Our new Section Clerk, Benigno Sanchez-Eppler, is featured in the newest QuakerSpeak video. In it, he shares what he has learned from reading early Friends and worshiping with a wide range of Quakers. He sees the work of FWCC as a preparation for peacemaking in the world.

Look for more videos from Friends Journal and FWCC Section of the Americas in the coming months.  You can sign up for email notifications of new videos in the series at quakerspeak.com/subscribe  

Report from the Quaker United Nations Committee  

by Chris Allan, member QUNC-Geneva 

With the run-up to the next UN climate talks in Paris in December, what is the Quaker United Nations Office doing about it? Eating. And talking.

While other groups debate language in the documents and lobby for positions, QUNO staff see a need for dialogue on fundamental values that underlie these discussions. In the long Quaker tradition of quiet discernment of difficult issues, QUNO has set up dinners for UN climate delegates. These off-the-record gatherings bring together delegates who often don't get the chance to meet outside of official sessions. Rather than considering emissions targets and climate finance, delegates discuss questions like "what effects is climate change having on your family?"

It casts the whole discussion on a different level. It allows delegates to speak from the heart, rather than just from official talking points. The negotiations remain extremely tense and the QUNO presence is seen as 'non-political', honest and representing humanity, creating a space with a rare "tone and honesty of the discussion," in the words of one delegate.

At the same time, QUNO staff work with other Quaker organizations around the world like Quaker Earthcare Witness and Friends Committee on National Legislation to bring the many aspects of Quaker witness to this important process. The goal is move away from climate change action as a competitiveness problem for governments and business interests, to one founded on a moral call for all governments to lead in ensuring that the most vulnerable communities now, and all future generations, do not experience catastrophic climate change.

To read more about the Quaker United Nations offices in New York and Geneva, visit  www.quno.org.   

Which conversation will you have with Friends from around the world during the World Plenary Meeting in Cusco, Peru, January 19-27, 2016?

1) Developing the leaders we need for 2037 - a Pilgrimage for Quaker Youth in all Sections

2) Creating a living ministry for 2037 - Encouraging membership and spiritual growth for young Friends and seekers

3) Sustaining life on Earth in 2037 - Inspired by the Kabarak Call for Peace and Ecojustice, Quaker worldwide collaboration through the ongoing environmental, economic and spiritual changes

4) Equipping the Friends World Committee for Consultation for 2037 -  changes in governance and meeting requirements

Watch the invitational video and show it to your Friends!  

Living the Transformation: Peru 2016

The World Plenary Meeting (the International Representatives Meeting of FWCC, formerly called the FWCC Triennial when it was held every three years), is a meeting for representatives from all four FWCC Sections to tend to FWCC business, and is surrounded by worship and fellowship with Friends from around the world. All Yearly Meetings and other bodies that are affiliated with FWCC are invited to send representatives. If you have not been selected as a Representative of your Yearly Meeting or other organization, you are invited to apply for an open place. Friends attending on an open place are full participants in the Plenary Meeting, and we welcome the gifts they bring. If you would like to apply for an open place, please read the information for applicants and fill in the application form.

For more information, visit www.fwcc.world/peru