Quakers and the Use of Power

We are seeing the collapse and paralysis of many traditional institutions. In their place may arise better alternatives, and here Quakers may have a contribution to make. But it is equally possible that we will see more authoritarian, less humane institutions and organizations come to dominate this society. If we want to throw our weight behind the first alternative, we must address the problem of developing and sustaining new leadership in the Religious Society of Friends. But that...
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We are seeing the collapse and paralysis of many traditional institutions. In their place may arise better alternatives, and here Quakers may have a contribution to make. But it is equally possible that we will see more authoritarian, less humane institutions and organizations come to dominate this society. If we want to throw our weight behind the first alternative, we must address the problem of developing and sustaining new leadership in the Religious Society of Friends. But that cannot be separated from reexamining, reforming, developing, and sustaining vital institutions to serve us. We must try to get new bearings. We have before us the work of reconciliation between the needs of individuals and the needs of social institutions - which may also be the expression of community among worshippers and students and activists. We also have to learn more about the social history of our institutions, to bring objective, sympathetic analysis to bear on their strengths and weaknesses. To understand our institutions, and therefore to understand more about ourselves as individuals, we must clear our minds of cant - the slogans and clichés which substitute for clear thought - and stop living in bad faith.