Stuart Masters shares some of his experience of how Quakers today are shaped by the past – and might still turn things upside down.

In the recent Swarthmore lecture, I explored how the complex mix of characteristics visible in the early Quaker movement continue to present us with important challenges and dilemmas today. In doing this, I didn’t really talk about my personal response to these issues. However, in the book to accompany the lecture, I offer a number of personal reflections.

In a blog on the Quakers in Britain website, I touch on some of these observations and share four short passages from the book, in the hope that this will encourage reflection not only about how the lecture relates to the Quaker way generally, but also to our individual experiences as Friends.

The Lecture is available to Watch on You Tube or to read as an accompanying book.

There are Woodbrooke courses to explore the themes of the lecture in Edinburgh (4 July), Oxford (11 July), and online (1 October 2026-27 February 2027). If your meeting is reflecting on the lecture, and would welcome other Friends, please let us know: website@ceaqm.org.uk