Hi Matt, good to meet you!
May I ask what it is about the Quakers that make them so attractive to you? I have considered going to Quaker meetings myself in the past but it's never quite happened for one reason or another. What sort of mix of atheists and believers is there at a typical Quaker meeting? Does the subject of God even come up? You say "although I am an atheist..." Do you find atheism conflicts with Quakerism in any way?
Congratulations on your principled vegan position. Can I ask what drew you to the conclusion that this is the most morally appropriate choice? I used to be vegetarian for several years but the data on vegetable food miles versus, say, local animal welfare was difficult to turn into a moral hierarchy. Not to mention the problem that in Wales at least, huge tracts of hillside land are much more suitable for sheep farming than any other rural activity. I found it difficult to rate a lettuce from Tesco as more environmentally right-on than a steak from my farming neighbour. I'm interested in how you thought through this. In my experience, those vegetarians and vegans who simply emotionally abhorred the idea of farming animals because of the welfare aspect find it easier to hold their position than those of us who were more interested in the sustainability of food production as a whole.
I really happy to hear you're reflecting strongly on your parenting role. I'm not a parent, but I envy those who are. Given the psychological harm many of us (most of us?) experienced in our childhoods and still continue to struggle with today, it's clear what a tremendously important and powerful position you hold in your daughter's life. I wish you all gentle kindness in your very difficult and tricky task!
Welcome again - looking forward to getting to know you!
~Tess.