HCX were lucky enough to catch up with Exeter University’s Quaker Chaplin Mike Golby and discovered a refreshingly liberal take on issues of gender equality… Something we’re always happy to hear about at HCX.
So Mike, how would you describe the Quakers?
Quakers are a religious community, Christian in origin and inspiration, that emerged from the civil upheavls of the seventeenth century as a radically dissenting group both politically and ecclesiastically.Quaker worship is conceived as silent waiting upon God. There are no priests, rites or rituals. Thus the meeting is one of persons equal in the eyesof God. There are five testimonies around which Quakers find agreement in principle: the testimony to Peace ( Quakers reject warfae and preparation for warfare); Truth ( Quakers try to tell the truth on all occasions.including times when power does not wish to listen) Simplicity ( Quakers reject social pretence and unnecessary display); Sustainablility ( Quakers are commited to living in ways that care for the environment and its future; and Equality ( Quakers believe that there is ‘that of God’ in all persons-many would say in all living creatures too). Today there are Quaker Meetings up and down the country and overseas, notably in the US, Africa and northern Europe. Quakers are small in numbers but disproportionately influential in their progressive views.
What is the Quakers stance on gender equality?
Absolute equality. Gender is of no account whatever in any Quaker view of things. Nor is ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other feture of human kind you can think of. Quakers were among the the first to combat slavery, to initiate prison reform,to promote the legitimacy of same-sex relationships. Today Quakers are ready to solemnise same-sex marriage. It all stems from a simple commitment to what is essebtially human about human bveings; that there is ‘that of God’ in all.
How does this differ from other religious organisations, namely other Christian ones?
The difference is obvious if you consider that the Roman Catholic Church cannot entertain the idea of as priests and the Church of England cannot deal well yet with the question of women as bishops.
What do you think are the biggest problems facing gender equality in the UK today?
First, the glass ceiling that prevents women from aspiring to the top, a form of thought-control. (This exists in a social class sense too and applies equally to males from disadvantaged backgrounds.) Second, the male-dominated media from page three onward. The ‘beauty’ industry.
How do you propose we tackle those problems?
Consciousness-raising in schools and colleges. Summoning the courage to demand equality where it is not offered.
Do you think that feminist organisations, such as The Everyday Sexism Project or Object, would benefit from working with religious organisations such as the Quakers or do you think they have different approaches?
I think that the spirit moves in many ways and in many places. Alliances ought to be formed across established organisations, religious and otherwise. Quakers are always open to co-operation,as for example in the recent events to protest the views of the EDL in Exeter.
Picture credits: bristolquakers; exeterexpressandecho.com