Unlike other Christian denominations, there is no ordination of new ministers within the Quaker tradition. As I have watched Ray Geers’ lengthy spiritual journey that has culminated in his recording as a Quaker minister, I have reflected upon the differences between ordination and recording. Quaker ministers are not required to
My Journey to Ministry
I came across my original request to be considered for recording as a Quaker minister that was presented to Ministry and Counsel on October 8, 2018. Back then I wrote, “I am requesting the Meeting to arrange a clearness committee to help me discern my next challenge, which I believe
Finding Hope in a Time of Despair
In his book, Signs of Hope in a Century of Despair, Elton Trueblood wrote: “The strong chance is that many of us now living must accommodate ourselves to the prospect of living all of our days in the midst of strain. We have come into the stormy latitudes of history.”
Coming Back to Quakerism
One of our newest members, Mary Wittrock, writes about her enthusiastic return to Quakerism after a spiritual journey that took her down other paths. This is a time when I wish my veins were filled with the Quaker ink, so that I could eloquently express myself. Although I find my
EquaSion – Coming Together in Community
Cincinnati Friends Meeting (CFM) was one of more than 30 faith organizations involved in the 4th Annual Festival of Faiths, with this year’s activities held on Zoom. Thirteen world religions were included during the 2021 programming, focused on the theme Compassion Through Action: We’re In This Together. Jim Newby, CFM