing radical shifts
Observations of a Mennonite Peace Committee on the Island of Lesbos in September 2020
Report live from Lesbos from the Mennonite Peace Committee study group (*)
A small group of the German Mennonite Peace Committee was present on the island of Lesbos from September 11-19, 2020. Until the last minute there was no certainty that this trip could take place. So we are happy that we were able to undertake this adventure, even though much of what we saw and experienced was deeply disturbing.
Why compassion must be at the heart of our response to Channel crossings
Over the last few months, hundreds of fragile and overloaded boats have made the perilous Channel crossing in search of a refuge. For many of the men, women and children on board, this is the last leg of a dangerous journey that has taken them months or even years… The government has described these arrivals as “invaders” as if they came to fight a war rather than to find refuge. The response chosen was a military one, READ MORE….
September 2020: French Friends’ Newsletter
Available for download from our national site, the latest issue of “La Lettre des Amis”
New Blog “Passerelles” by QCEA
The Quaker Council for European Affairs (QCEA) launches its new blog in French called Passerelles. Aimed at a French-speaking audience, Passerelles “will publish radical reflections on human rights in Europe from a diverse range of contributors”. Another way of working for peace, justice and equality in Europe.
Link to QCEA’s blog: Passerelles
Peace, Justice and Equality in the time of Covid-19
The Quaker Council for European Affairs (QCEA), located in Brussels, organized a webinar on 12 June about the implications of measures taken during the COVID19 crisis on our civil liberties, and on the outlook – both positive and negative – of changes which may be expected in a post COVID19 era. A dozen presenters spoke in this on-line event from both their personal experience and based on some 150 contributions that have been collected via the QCEA website (qcea.org ).
Read these contributions to the debate dealing with the risks from these laws and measures of exception and how they may trample on our civil liberties. Or how the militaristic rhetoric used (such as “Nous sommes en guerre”) or that which is xenophobic in nature, targets people who are already vulnerable and marginalised. Other testimonies underscore the waves of solidarity shown in European countries. As well as ways forward to be explored as we pull out of the crisis to become greener and act in greater solidarity, such as the campaign: Build Back Better.
The QCEA is also working for greater financial solidarity amongst European States and will continue to play its role of Quaker lobby in pushing for a reorientation of the EU budget, currently under discussion.
August 2019: French Friends’ Newsletter
Available for download from our national site, the latest issue of “La Lettre des Amis”
French Quakers’ Newsletter: April 2019 Issue
Available for download on the Quakers de France website, the latest issue of “La Lettre des Amis“. PDF file, in French only.
25th anniversary of the Rwandan Genocide: Quaker reconciliation work
Sizeli Marcellin lost 95 members of his family in the Rwandan genocide that took place between April and July 1994. After the killings stopped, Sizeli became a peacebuilder. Today, he’s a member of “Turning the Tide” , a campaign for nonviolence, supported by British Quakers . Listen to his extraordinary story and that of other Rwandans here: https://soundcloud.com/qpsw-east-africa/sizeli-marcellin
See also: Quaker Peace and Social Witness on Twitter.
The Fifth University for Peace, April 8-13 at the Paris Student Residence Centre
The fifth Peace University gathering at the “Cité Universitaire” student complex in southern Paris will focus on the world climate crisis and actions that need to be taken immediately to fight global warming and bring about unprecedented change to all aspects of society.
Among the six round-table gatherings and lectures planned, the one being held on in the evening of Tuesday April 9 at the Argentinian residence will focus on an interfaith approach.
Members of Existing European Peace Committees Exchange Experiences with Those, Like France YM, Working towards Establishing One
Each participant who is currently a member of a peace committee shared some of their experience