First Friends Church. Whittier

*From January 16 thru 26, 300 Quakers gathered in Auckland, New Zealand for the 21st Triennial of the Friends World Conmittee for Consultation (FWCC).

*These representatives and observers came from 81 yearly meetings & associations of Friends from around the world.

*There were 32 languages represented although the only official translations were in English, Spanish and French.

*The theme "Being faithful witnesses: serving God in a changing world" was reflected throughout the sessions, stimulated by plenary presentations including one by Jean Zaru from Ramallah.

*Worship was central to the gathering with twelve scheduled times and began each Meeting for Business.

*Each participant was part of a Worship and Sharing Group which met for 90 minutes on each of 7 days. This provided individuals with a "family" in this large gathering.

*FWCC serves Quakers in a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) status at the United Nations in New York and Geneva. The work includes human rights, the environment, disarmament, prevention of violent conflict, and the Decade for a Culture of Peace for the Children of the World.

*FWCC is represented at the World Council of Churches (WCC) with Eden Grace of New

England on the Central Committee. WCC has named this as the "Decade to Overcome

Violence." Copies of the FWCC Triennial study booklet on the theme may be requested

from the church office.

Berkeley Friends Church is connected to WCC thru the Westem Association of the Religious

Society of Friends (WARSF). .