About this month’s session:

We will be discussing “The Consequences of James Nayler” chapter three of

The Light of Their Consciences: Early Quakers in Britain, 1646-1666. James Nayler one of the most prominent members of the early Quaker movement, second only to George Fox and possibly Margaret Fell. His early fame in the movement was such that many outside the Quaker movement considered him its leader because of his charisma and ability to articulate Quaker ideals and vision. And then in 1656 a break between him and George Fox and other prominent leaders occurred and then in October 24 1656 Nayler along a small group of his close associate staged a public demonstration in which Nayler and the group made an entrance into the city of Bristol England which was clearly meant to imitate the Christian Bibles account of Palm Sunday in which Jesus rode into Jerusalem with crowds proclaiming him the Messiah. In this demonstration Nayler clearly played to role of Jesus

 Nayler was immediately arrested and sent to London to be tried by the English Parliament on blasphemy charges. This enabled the conservative members of government who deeply feared the social, cultural and political potential of the Quaker movement to use Nayler’s action as an excuse for a nationwide crackdown on Quakerism. After a 3-week trial he was convicted, given a brutal sentence which included a three-year imprisonment.  Nayler was murdered in 1660 soon after being released from his imprisonment. To this day many historians of Quakerism continue to discuss the reasons for Nayler actions and their consequences. Please join us to discuss this fascinating chapter of Quaker history. 

Zoom meeting ID: 859 3632 2993 and password 606192 Link is Zoom link

What is the Adult Education Discussion Group?

The Adult Discussion Group meets each month (except August) on the fourth Sunday at 2 p.m.  The participants meet to select the topics at the start of each year and they represent a wide range of concerns and interests. 

The age range of the attenders is wide, from students to seniors.  At present, the meetings are entirely on Zoom. No registration or RSVP required. No Quaker experience necessary. 

Event Details

Date: 4th Sunday, May 25, 2025

Time: 2:00-4:00pm Eastern

Format: Online only

Location: Online

Registration/RSVP?: No

Zoom information

Zoom info: Meeting ID: 859 3632 2993 and Passcode  606192

The link is: zoom link

Ages: 18 years old and up. 

Accessibility: Zoom’s automated captioning is enabled. Any other accessibility questions, please contact: Brittany at Outreachinreach@gmail.com