Categories: uncategorized
Date: 25 March 2010 10:24:51
In connection with my research I have been reading a document which has led to me finding out a bit about the history of non-conformity in Newcastle. I found it particularly interesting reading about things like the Act of Uniformity 1662 and acts which followed it in the period of restoration and Toleration Act 1689 which gave some freedom to Non-Conformists, (but not Quakers if Wiki is correct).
One of the most interesting characters who is commented upon is Richard Pengilly who arrived in Newcastle in 1807. Apparently he was amongst those who were involved in the campaigns of the 1830's to try and get greater rights for non-Conformists. This History website gives some idea about their issues as does this section within a history of Newcastle looking at Protestant Dissent.
Looking through the history I am reading I find it interesting and thought provoking. I vote because I know the cost that was involved to others, I am proud of the fact things like slavery have been abolished because of the stand others took, but I often forget the cost that was involved in the past to ensure that equality for non-conformists was possible. Often our reading of history, as non-conformists, can focus on great revivals but forget the real costs that were involved for our forefathers. Now I know my history well enough to know we have not been without fault and Cromwell gave us much to be ashamed of, but as non-Conformists I believe we should be prouder of our history and learn it better - going beyond the exploits and sermons of Wesley or Spurgeon.
One of the reasons I believe knowing our history is important is because it has lots to teach us in the present age. Firstly, because these people were non-Conformist Christians in a culture where that meant some kind of costly sacrifice and a real thinking through of what you believed and why. Secondly, along with other groups such as the Oxford Movement (Anglo-Catholic Anglicans) they were involved in a combination of serious social action together with theological reflection and political enagement. This is what we are moving back towards today. Finally, they were working in a period of rapid social change, particularly during the early 1800's they were a hinge generation as the country moved into full scale industrialisation. The way they conducted themselves during a time of rapid change and uncertainty is useful for us, who have entered the digital age, to understand.
I honestly believe in learning about these people it may give us some ideas to help us think creatively, in our own culture and context, about how to develop and change.