Thread by @SMtQuakers2

Sex Matters to Quakers: This we can say
June 2026
1. Sex Matters to Quakers like being part of an inclusive church and community as much as all Quakers, and we believe this extends to those who hold sex-realist views and those who do not.

.@BritishQuakers

2. ⁠We advocate for the protection & respect of lawful single sex provision, on the basis of biological sex (such as toilet provisions & residential accommodation) in Quaker settings, plenty of third ‘gender neutral’ spaces in proportion to need & common sense in smaller venues

3. ⁠We believe both of these statements are coherently centred in a loving concern for all, and are more accurately, fully and truthfully the ‘sense of the meeting’ expressed by the wider Quaker community in Minute 31, 2021.

4. We challenge the interpretation of this Minute which has become dominant in BYM discourse and communication ever since. Minute 31 is long and contains many aspects about learning together, and about cherishing each person.

We believe it is possible to be inclusive of differing perspectives on this issue and that this is what is happening, in practice, in Quaker communities across the country. We are testimony to that.

5. We rejoice in our Religious Society which, from earliest days, has recognised that of God in every person and that each member and each attender brings unique talents and insights to the Society.

We are dismayed that a polarising interpretation of Minute 31 is being presented in our central communications which is holding back our path to greater unity.

6. We have been moved by the testimony of those who are gender diverse in our friendships and community networks and we are mindful of not causing unhelpful distress while maintaining our own integrity.

In our own network we do not police pronouns, but have found that the main practice is to use individuals’ chosen names, avoid using biological pronouns where this is contested and use neutral pronouns if need be.

In our personal friendships, this approach seems to work and is a good example of how communities live together in harmony while not always in total agreement.

7. We advocate for Quaker plain speaking in relation to the material realities of sex, such as in safeguarding considerations, allowing for compassion to be present in each interaction- speaking truth in love.
Friends, this we can say.

We welcome comments and observations.

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