Last week I wrote about the extent to which Quakers are interfering in British democracy. Today I wanted to expand on the subject, delving into the grants of the Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust (JRRT) – one of several foundations linked to Joseph Rowntree (1836-1925).
To add a bit of historical context (in case needed), Rowntree was an English Quaker philanthropist and chocolatier at the family business Rowntree’s (now owned by Nestlé). Like other successful Quakers (such as the Cadburys), Rowntree used his business wealth for many charitable causes. I don’t doubt that he was an impressive and honourable man who changed people’s lives for the better. The issue is how centuries old Quaker philosophy transposes to the modern day. Too often Quaker trusts in Britain sound as if they were being run by Novara Media. Just look at how Quakers in Britain responded to Wednesday’s Supreme Court judgment on the definition of a woman:
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