QuakerInfo.com Forum

[Aine]

Hi, I'm Aine and I'm from either New York or Ireland, depending on the time of year (family home in NY, college in Dublin, not sure where I'll settle down later on either).
I've been lurking for a little while, trying to understand what Quakerism (is that the right word?) is about. I have been Roman Catholic all my life, and have only relatively recently (in the past few years) started to realise how many disagreements I have with that denomination- really, I can only consider myself part of it thanks to my confirmation. I no longer belong with the church I was baptised into. Now I'm looking for a community of faith where I can learn and grow in faith, instead of feeling that I'm being pushed away by my church.
From what I've read here, this seems like it could be the path I need. And, if not, I know I will learn a great deal from all of you.
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"To be human is to be an incarnate 'Why?'"

[Laurence17]

Hello, Aine.
It was good to read your introduction here.

I made the transition from liturgical worship to Quaker waiting worship. ('unprogrammed' worship). I think many people find something useful in Friends, to help on their journey.
There is a Liberality and openness to the truth of each individual and their life.
Also the Testemonies to Peace, Truth, Equality & Simplicity are very practical, I think --- orthopraxy.

there's a good booklet on Silence by a French priest and monk, also a Quaker. --can't recall his name, at the mo'. I'll look for the booklet details. He did marry in the end, if I remember rightly, but combines the 2 in his case.

I do want to wish you well with your journey, and feel sure Friends will be there for as much of little of it, as seems right to you.

I also had a preriod in the 70s when I went to mass, and Quakers and found the combination helpful at the time. (Mind you, I also belonged to an RC charismatic prayer group, that was unlinked to any particlar parish, but had a couple of priest and a nun, in it as well as the rest of us. -- we used to have very informal home masses 'in the spirit', and we'd do thing s like all say the words of Consecration together --- seemed wonderfully bold and joyous back then !

Sorry if this is a bit rambling ! I enjoyed writing it and reading what you wrote.

BTW
I have a friend called Aine here in London , UK and feel it is one of the loveliest names.

with best wishes,

Laurence
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Abwoon : divine progenitor, breathing mindfulness through poor in spirit and the resonating realm of ruach

[Pulpculture]

Hi Aine

Your story is similar to mine. I'm confirmed CofE and I now struggle to relate the denomination to Christ and his teachings in any way at all. I stumbled on Quakerism and instantly felt at home. I'm still exploring it my know my heart is leading me in the right direction.

Welcome.

Matthew
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I said don't forget Burma!

[Aine]

Thank you both for the kind welcome.

I'm glad you like my name, Laurence- I didn't expect anyone to recognize it. I'll try to look for that book, it sounds very interesting.

I've been having doubts about RC doctrine for my entire life, but never added them up to see how much I disagreed with until I realised I was bi, and therefore really not welcomed in the Church. I've done a lot of thinking since then and decided that even if I never even 'come out' to my family or parishoners, I need to worship in a community that recognizes people like me as equals, and allowed to love as God created us to. As far as I understand Quaker beliefs, this seems like a right path for me. I thank God for learning this about myself, because before I was sorely lacking in compassion for others in the same situation.
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"To be human is to be an incarnate 'Why?'"

[Laurence17]

Thanks, Aine.

Yes, I think 'worship in a community' as an accpted equal is vital, too.
I think all the thought and reflection you have put in counts for alot.

The Church comes out badly in Dancing at Laughasah (prob. spelt wrong!)-- just seen the film from the Brian Friel play (wonderful cast) , , and Memoir by Sean McGaghan. But also the tremendous spirit of the Irish poor people (my ancestors) in the early 20th century --and earlier.
Yes, there is a place of sexual and therefore human diversity among Friends. I have always suspected myself to be a humansexual !! I am in fact gay, and have also had ' bi experience '.

There is a very good exploration of sexuality and relationships produced by a group of UK Friends meeting and sharing over a number of years. It is called This We Can Say. (published by 'Nine Friends ' imprint, in the UK). It covers just about everything...

So bye for now, and all the best on the journey,

Laurence
_________________
Abwoon : divine progenitor, breathing mindfulness through poor in spirit and the resonating realm of ruach

[crynwr cymraeg]

Boooklet is 'God is Silence' by Pierre Lacout. Available from Quaker Bookshop, London, I think. One of my favourites.

[Laurence17]

That's the one ! A good booklet. I like its pocket-sizedness. My thanks crynwr cymraeg. I've an awful feeling ,I owe you an email. (Mae'n ddrwg gen i).
_________________
Abwoon : divine progenitor, breathing mindfulness through poor in spirit and the resonating realm of ruach