Wahroonga Friends Bulletin - 11 March 2026
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Wahroonga Friends Bulletin - 11 March 2026 Don’t Be a Stepping Stone for WarIn the face of escalating war, Hannah Brock Womack shares how to keep pushing back against the idea that armed conflict is inevitable.
We can prayerfully uphold all who are involved in this conflict, especially anyone who has been harmed, displaced or lives in fear. Quakers continue to urge the government not to facilitate war and bloodshed.
Bombing for Peace? It's hard to believe that we are here again. 23 years after the invasion of Iraq, a confused mix of excuses for warfare include the stated desire for regime change and the eradication of alleged weapons of mass destruction. This is the eighth Western 'war-of-choice' in the Middle East in the last 25 years. It is folly to repeat the same mistakes and expect to achieve different results. As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres says, "There is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes." A war like this cannot bring peace. Instead, it will have lasting implications for both humankind and the planet.
The people of Iran have been living for decades under an oppressive regime. They have been subjected to displacement, imprisonment or death at the hands of their own government. The authorities suppressed the Woman, Life, Freedom movement and the violent crackdown on recent nationwide protests has led to between 7000 and 30,000 deaths.
Iranians now face a further threat from drones and missiles fired by the US and Israel. And while our government helps facilitate this violence and terror, we ourselves have the opportunity of showing solidarity with those suffering it.
Things Could be Different
This war was not inevitable. It was a calculated choice by people with power who believe that might is right. Our experience of God teaches us that this is wrong. Some governments, including Spain, Norway and Türkiye, have publicly pushed back.
Lots of people worldwide and in this country oppose this war. Many people also realise that, as well as being horrifying, this war is another green light to aggressors – such as President Putin – who see international law being ignored and are emboldened.
What We Can Do
Though it can feel like we are trying to turn back the tide, solidarity with people suffering in war is never wasted. Public opinion matters to this government. And whilst standing up against this war may not stop it, staying silent definitely will not. We are joining with the Fellowship of Reconciliation in asking everyone to write to their MPs urging them to oppose deeper UK involvement in this war (info below). Friends in the US are appealing to members of Congress to do likewise.There have already been demonstrations and vigils including at some of the sites that are facilitating the war. If you'd like to organise a peace vigil locally, in solidarity with all those harmed, you can find guides on how to organise an action or vigil here. We can also supply leaflets and postcards about peace – do get in touch.
Finally, we can prayerfully uphold all who are involved in this conflict, especially anyone who has been harmed, displaced or lives in fear. We can also hold in the Light those who have power to stop the killing, that they may see the evil of their actions and change course.
Write to Your MP
You can write as an individual or as part of your Quaker meeting. Feel free to use and/or build on any of the points below in your letter:
- Highlight your own commitment to peace and human rights for all, mentioning your faith and how it shapes your values. If there's a UK military base in your constituency or nearby, say so.
- Stress that regime change is a complex process that cannot be achieved by dropping bombs.
- Remind your MP that the government has a responsibility to uphold international law, including the UN charter. This war violates that charter.
- Emphasise that as well as the direct human cost, environmental damage will be significant, further accelerating climate breakdown.
- Urge the government to call for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities. Don’t be a stepping stone for war
See - War is Not the Answer
If "War is not the Answer" what is? Diane Randall of FCNL (Friends Committee on National Legislation) talks Quaker pacifism, pentagon spending, and the military industrial complex. See more here War is Not the Answer
All the Requirements for Conscientious Objectors as WW3 Draft Fears Soar
As the war with Iran escalates and conflict explodes across the Middle East, fears of a potential US military draft are rising. On Monday, Donald Trump gave conflicting messages about the war's timeline, suggesting it could be near its end while also threatening additional force against Iran if the country disrupted the global flow of oil. His comments came just a day after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt refused to definitively rule out a US military draft for the Iran conflict. “President Trump wisely does not remove options off of the table," Leavitt said. "I know a lot of politicians like to do that quickly, but the president as commander-in-chief wants to continue to assess the success of this military operation," she added.
"It’s not part of the current plan right now," Leavitt noted, but repeated that the president "keeps his options on the table." While there is just a small list of people who would be exempt from any draft, other Americans could avoid going to war by becoming a conscientious objector. Read more here All the requirements for conscientious objectors as WW3 draft fears soar
UK Time Thursday 9 April from 19:00-21:00The Big Quaker Quiz On Thursday 9 April from 19:00-21:00, we are holding the first Woodbrooke Big Quaker Quiz! Join Quizmaster Josh Selfe and test your Quaker knowledge against other Friends in this light hearted evening of fun. Featuring puzzles, pictures and Quaker general knowledge, this quiz will test your lateral thinking skills as much as your information retention skills. Assemble your own team of Friends or come alone and meet new people in one of our home-made teams. Find out more and book here The Big Quaker Quiz - Woodbrooke
Save the Date - Yarrahapinni 24 - 27 September
The NSWRM Retreat date has been confirmed: Thursday September 24th to Sunday September 27th. It will be at our usual venue at Yarrahapinni. The program will start late afternoon Thursday and end after lunch Sunday. As in previous years, the program is being organised by Hunter Valley Meeting with participation of Friends across the state. We will be joined by travelling Friend Emily Provance who is likely to make a contribution as well. It's still 6 months away so it's all very early days, but we wanted to let people know so they could save the date. Sheila Keane
See - Understanding the Quaker Peace Testimony
It’s hard to find content online addressing the topics covered here anywhere else and listening to these f/Friends speak about peace from all the different ways they understand peace within themselves and outside of themselves in such a thoughtful and constructive way is encouraging. See it here Understanding the Quaker Peace Testimony March QBC - Palestine and Israel: Understanding Encounters
The March QBC (Quaker Book Club) selection is Palestine and Israel: Understanding Encounters by Max Carter.
If you have never witnessed the Holy Land, this volume will bring you one step closer to humanizing the people behind the news headlines. It is a riveting account of the various developments since the Second Intifada and the struggle for peace in the Holy Land, including the "competing narratives" that stall progress toward justice and peace in Palestine. This book challenges everyone to seek a third way in their approach to the Palestinian-Israeli struggle and contributes significantly to the narration of the Ramallah Friends School history. Read the Friends Journal review, here. Obtain a copy here Palestine and Israel e - Wahroonga Send news of f/Friends and newsletter items to quiver...@yahoo.com.au Agenda items for Business Meeting should be emailed at wmnwah...@quakersaustralia.info or handed to a co-clerk. Visit us at "Our Home" First days (Sunday), 9.30 am Meeting for Worship - Wahroonga Friends Meeting, your local peace church. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) 59 Boundary Road Wahroonga NSW 2076 Email:wmnwah...@quakersaustralia.info Web: Wahroonga Local Meeting | Australia Yearly Meeting A Zoom meeting occurs 9.30 am Sundays Meeting link Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting 918 558 7747 Passcode: 554662 Phone: 02 8015 6011 Please contact Paul Carter if you have any problems.
We can prayerfully uphold all who are involved in this conflict, especially anyone who has been harmed, displaced or lives in fear. Quakers continue to urge the government not to facilitate war and bloodshed.
Bombing for Peace? It's hard to believe that we are here again. 23 years after the invasion of Iraq, a confused mix of excuses for warfare include the stated desire for regime change and the eradication of alleged weapons of mass destruction. This is the eighth Western 'war-of-choice' in the Middle East in the last 25 years. It is folly to repeat the same mistakes and expect to achieve different results. As the UN Secretary-General António Guterres says, "There is no viable alternative to the peaceful settlement of international disputes." A war like this cannot bring peace. Instead, it will have lasting implications for both humankind and the planet.
The people of Iran have been living for decades under an oppressive regime. They have been subjected to displacement, imprisonment or death at the hands of their own government. The authorities suppressed the Woman, Life, Freedom movement and the violent crackdown on recent nationwide protests has led to between 7000 and 30,000 deaths.
Iranians now face a further threat from drones and missiles fired by the US and Israel. And while our government helps facilitate this violence and terror, we ourselves have the opportunity of showing solidarity with those suffering it.
Things Could be Different
This war was not inevitable. It was a calculated choice by people with power who believe that might is right. Our experience of God teaches us that this is wrong. Some governments, including Spain, Norway and Türkiye, have publicly pushed back.
Lots of people worldwide and in this country oppose this war. Many people also realise that, as well as being horrifying, this war is another green light to aggressors – such as President Putin – who see international law being ignored and are emboldened.
What We Can Do
Though it can feel like we are trying to turn back the tide, solidarity with people suffering in war is never wasted. Public opinion matters to this government. And whilst standing up against this war may not stop it, staying silent definitely will not. We are joining with the Fellowship of Reconciliation in asking everyone to write to their MPs urging them to oppose deeper UK involvement in this war (info below). Friends in the US are appealing to members of Congress to do likewise.There have already been demonstrations and vigils including at some of the sites that are facilitating the war. If you'd like to organise a peace vigil locally, in solidarity with all those harmed, you can find guides on how to organise an action or vigil here. We can also supply leaflets and postcards about peace – do get in touch.
Finally, we can prayerfully uphold all who are involved in this conflict, especially anyone who has been harmed, displaced or lives in fear. We can also hold in the Light those who have power to stop the killing, that they may see the evil of their actions and change course.
Write to Your MP
You can write as an individual or as part of your Quaker meeting. Feel free to use and/or build on any of the points below in your letter:
- Highlight your own commitment to peace and human rights for all, mentioning your faith and how it shapes your values. If there's a UK military base in your constituency or nearby, say so.
- Stress that regime change is a complex process that cannot be achieved by dropping bombs.
- Remind your MP that the government has a responsibility to uphold international law, including the UN charter. This war violates that charter.
- Emphasise that as well as the direct human cost, environmental damage will be significant, further accelerating climate breakdown.
- Urge the government to call for an immediate de-escalation of hostilities. Don’t be a stepping stone for war
See - War is Not the Answer
If "War is not the Answer" what is? Diane Randall of FCNL (Friends Committee on National Legislation) talks Quaker pacifism, pentagon spending, and the military industrial complex. See more here War is Not the Answer
All the Requirements for Conscientious Objectors as WW3 Draft Fears Soar
As the war with Iran escalates and conflict explodes across the Middle East, fears of a potential US military draft are rising. On Monday, Donald Trump gave conflicting messages about the war's timeline, suggesting it could be near its end while also threatening additional force against Iran if the country disrupted the global flow of oil. His comments came just a day after White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt refused to definitively rule out a US military draft for the Iran conflict. “President Trump wisely does not remove options off of the table," Leavitt said. "I know a lot of politicians like to do that quickly, but the president as commander-in-chief wants to continue to assess the success of this military operation," she added.
"It’s not part of the current plan right now," Leavitt noted, but repeated that the president "keeps his options on the table." While there is just a small list of people who would be exempt from any draft, other Americans could avoid going to war by becoming a conscientious objector. Read more here All the requirements for conscientious objectors as WW3 draft fears soar
UK Time Thursday 9 April from 19:00-21:00The Big Quaker Quiz On Thursday 9 April from 19:00-21:00, we are holding the first Woodbrooke Big Quaker Quiz! Join Quizmaster Josh Selfe and test your Quaker knowledge against other Friends in this light hearted evening of fun. Featuring puzzles, pictures and Quaker general knowledge, this quiz will test your lateral thinking skills as much as your information retention skills. Assemble your own team of Friends or come alone and meet new people in one of our home-made teams. Find out more and book here The Big Quaker Quiz - Woodbrooke
Save the Date - Yarrahapinni 24 - 27 September
The NSWRM Retreat date has been confirmed: Thursday September 24th to Sunday September 27th. It will be at our usual venue at Yarrahapinni. The program will start late afternoon Thursday and end after lunch Sunday. As in previous years, the program is being organised by Hunter Valley Meeting with participation of Friends across the state. We will be joined by travelling Friend Emily Provance who is likely to make a contribution as well. It's still 6 months away so it's all very early days, but we wanted to let people know so they could save the date. Sheila Keane
See - Understanding the Quaker Peace Testimony
It’s hard to find content online addressing the topics covered here anywhere else and listening to these f/Friends speak about peace from all the different ways they understand peace within themselves and outside of themselves in such a thoughtful and constructive way is encouraging. See it here Understanding the Quaker Peace Testimony March QBC - Palestine and Israel: Understanding Encounters
The March QBC (Quaker Book Club) selection is Palestine and Israel: Understanding Encounters by Max Carter.
If you have never witnessed the Holy Land, this volume will bring you one step closer to humanizing the people behind the news headlines. It is a riveting account of the various developments since the Second Intifada and the struggle for peace in the Holy Land, including the "competing narratives" that stall progress toward justice and peace in Palestine. This book challenges everyone to seek a third way in their approach to the Palestinian-Israeli struggle and contributes significantly to the narration of the Ramallah Friends School history. Read the Friends Journal review, here. Obtain a copy here Palestine and Israel e - Wahroonga Send news of f/Friends and newsletter items to quiver...@yahoo.com.au Agenda items for Business Meeting should be emailed at wmnwah...@quakersaustralia.info or handed to a co-clerk. Visit us at "Our Home" First days (Sunday), 9.30 am Meeting for Worship - Wahroonga Friends Meeting, your local peace church. Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) 59 Boundary Road Wahroonga NSW 2076 Email:wmnwah...@quakersaustralia.info Web: Wahroonga Local Meeting | Australia Yearly Meeting A Zoom meeting occurs 9.30 am Sundays Meeting link Join our Cloud HD Video Meeting 918 558 7747 Passcode: 554662 Phone: 02 8015 6011 Please contact Paul Carter if you have any problems.
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