The Ministry of Letter Writing

By Kathy White

Dear Friends,
I find myself wanting to put in a plug for the ministry of letter writing and writing of epistles. This ministry was very real in days gone by, beginning with Margaret Fell and her peers, and was hugely important to both the writers and the recipients. These letter writers wrote, and sometimes hand delivered, lengthy letters concerning the Truths they were experiencing to the king, to people in other lands, and often, very personal letters to those in prison. Our historical archives are full of these documents. They carried personal words of Truth, of care and encouragement, and lengthy Bible quotations to support their messages. These letters became a vital ministry for those who did not feel free to travel in the ministry. At times, they were follow- up after a time of visitation and ministry. However, I think they were more often written from personal discernment and leadings. Letters provided a way to continue the understanding that living the life connected to the Divine, is living a life that allows messages and Truths to come any day, and in many settings.

I think of this ministry of letters much as Bill Taber described the process of Quakerly Bible reading: “. . . one simply savors and rests in the meaning instead of analyzing it . . .” [The Prophetic Stream Pendle Hill # 256, p. 8] In letter writing, one sits with pen and paper (or keyboard), holds the recipient in the Light, and allows the words to flow onto the paper. Do Friends practice this type of letter writing today? There have been times when surely we have. I think of the endless entreaties to write letters to Washington DC, or other people in power. I remember the wonderful stories told about senators who began to look forward to the messages from their particular Quaker correspondents, who always seemed to find a unique approach to the endless rhetoric they were hearing.

I choose to believe that there are many like myself who may feel the opening to share a bit of Truth with an individual, but know that it is not a message for the meeting as a whole. And, what is the most vital message that this ministry of letter writing carries? It is the simple message: “Dear Friend.” We give much nurture in both knowing and in being known. Living our testimonies becomes doable and sustainable when we witness and encourage each other. Exchanging spiritual letters is one way of encouraging and sharing deeply with each other.

A personal letter carries a sense of having a genuine visit with the writer. In the Upper Midwest, where some of my friends are isolated Friends, the depth of personal letter writing has served as a regular nurture shared with spiritual nurture partners in a wonderful on-going way. As Quaker letter writing becomes a gift shared regularly with another, it provides a friendship and a knowing that can last. When we are able to come together in person, there is no need for making a beginning, the letters have connected us and we begin just where we are. That is ministry of friendship, as well as of letter writing.

We understand that living Truth requires discipline. Letter writing is one way of practicing discipline. Moreover, sometimes, the writing itself clarifies understanding for both the writer and the recipient. In the writing and in the knowledge we have of one another, our ability to go forward in the Light of the Divine is sustained and multiplied.

Blessings to you.
Your F/friend, Kathy

About the Author(s)

Kathy White is a member of Madison Friends Meeting, Madison, Wisconsin and
a sometimes writer for the Faith & Practice Committee of Northern Yearly
Meeting. She is a grandmother, and a practitioner of reminiscing writing for her
family.