Bucks, Berks, Oxon Regional Meeting

Theme: Acknowledging the impact of the slave trade, colonialism and economic exploitation on the lives of many today, what should, and can, we do? Yearly Meeting in 2022 asked area meetings to consider these matters, as part of a BYM-wide discernment process. The day will be an opportunity to do this. The Quaker Africa Interest Group (QAIG) has proposed three principles to help us explore the possibilities. They are:

1. Injustice is not only historic but ongoing. For example, poor countries suffer most from climate change that rich countries cause and are unwilling to compensate for.

2. Redressing inequalities and loss and damage – not reparations. We should aim to redress inequalities, rather than trying to identify who is owed compensation for injustices, and how much. We should not get hung up on mechanisms but have a broad approach to making amends for loss and damage caused.

3. Working in partnership. When planning the way forward to redress inequalities, it is crucial that we listen to those most affected, and work in partnership (in QAIG’s case, with African people) to avoid the continuation of colonialist practices and attitudes.

During the day we will explore the validity and implications of these principles for us. This includes hearing from some African Friends about their views on these issues. Opportunities for partnership and/or support may emerge, which we can also consider on the day and afterwards.

If you plan to come in person, please car-share if you can, as parking space is limited, or come by train. Alternatively, use Jordans station (Seer Green and Jordans, Chiltern Line) which links with stations towards Banbury and Oxford.