Two months ago I had never heard of the publication “Towards a Quaker View of Sex”. Then I saw an announcement that Keith Wedmore, one of the authors, would be speaking at a Duke Divinity School Class on the subject.

After a google or two I found the 43 page booklet “Towards a Quaker View of Sex”, published in 1964.  You can find it at this link: http://leavesofgrass.org/vos/frontcover.html

This booklet emerged out of an decade long process of discernment engaged in by the eleven authors.  They met for two-hour lunches twice a month until they had reached consensus.  They then published their work and other Quakers began to discuss what the booklet presented.

Significantly ahead of its time, “Towards a Quaker View of Sex” presented the position that gender and sexual orientation were not important in determining sexual ethics or appropriateness – the quality of the relationship, the consideration for an other – were the only important measures for relationships.

After 20 years of conversation, the Quaker denomination took a position affirming Gay Rights in the mid-1980’s.

Sitting in a conference room with Keith Wedmore, ten Duke Divinity Students and a couple of Quakers was inspiring and informative.

Keith was the openly bi-sexual member of the discernment group.  Now in his eighties, his energetic presentation of both the process and results of his group’s efforts was inspiring.

A supportive group of people, taking their time and acting with mutual trust and concern, came up with something that, made a positive difference in the world.

Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

Looks like she was right.