Being Salt and Light

Friends, globally, are exploring a common theme:
"Being Salt and Light: Friends Living the kingdom of God in a broken world,"
in preparation for the 2012 Sixth World Conference of Friends, April 17-25, 2012 in Kenya.

 

Section of the Americas Salt & Light Program 2010-2012

“Salt and Light” local events, the Section of the America’s main program focus over the past two years, drew over 1700 Friends in eight countries into conversation on the theme of the Sixth World Conference, Being Salt and Light: Friends living the kingdom of God in a broken world.  Guided by local and international speakers, this was a rare opportunity for some Friends to welcome Quaker ministry from afar, to learn about how Friends express their faith within the global family of Friends, and to ask each other: how do Friends hope to be the salt, and be the light, in their local communities?

For many Friends it was their first connection with Friends World Committee, and for others, attending a Salt & Light gathering inspired them to renew or deepen their involvement with FWCC.

Some groups used the events as occasions for outreach into the local community, while others found an opening to heal the ‘broken world’ of relationships within their own meetings.

It was a chance to hear the ministry of young adult Friend speakers, but it was also an opportunity for young adults to take the lead in organizing local arrangements.

The program was hosted by large, urban meetings as well as small, rural churches; it was incorporated into several yearly meeting sessions, a couple of youth conferences, weekend retreats and a large assortment of evening potluck and carry-in suppers.

In each case, Friends felt it was a wonderful opportunity to learn from one another.

Salt & Light events were conceived as a way to bring an understanding of the wider Quaker reality to a larger number of Friends than ever before.  Speakers brought their personal experiences of ‘being salt and light’ into their presentations. The World Conference theme provided an opportunity for FWCC to encourage more Friends to feel connected to the global Quaker community that will come together in Kenya in April.  

Drawing on these accomplishments, FWCC Section of the Americas will initiate a new program of local events for fall 2012.  A new theme will grow out of the experience of the Sixth World Conference and new locations will be sought. 

Contact FWCC Section of the Americas to learn how your meeting or church can host an FWCC event.