It is unlikely that the work of the central committees, as described here, will remain unchanged for the next generation. The existence and basic functions of Quaker Life and Quaker Peace & Social Witness may not be altered except with the approval of Yearly Meeting (8.04) but the more detailed outline of the work of the committees described below may change more frequently according to the emphasis given by Meeting for Sufferings, the Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees and the central committees.
Quaker Life Central Committee
Quaker Life Central Committee works with Friends in their meetings and with other local and national committees to help deepen experience of God's grace and its consequent expression in all our lives and in our meetings. It seeks to nurture the worshipping community of Quakers in Britain, developing it into an inclusive community.
Its purpose is to strengthen and sustain the fabric of Quaker life by offering programmes and opportunities that will empower Friends, individually and in their meetings, to deepen their spiritual lives and attract new people to their meetings. The committee carries out its work by support, training, developing skills, and sharing experience and good practice. It uses local and regional networks, publications and other communications, and the opportunities available through co-operation within the Christian church and with other faith groups.
The three main areas for which Quaker Life Central Committee is accountable to the Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees are: spiritual development, religious learning and pastoral care; support for the right holding of meetings for worship and for church affairs; membership matters and outreach. The committee works closely with Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, and through Charney Manor and Swarthmoor Hall, in many of these areas.
The committee works together with and for those taking special responsibilities such as clerks, wardens, librarians, registering officers, elders and overseers. It also supports those involved with nominations, work with children and young people, relations with other churches and outreach to those who may be interested in Quakers in Britain.
As part of its work with young people, the committee is responsible for the holding of Junior Yearly Meeting (4.21).
The Library Committee is a functional committee of Quaker Life Central Committee but may report directly to the Britain Yearly Meeting Trustees when appropriate.
Next: 8.11
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