*Meeting for Sufferings Appeal Review Group final report*

QF&P provides for an process of appeal to MfS with respect to
decisions of an Area Meeting and disputes between Area Meeting.
Experience with this process has been less than wholly positive, and
MfS commissioned a review.  The review group reported with
recommendations for a narrowed and simplified process, including a
preference for a "conflict transformation" approach (as opposed to
"conflict resolution") and an explicit place for mediation before
things get to Sufferings.

MfS approved these recommendations, and specific changes to QF&P will
be forthcoming.

In this context Friends are reminded that Quaker Life can provide help
and guidance to Meetings which are taken by surprise/taken aback by
apparently irresolvable internal conflict.

We were also reminded that difficulties around Membership often arise
from "lack of familiarity with Quaker ... processes" and that
accordingly care for a Ministry of Teaching in our meetings is
necessary to help promote this familiarity.