Re: Referendum on gay marriage? : Thu May 30, 2013 10:21 am  

El Barbudo wrote:

You don't have to be a Christian, or even believe in a deity, to be a Quaker.
Which probably illustrates their open-mindedness.

Fair point.

I do recall there being a conference at the big Euston Road Friends' House that included Native American animists.

Long had a soft spot for Quakers – they always come across as tolerant and open-minded.

Re: Referendum on gay marriage? : Thu May 30, 2013 3:56 pm  

Mintball wrote:

Fair point.

I do recall there being a conference at the big Euston Road Friends' House that included Native American animists.

Long had a soft spot for Quakers – they always come across as tolerant and open-minded.

Same here, I live not far from and went to school in the Quaker village of New Earswick in York so know a smattering about the Quakers. As you say they seem far more tolerant and peaceful with a very interesting history. Pacifist, anti-slavery, teetotal, Pennsylvania founded by a Quaker, William Penn, who signed peace treaties with Native American tribes that weren't broken, and of course several big UK companies set up by Quakers along Quaker lines - Cadburys, Rowntrees, Barclays, Lloyds. A shame some of them didnt continue to abide by their Quaker roots.

Re: Referendum on gay marriage? : Thu May 30, 2013 4:47 pm  

I was born and bred in Darlington, I am well aware of the massive achievements of Quaker families, apart from businesses like Barclays and Clarks shoes they are also major drivers behind the setting up of Oxfam and Greenpeace.

A good may of the "God-fearing" could do with behaving a bit more like them.

Re: Referendum on gay marriage? : Thu May 30, 2013 6:01 pm  

Him wrote:

... A shame some of them didnt continue to abide by their Quaker roots.

Aye.

Re: Referendum on gay marriage? : Thu May 30, 2013 6:59 pm  

Big Graeme wrote: they are also major drivers behind the setting up of Oxfam and Greenpeace. One of the founders of Oxfam was Emma's grandfather Robin Langdon-Davies Fook me, I wish I had a dad who would do something like ride me to The Spanish Civil War on the back of a motorbike

Big Graeme wrote: they are also major drivers behind the setting up of Oxfam and Greenpeace. One of the founders of Oxfam was Emma's grandfather Robin Langdon-Davies Fook me, I wish I had a dad who would do something like ride me to The Spanish Civil War on the back of a motorbike

Re: Referendum on gay marriage? : Thu May 30, 2013 7:03 pm  

Him wrote:

Same here, I live not far from and went to school in the Quaker village of New Earswick in York so know a smattering about the Quakers. As you say they seem far more tolerant and peaceful with a very interesting history. Pacifist, anti-slavery, teetotal, Pennsylvania founded by a Quaker, William Penn, who signed peace treaties with Native American tribes that weren't broken, and of course several big UK companies set up by Quakers along Quaker lines - Cadburys, Rowntrees, Barclays, Lloyds. A shame some of them didnt continue to abide by their Quaker roots.

I find it quite amusing that many US citizens believe their country to be founded by people wanting to be free of religious persecution. Unfortunately they seem to confuse Quakers with Puritans. Those who sailed on The Mayflower were puritans and the reason they left these shores is precisely because we wouldn't allow them to continue persecuting those of other faiths.

The irony is lost on most North Americans

Re: Referendum on gay marriage? : Thu May 30, 2013 8:03 pm  

cod'ead wrote:

I find it quite amusing that many US citizens believe their country to be founded by people wanting to be free of religious persecution. Unfortunately they seem to confuse Quakers with Puritans. Those who sailed on The Mayflower were puritans and the reason they left these shores is precisely because we wouldn't allow them to continue persecuting those of other faiths.

The irony is lost on most North Americans

Yep. The additional irony also being that whilst many US citizens believe and proclaim their country was founded on "freedom from persecution" they then happily set about persecuting people who don't agree with their religious beliefs.

Re: Referendum on gay marriage? : Sat Jun 01, 2013 8:24 am  

Lord Carey being as intelligent as usual

Lord Carey being as intelligent as usual

Re: Referendum on gay marriage? : Sat Jun 01, 2013 11:44 am  

Standee wrote: Lord Carey being as intelligent as usual Saw this earlier and thought: 'and they say that hysteria is a thing of the past'. I actually find it difficult to believe that he really, really thinks like this (along with all his other idiotic pronouncements). The man is bonkers.

Standee wrote: Lord Carey being as intelligent as usual Saw this earlier and thought: 'and they say that hysteria is a thing of the past'. I actually find it difficult to believe that he really, really thinks like this (along with all his other idiotic pronouncements). The man is bonkers.

Re: Referendum on gay marriage? : Sat Jun 01, 2013 1:01 pm  

Mintball wrote:

Saw this earlier and thought: 'and they say that hysteria is a thing of the past'.

I actually find it difficult to believe that he really, really thinks like this (along with all his other idiotic pronouncements). The man is bonkers.

he believes in the sky pixie, 'nuff said!