Viva la ‘Resolution ’
It was under this heading that the Unitarian religious newspaper ‘The Enquirer’ spoke of
the Home Secretary, Jack Straw’s welcome of the General Assembly’s position on more
appropriate punishment for offenders rather than imprisonment in overcrowded jails with
little restorative treatment. Tony Cann (Padiham congregation) had sent the text of the
resolution to Jack Straw (his local MP).
It may be coincidence but there has been much Government speculation and media interest
since then although some of the suggestions have been clumsily advanced and politically
exploited. These have included taking offenders to busy A & E departments and setting up
inadequately controlled experiments in a reality TV programme.
Once again, the Unitarian voice is being heard and perhaps heeded in promoting social justice
The Meditation Day, 2008 A Meditation Day (March 8th)in the Reading Room of Stratford Sub-Castle and
attended by Unitarians from Wiltshire and Hampshire provided once again an opportunity to
learn and practice the art of meditation under the guidance of David Monk.
Meetings over the last year were varied and enjoyable:
John Knopf, produced an African carved warthog as an icon for the spirit that gives up only on death; Brian Anderson,
minister of Portsmouth’s John Pound Unitarian church, dealt with Atonement, the idea of forgiveness of sins for
anyone who believes that God’s son died for them two thousand years ago; John Harley came to lead the group in an
exploration of the idea of freedom; Val Worthington, from Portsmouth Unitarians, lit the chalice for the Spirit of
Love and Life which can help to bind us together; Kay (in November) invited the meeting to reflect upon the
forthcoming season of Advent from a Unitarian perspective. The act of lighting the chalice, brought together
the imagery of light as the essence of healing and truth overcoming darkness and despair; in December there
was the customary celebration of the season with contributions from all present; Phillip Hewitt used his evolving
understanding since boyhood in Dorset of the metaphor of the Tree of Life to outline the use of stories and other
mythical themes in religious writings; Colin Turnage, spoke to the theme of the nature of Unitarian worship and
its emphasis on the freedom of thought; Kay inspired much spiritual participation with the theme ‘Images of Light
’ and Frank and Susan led meetings (apologies for lack of notes on these).
Presentation at this year’s GA – given by Jo
“As these meetings are about Development I decided to look for distinctive features of the Salisbury Fellowship,
which has lasted ten years in a city which has had no Unitarian presence since 1650. The Fellowship is small but
stable. There are sixteen signed-up members, many associates, and an average attendance of around twelve people.
It has proved worthwhile I think that we have neglected no affordable methods of publicity, such as personal
columns, press releases, newsletters, community websites and emailing reminder of meetings. Also we aimed for
simplicity, informality, reduction of hierarchy and ‘God-talk’ and encouraged participation. We have no permanent
leader, no Committee, and only short planning meetings. Jobs are performed by volunteers. Decisions are made by
consensus. Passage of money is reduced to a minimum. Meetings are led by members or visitors. A reasonable nonconformity
or innovation is welcomed but we try to cultivate a peaceful atmosphere. We often invite sharing of thoughts,
but discussion only happens after coffee. Visiting speakers have included, Muslim clerics, secular Humanists
and Quakers. We meet monthly on a Sunday at 6. 30 as so many people have to spend weekends away.
There must be many towns with a population of about 40,000 like Salisbury. If even a small fellowship was
established in each of these it could considerably help spread the Unitarian message.”
This was very well received by the hall full of delegates who responded to the humorous asides that Jo slipped
into the talk.
Salisbury Interfaith Group.
Several members who had attended the
meeting of a new Salisbury interfaith group related the good news that it had attracted some 40 people that included
Jews, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists and even a secular humanist. Some had brought food with special religious
significance to share, hoping to spread goodwill and spiritual understanding. These included samosas, bhajhis and
Jewish plaited bread. In more ways than one, this was a satisfying event and a good precursor to the Faiths in the
Community Fair.
Faiths in the Community Fair – 6th April 2008
Organised by the Chairman of Salisbury District Council (Bobbie Chettleburgh) this fair brought together some 23
organisations in Salisbury that have some faith central to their activities. The stand representing Unitarian
Universalists was tended by several of us and visited by many of the public and representatives of other faiths. W
e were located adjacent to the Quakers and the other side of the room from the Catholic stand – we don’t know if
this was deliberate!
From a meditation by Eileen Caddy
Ponder on the words ‘Now is the time’
See the secret of a joyous, harmonious, satisfying life
As you accept that now is the time.
Now is the only time there is.
No longer dwell on the past
Nor look for some future good.
Accept the truth
That understanding is ours now
Healing is ours now
Abundant limitless supply is ours now
Harmony is ours now
Protection is ours now
Peace is ours now
Joy is ours now
Joyously and gratefully
Accept that all is a gift
Live in harmony, joy and satisfaction now
We are at peace with ourselves
And with the world now.
Future Meetings will be held at
locations in Salisbury starting at 6:30 p.m.(to be confirmed),
currently in the Lounge room of the United Reformed Church,
Fisherton Street.
17th August……….Kathy Beckett
21st September…… Colin Turnage
19th October……………tba 16th November…………..tba
21st December………….tba
If you feel that you would like to lead a meeting - please let us know.
