A Short Introduction

Hi Everyone, I am C. Wess Daniels. I am 28 years old, a husband, oldest of nine children and I love riding bikes. Normally I blog at gathering in light about theology, culture, technology and Quaker faith, but I've been invited to be a blogger for BYM this year as well.

I am from the U.S., born and raised in the Ohio, and currently living in Los Angeles, California with my wife of 5 years, Emily. I am currently a PhD student at Fuller Theological Seminary. There I am a student in the School of Intercultural Studies, where I am investigating our rapidly changing culture and it's effects on church life and mission from a Quaker perspective. Another aspect of Quakerism I am looking into is how older church traditions transition from one culture into another. Both topics I feel to be crucial in our ever shifting cultural landscapes.

The reason why I am coming to England this summer is to do a directed tutorial with Quaker scholar Ben Pink Dandelion at the University of Birmingham. I will be living at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre during my stay and am really looking forward to meeting all kinds of wonderful new people.

Because I have been blogging quite awhile I've had the chance to make some Quaker friends in the U.K., namely Simon and Jez. Simon and I have been friends online for almost two years now and has been a big part in helping me come out to Birmingham for my study. When he heard that I was for sure coming in the summer he urged me to try and align my visit with BYM so I could attend. Not only did that work out but John Fitzgerald and Jez ended up inviting us to blog for the event.

I am really looking forward to the opportunity to participate in the community life of European Quakers and anticipate loads of new experiences, tons of learning and I expect to make a some friends in the process!

About this blog

Bloggers at BYM
New at Britain Yearly Meeting this year will be the activities of three bloggers, who will be making live updates through the weekend. Alongside more traditional communications from Yearly Meeting, the blog will give a more personal perspective on what it’s like to be there.

John Fitzgerald of Quaker Communications, who is helping to set up the blog, said: “This should be a great way of expanding the experience of Yearly Meeting to reach those who can’t be there. We’ve recruited three well-known Quaker bloggers, and I’m looking forward to working with them at Yearly Meeting.”

Find out the latest news from Quakers in Britain:
www.quaker.org.uk/qn