S for Solidaritet (Solidarity)

In addition to being a Quaker, I’m a member of the Religious Social Democrats of Sweden. In Swedish the movement is called Socialdemokraterna för tro och solidaritet.  We are radical believers (of all faiths) with a passion for peace, solidarity and justice, a progressive voice for a just, open and responsible society. We are a bit redder and a bit greener than the Social Democratic Party. The movement has its origins in the Labour movement and in the Christian ecumenical movement. For me, being involved helps me to unite prayer with action and to live my faith.

In my English dictionary the word solidarity means unity based on shared interests, objectives and standards. On the Catholic Social Teaching website, solidarity is defined as being “about valuing our fellow human beings and respecting who they are as individuals”. In other sources it is linked with kinship, bonding, standing alongside, drawing attention to injustices, and calling for change.

We can stand in solidarity. W can live in solidarity. We can speak and think about solidarity. We can practise solidarity. Solidarity has also been described as a moral value.

Whatever our expression of it is, it has to be permeated by love. It means caring. It requires time and commitment. It is ongoing.

R is for Retreater

Retreater – Retreats in English – are an important part of Sweden Yearly Meeting’s (YM) inreach and outreach. The YM has its own Retreat Centre called Svartbäcken (Black Beck) in Rimbo, some 60 km to the north of Stockholm and an easy bus ride from Arlanda Airport. Three or four Quaker retreats are held per term (spring and autumn) and are either led by Julia Ryberg or by other Swedish Friends. Sometimes there is a theme to focus reflectively on, and sometimes not. Opportunities for mid-week and private retreats are available for those who want to withdraw and reflect in their own ways. Other churches and groups also use the Centre for their own short courses or retreats. As the Retreat Centre is situated in woods by a lake, the environment is very conducive to reflection in stillness. Day retreats are also held at the Quaker Centre in Stockholm (Kväkargården) on a variety of themes. You can read more about the retreat programmes at Svartbäcken and Kväkargården on the YM’s website: http://www.kvakare.se/  

I have attended retreats at Svartbäcken as a participant, as a co-leader and as a prayer partner (supporting the leader and the participants in a prayerful way). I have also served as an accompanying Elder in online retreats, for example those offered by the Woodbrooke Study Centre in the UK (see https://www.woodbrooke.org.uk/ for their programme of on-site and distance courses).

All these experiences have been rewarding and enriching. Offering people opportunities to step back from their busy, daily lives to sink down into the still small centre within is an important ministry.

Q is for Q-värde

Q is not an easy letter in Swedish and there aren’t many words to choose from. The easiest would have been Quaker – but in Swedish the word Quaker doesn’t begin with a Q, but a K – for Kväkare! I could have chosen a Latin word, but that felt like cheating. So I’ve chosen Q-värde, which in English means Quality factor.

Over the years I have met people who have put more emphasis on the quality of life than the quantity of money or prestige that life can amass. A man I translate for has chosen to work three-quarter time rather than full time, for ‘quality of life’ reasons. The quality factor can mean different things to different people.

As I was born and brought up in Yorkshire I was encouraged to be thrifty. That can mean choosing cheap, rather than quality, although experience has taught me that choosing quality often turns out to be cheaper – and more sustainable – in the end.

In terms of my spiritual life, the quality factor is being able to worship and live out my unique ministry in a way that enhances me, my life, my family, my work, my surroundings and the people and creatures around me. This is not always easy, but for me, being a Quaker enables me to express my faith in a way that is challenging, sustainable, nourishing, enriching and meaningful. In my book this boils down to quality.

In terms of my work, it means being able to run my own business and do work that I enjoy and that helps others to further their ideas and publish their research results to an English-speaking audience. Quality also means eating and living healthily – and having a lovely husband who cooks all my meals! Above all, it means having time to just be.

What does the Quality factor mean for you, I wonder?