A packed NW NJPN E Bulletin for February has information on current campaigns and forthcoming events plus resources for Lent including an Ash Wednesday lament from Leeds-based Climate Change activist Revd Jon Swales.

Henrietta Cullinan provides eye-witness accounts gathered by Afghanistan Peace Project on the dangerous situation in Kabul facing many people, especially women, under the rule of the Taliban;  Amnesty International has issued a new report –  “Israel’s Apartheid against Palestinians”; Ian Linden looks back over the pivotal role played by  Durban’s Catholic Archbishop Denis Hurley  in the fight against apartheid; Social Justice Co-ordinator for Justice and Peace Scotland, Danny Sweeney reflects on the recent Edinburgh celebration for the beatification of Fr Rutilio Grande and companions, and US social justice activist Sr Joan Chittister documents Santa Fe’s Archbishop John Wester brave call for the abolition of all nuclear weapons.

Closer to home, anti-poverty campaigner Jack Monroe is setting up a price index to monitor supermarket costs for economy range staple goods; a new bill officially recognising British Sign Language is on the way to becoming law; the SVP say that the government’s long-awaited Levelling Up White Paper represents a missed opportunity to address the ingrained social and economic disparity across the UK and Church Action for Tax Justice are dismayed that the Economic Crime Bill has been dropped. The appointment of a new Archbishop for Glasgow is good news for Justice and Peace. Bishop Willian Nolan shares Pope Francis’ concerns for the plight of migrants, protection of the planet and opposition to the arms trade.

There is still (just!) time for young people to enter the Columban’s media competition before the closing date of 11 February. Recent years have showcased some outstanding original thought from the winners.

Finally, it’s hard to keep up with the latest developments in UK politics following the publication of Sue Gray’s ‘partygate’ report – information was current at the time of mailing this bulletin – but Boris Johnson’s premiership looks to be increasingly under pressure.

Please read and pass on to others.

Best wishes

Anne O’Connor

NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin February 2022