Wahroonga Friends Bulletin - 21 January 2026
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Jan 21, 2026, 1:32:09 AMJan 21
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Wahroonga Friends Bulletin - 21 January 2026
Quakers Mark UN Anniversary &
Warn World Cooperation
is Under Threat
Quakers joined a historic gathering at Methodist Central Hall in London this past weekend to mark 80 years since the first United Nations General Assembly. Above - Quakers in joined a historic gathering at Methodist Central Hall in London this weekend to mark 80 years since the first United Nations General Assembly.
The UN's ideals of cooperation and multilateralism are under threat around the globe today, Quakers warned.
The audience of around 1,000 included faith leaders, ambassadors and government representatives, the UN Secretary-General, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
In his address, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the past year as “profoundly challenging" for international cooperation, noting that aid had been cut, inequalities widened, climate breakdown accelerated, and international law “trampled."
He warned that such pressures are putting the principles of the UN under strain.
Quakers have long supported the UN as a vehicle for peace. In 1948, they established the Quaker UN Office (QUNO) to help countries find shared solutions to global problems.
Helen Drewery, clerk of the Quaker United Nations Committee (Geneva), attended the anniversary, highlighting Quakers' commitment to constructive engagement.
Oliver Robertson, head of witness and worship for Quakers in Britain, said: “Supporting a world in which human dignity guides action is as vital now as it was when the first General Assembly met in 1946.
“We were reminded that we are all less safe when some can act with impunity, and vengeance brings only ashes.
“Cooperation is not weakness, because we can do more together than we can apart."
Speakers also highlighted contemporary threats, including countries pursuing short-term self-interest, the erosion of multilateral agreements, and the rise of unilateral power politics.
For Quakers, the event was a reminder that dialogue, listening, and shared purpose remain essential to sustaining international cooperation. Quakers mark UN anniversary and warn world cooperation is under threat See - We Can Do More When We Act Together
We're all less safe when some countries act with impunity. We can do more when we act together. See it here We can do more when we act together 10 am Saturday 7 FebruaryNSW Regional Meeting & AGM The next NSW RM will be held online at 10 am on Saturday,7 February together with the AGM. The Zoom connection details will be sent out by the Clerking teamwell before the Meetings. Sunday 15 February
Mardi Gras Fair Day @Victoria Park,Camperdown
Quakers have been allocated a stall at the Mardi Gras Fair day. We have a volunteer to drive the stall decorations to the venue early on Sunday morning.
We need a Friend to coordinate the volunteer roster, Friends to decorate the stall by 9am and a Friend to coordinate walking the stall items out of the park to a car late afternoon.
At the stall, we offer information and conversation about Quakers and hopefully we will be co-located again with other faith organisations.
K Woodhouse has coordinated the stall for many years but has less availability now. The Fair Day organisers are expecting 60,000 visitors to attend the event.
To register your availability for any of these roles and for more
information, contact Wies Schuiringa (0439 024 397, or wies.sch...@gmail.com)
3-6 April 2026
Junior Young Friends (JYFs) ages 12-17@ Anglesea, Victoria
I am writing to let you know about an upcoming JYF camp on 3-6 April 2026.
The camp is for Junior Young Friends (JYFs) ages 12-17, in Anglesea, Victoria.The chance to build community at camp is especially important given the current 18 month break between our national in person gatherings, from July 2025 to Jan 2027.
We are expecting 8-10 JYFs to attend along with parent helpers and Young Friends (YFs) as leaders. Some of these may approach Regional Meeting for financial support to attend this event. The cost of the event is $150 per camper, and costs for travel from around Australia will likely be more than this figure. We encourage regional meetings to be generous in supporting any requests made. Contact me for any details you may require at cjyfcoo...@quakersaustralia.infoJo Temme
Children and Families CoordinatorQuakers Australia
Free Quaker Books AvailableHelen Gould is simplifying her life and is offering many of her Quaker and other books to whoever wants them. She has 2 copies of Plain Living: a Quaker Path to Simplicity, and is happy to pass both of them on. Helen is not expecting any reimbursement for either the book or the postage, just that the books be used, and perhaps passed on again in due course. Contact Helen by email at helen...@gmail.com
January QBC - Quakerism: he Basics, 2nd EditionQuakerism: The Basics introduces a vibrant twenty-first-century religion, tracing the evolution of the Religious Society of Friends from its origins in seventeenth-century England to a worldwide religion, balancing discussion of Quaker history, evolving beliefs and practices, and contemporary social action. An accessible and engaging introduction to the history and diverse approaches and ideas associated with the Religious Society of Friends, this book treats Quakerism as a global religion with wide geographic reach and varied beliefs that range from evangelical Christianity to non-theism, including:
- Quaker values in action
- Quaker history, worship, and practice
- Quakerism in different regions of the world
- The future of Quakerism
This thoroughly revised second edition now includes information on Quakers in Africa, Friends active engagement with electoral politics, electronic communication and online meetings, and a new appendix on Quakers in film. Quakerism: The Basics is suitable for secondary and university courses on Quakerism and comparative religion, with features including suggested readings, timelines, boxed features on special topics, a glossary, and guides to Quakers in fiction and on film. This book is also intended for individuals new to Quakers, for meeting and church study groups, and for those who want to refresh their understanding of Quakerism. Obtain a copy here https://www.thenile.com.au/books/margery-post-abbott/quakerism-the-basics/9781032803364?srsltid=AfmBOoqpLF5e-q9304_RowUH6NcLq4LEmO-lgyD8KNAFeZipcR4qmhVA
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: 55462 Phone: 02 8015 6011 Please contact Paul Carter if you have any problems connecting 0433 886 093
Quakers Mark UN Anniversary &
Warn World Cooperation
is Under Threat
Quakers joined a historic gathering at Methodist Central Hall in London this past weekend to mark 80 years since the first United Nations General Assembly. Above - Quakers in joined a historic gathering at Methodist Central Hall in London this weekend to mark 80 years since the first United Nations General Assembly.
The UN's ideals of cooperation and multilateralism are under threat around the globe today, Quakers warned.
The audience of around 1,000 included faith leaders, ambassadors and government representatives, the UN Secretary-General, and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh.
In his address, UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the past year as “profoundly challenging" for international cooperation, noting that aid had been cut, inequalities widened, climate breakdown accelerated, and international law “trampled."
He warned that such pressures are putting the principles of the UN under strain.
Quakers have long supported the UN as a vehicle for peace. In 1948, they established the Quaker UN Office (QUNO) to help countries find shared solutions to global problems.
Helen Drewery, clerk of the Quaker United Nations Committee (Geneva), attended the anniversary, highlighting Quakers' commitment to constructive engagement.
Oliver Robertson, head of witness and worship for Quakers in Britain, said: “Supporting a world in which human dignity guides action is as vital now as it was when the first General Assembly met in 1946.
“We were reminded that we are all less safe when some can act with impunity, and vengeance brings only ashes.
“Cooperation is not weakness, because we can do more together than we can apart."
Speakers also highlighted contemporary threats, including countries pursuing short-term self-interest, the erosion of multilateral agreements, and the rise of unilateral power politics.
For Quakers, the event was a reminder that dialogue, listening, and shared purpose remain essential to sustaining international cooperation. Quakers mark UN anniversary and warn world cooperation is under threat See - We Can Do More When We Act Together
We're all less safe when some countries act with impunity. We can do more when we act together. See it here We can do more when we act together 10 am Saturday 7 FebruaryNSW Regional Meeting & AGM The next NSW RM will be held online at 10 am on Saturday,7 February together with the AGM. The Zoom connection details will be sent out by the Clerking teamwell before the Meetings. Sunday 15 February
Mardi Gras Fair Day @Victoria Park,Camperdown
Quakers have been allocated a stall at the Mardi Gras Fair day. We have a volunteer to drive the stall decorations to the venue early on Sunday morning.
We need a Friend to coordinate the volunteer roster, Friends to decorate the stall by 9am and a Friend to coordinate walking the stall items out of the park to a car late afternoon.
At the stall, we offer information and conversation about Quakers and hopefully we will be co-located again with other faith organisations.
K Woodhouse has coordinated the stall for many years but has less availability now. The Fair Day organisers are expecting 60,000 visitors to attend the event.
To register your availability for any of these roles and for more
information, contact Wies Schuiringa (0439 024 397, or wies.sch...@gmail.com)
3-6 April 2026
Junior Young Friends (JYFs) ages 12-17@ Anglesea, Victoria
I am writing to let you know about an upcoming JYF camp on 3-6 April 2026.
The camp is for Junior Young Friends (JYFs) ages 12-17, in Anglesea, Victoria.The chance to build community at camp is especially important given the current 18 month break between our national in person gatherings, from July 2025 to Jan 2027.
We are expecting 8-10 JYFs to attend along with parent helpers and Young Friends (YFs) as leaders. Some of these may approach Regional Meeting for financial support to attend this event. The cost of the event is $150 per camper, and costs for travel from around Australia will likely be more than this figure. We encourage regional meetings to be generous in supporting any requests made. Contact me for any details you may require at cjyfcoo...@quakersaustralia.infoJo Temme
Children and Families CoordinatorQuakers Australia
Free Quaker Books AvailableHelen Gould is simplifying her life and is offering many of her Quaker and other books to whoever wants them. She has 2 copies of Plain Living: a Quaker Path to Simplicity, and is happy to pass both of them on. Helen is not expecting any reimbursement for either the book or the postage, just that the books be used, and perhaps passed on again in due course. Contact Helen by email at helen...@gmail.com
January QBC - Quakerism: he Basics, 2nd EditionQuakerism: The Basics introduces a vibrant twenty-first-century religion, tracing the evolution of the Religious Society of Friends from its origins in seventeenth-century England to a worldwide religion, balancing discussion of Quaker history, evolving beliefs and practices, and contemporary social action. An accessible and engaging introduction to the history and diverse approaches and ideas associated with the Religious Society of Friends, this book treats Quakerism as a global religion with wide geographic reach and varied beliefs that range from evangelical Christianity to non-theism, including:
- Quaker values in action
- Quaker history, worship, and practice
- Quakerism in different regions of the world
- The future of Quakerism
This thoroughly revised second edition now includes information on Quakers in Africa, Friends active engagement with electoral politics, electronic communication and online meetings, and a new appendix on Quakers in film. Quakerism: The Basics is suitable for secondary and university courses on Quakerism and comparative religion, with features including suggested readings, timelines, boxed features on special topics, a glossary, and guides to Quakers in fiction and on film. This book is also intended for individuals new to Quakers, for meeting and church study groups, and for those who want to refresh their understanding of Quakerism. Obtain a copy here https://www.thenile.com.au/books/margery-post-abbott/quakerism-the-basics/9781032803364?srsltid=AfmBOoqpLF5e-q9304_RowUH6NcLq4LEmO-lgyD8KNAFeZipcR4qmhVA
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: 55462 Phone: 02 8015 6011 Please contact Paul Carter if you have any problems connecting 0433 886 093
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