The theme that comes through very strongly in this issue is ‘peace’ at every level, internal and external. Paul Carter’s article ‘The Evolution of a Shared Consciousness’ offers a powerful insight into the way that individual consciousness can be transformed through mindfulness and meditation into an ‘evolved consciousness’ that is the best instrument that humanity has for survival. His article concludes with a strong sense that the Quaker Meeting for Worship is a place where such transformation can take place.

Dorothy Scott’s article ‘In Pursuit of Peace’ is a wonderful celebration of the poetry of two young Afghan poets (in the tradition of Sufi poets Rumi and Hafiz). The poems reflect the raw and ruthless reality of war and the continuing inhumane offshore detention of a parent who remains stranded in PNG. But the poems simultaneously embody the wings of art that embrace peace, transforming pain into joy:

My word is not flying like a drone.

It does not kill sinful souls.

My word is soaring like a butterfly.

It is flying again and again and again.

Sue Parritt’s poem ‘In Forests’  further demonstrates how poetic language can evoke and create the tranquillity, connectedness and sense of a presence that all humans seek.

Adrian Glamorgan’s reflections on the late peace activist Wendell Berry and his poem ‘On Being a Poet’ makes some really useful connections between the creativity of poetry and Quaker practice.

Reg Naulty’s Book Review ‘The Future is Peace’ offers a  powerful review of the deeply creative friendship between an Israeli and Palestinian and their search for justice and peace in their worlds.

Wilma Davison’s ‘This I can Say’ offers a wonderful meditation on a retreat which brought her focus and peace. Wilma’s title is a direct echo of George Fox’s challenge to external authority in religious matters, emphasizing the importance of personal understanding and the inner Light of God.

Helen Gould in her redraft of one of the Quaker ‘Advices and Queries’ ( No 19) brings recognition and peace to those who may have been deeply hurt.

The issue concludes with Quaker Service Australia September Notes which focusses closely on Peacebuilding in the Khmer Community Development, a grassroots Cambodian organisation.

Please note that the theme for the December Issue is Community.