A disowned Quaker prophet’s legacy explored in film and historical reflection

Benjamin Lay, a 18th-century Quaker prophet known for his radical stance against slavery, is remembered in the conference rooms of Friends House in Euston. These rooms, once named after him, reflect his enduring influence within the Religious Society of Friends. Lay, born in England in 1682, was a sailor who used his small stature to navigate ship rigging, offering him a unique vantage point on the world. His experiences in Barbados, where he witnessed the brutal realities of chattel slavery, profoundly shaped his convictions.

Lay became one of the earliest abolitionists, advocating for the complete eradication of human enslavement. His uncompromising stance led to significant discomfort among some Quakers, particularly those profiting from the transatlantic slave trade. His methods, including dramatic disruptions of Quaker meetings, were met with strong opposition. One of his most infamous acts involved enacting a stabbing of a Bible filled with blood-colored pokeberry juice, symbolizing the violence of slavery.

This act of protest resulted in Lay being disowned by four Quaker meetings—two in England and two in Pennsylvania. The disownment was a severe measure, reflecting the gravity of his challenges to Quaker complicity in the slave trade. Despite this, Lay’s legacy continues to resonate within the Quaker community. Abington Monthly Meeting in Pennsylvania has taken steps to acknowledge and mitigate their past disownment of Lay in 1738, demonstrating a commitment to historical accountability.

A recent film, *Becoming Benjamin Lay*, explores the making of a play titled *The Return of Benjamin Lay*. The film includes extracts from the play and features insights from the historian and playwright Marcus Rediker, as well as the director and actor Mark Povinelli, who himself is a person of small stature. The film also highlights the involvement of the Little People of America in a performance at a conference, underscoring the intersection of disability and social justice.

The film was well-received, though some suggested the addition of subtitles to enhance accessibility. It touches on a range of Quaker concerns, including disability, equality, truth, and reparation. Quaker area meetings can invite the Reparation Working Group to speak, as part of ongoing efforts to address historical injustices. The Working Group emphasizes the relevance of reparation for chattel slavery, even though it occurred centuries ago, and encourages a focus on present-day implications.

Lay’s life and work serve as a reminder of the Quaker commitment to truth and justice, echoing Micah 6:8, which calls for action rooted in mercy, justice, and humility. His story continues to inspire Quakers to confront uncomfortable truths and seek reconciliation.

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