NW NJPN E Bulletin for January 2026
As 2025 draws to a close, the NW NJPN E Bulletin for January 2026 reflects on the story of the Holy Family in the light of today’s world in which so many people are forced to flee. Yuliia left her homeland in Ukraine in search of a safer life in Wales for her family. She shares the impact of being a displaced person and says: “even here in Wales, I feel the atmosphere changing. I hear it in conversations. I see it online. Far-right narratives are growing louder, and compassion is slowly being pushed aside by fear and hate.” One of the key take-aways of 2025 for me has been the alarming rise of ‘nationalism’ and with it a backlash against newcomers. In my home town a local hotel has been allocated to asylum seekers, mostly young men, resulting in an unpleasant atmosphere of protests and Union Jack flags displayed on surrounding lamp posts.
Also included in this bulletin are resources for Peace Sunday, a reminder for entries in the Columbans’ Schools Media competition and an update on a number of unsettling developments on the West Bank that have received little attention in the mainstream media. Ian Linden compares this year’s Reith lectures from Rutger Bregman, the Dutch historian and author to a 2012 lecture by Scottish Catholic philosopher of ethics, Alasdair MacIntyre – who died in May this year – and favours MacIntyre‘s radical vison of how the common good, the personal the social and the economic, might be considered and acted on.
There are two ‘blessing’ poems from Jan Richardson whose spiritual writings formed much of this year’s Pray and Reflect Advent material in my parish (and online via NJPN) which took as its theme Walking the Way of Hope.
Wishing all our readers every blessing for the New Year as we pray for peace, tolerance and compassion for all.
Anne O’Connor
NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin January 2026
NW NJPN E Bulletin December 2025
The December issue of the NW NJPN E Bulletin features a wealth of resources for Advent and Peace Sunday plus current news including a response from Caritas Salford and the SVP welcoming the lifting of the two-child benefit cap in Wednesday’s Budget. Regular contributor Ian Linden examines The Pope & the Lords of Silicon Valley and Cameron Bellm offers a Contemplative Guide to praying the news – 10 Steps for engaging prayerfully and prophetically with our times. Local schools across the region are featured plus diary dates taking us into the New Year.
Wishing all our readers all the blessings of the Advent and Christmas seasons.
Please read and pass on to others.
Anne O’Connor
NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin December 2025
Winter Mouthpeace 2025-2026
Last week’s weather prompted me to get this out in good time as it seems as if we are starting Advent early this year.
I wanted to give you reasonable notice of the NJPN/ Pax Christi webinar next Monday evening ( Dec 1st)
Also a selection of suggestions for Advent reading, prayer and reflection.
In the New Year there is a greater focus on peace with Peace Sunday in January. Pax Christi in their latest news bulletin have made some useful suggestions to help a parish prepare for this day,.
Thank you to Sue Gubric as usual for all the contributions she gets from various groups in the Lancaster Diocese. This allows her to spread Mouthpeace far and wide in keeping with the more ecumenical approach we are having now.
Enjoy reading
Best wishes for a happy, peaceful Christimas and an interesting 2026.
Marian
Grant and Major Donor Fundraising Manager at WCCM
Grant and Major Donor Fundraising Manager
Permanent Position /One year contract, renewable – 28 hours per week
Based London EC1
Reports to Executive Director
Salary £40,000 pro-rata (£32,000 for 0.8)
WCCM seeks to appoint an experienced, creative, and highly motivated Grant and Major Donor Fundraising Manager to lead fundraising and grant management across a global organisation dedicated to the teaching of Christian Meditation. Working to the Executive Director, you will interact with our decentralised finance, marketing and communications staff and volunteers. Together, you will nurture Major Donor relationships and create and manage appropriate donor stewardship schemes and rationalise our income streams. You’ll ensure grant reporting and management is kept on track whilst developing targeted proposals for new funding from sympathetic donors in the arena of Trusts and foundations. You will work to support both our teaching and resourcing of meditation and the running of our retreat centre in Bonnevaux, near Poitiers in France. An excellent writer with excellent financial and budgeting skills, you will be adept at pulling together relevant, succinct and compelling information for our donor reports and bids. You’ll work with communications staff to develop impactful donor communications which enhance our accountability and inspire renewed major donations. You will have a demonstrable track record in winning grants as well as in the stewardship of major donors. Occasional trips to France. Interest in Christian Meditation/Spirituality an advantage.
Interviews: early December 2025
Email: donal.guerin@wccm.org for full Job Description, Person Spec and details of how to apply.
Closing Date: 20 November 2025
Grant and MD fundraising Manager – job blurb
Christ Among the Ruins Finding Light in Gaza’s Darkness
Christ Among the Ruins Finding Light in Gaza’s Darkness
National Justice & Peace Network & Pax Christi England and Wales
December 1st at 7.30pm
A live webinar and conversation of faith, witness, and action
As the people of Gaza face unimaginable suffering amid ongoing bombardment, displacement, and humanitarian crisis — and as Israeli and Jewish communities worldwide grieve, fear, and struggle with the weight of violence and loss — we gather to seek Christ’s light among the ruins.
This webinar invites participants to reflect on how the Church understands and responds to this unfolding tragedy: where we find Christ in the midst of devastation, and how we can bear faithful witness to peace, justice, and compassion in a world so deeply divided.
Together, we will listen to diverse voices — including perspectives from Activists both Christians & Jewish – Peace Advocates, and Church Leaders — to explore how followers of Christ can pray, speak, and act with integrity. We will also consider practical steps for advocacy, including how to engage elected representatives and support those most affected by the conflict.
You are warmly invited to join this conversation, to share your own thoughts and experiences, and to discern together what it means to be people of light in a time of darkness and to take an action for Advent afterwards.
🕯️ A recording of the session will be made available afterward for those unable to attend live.
The Zoom Link to attend this Webinar will be sent to you closer to the event itself.
Thank you for registering.
The NJPN and Pax Christi Executives.
(National Justice and Peace Network & Pax Christi England and Wales)
See Poster Attached
You can register HERE or by downloading the poster and clicking the link on the poster.
To download the poster click here
NW NJPN E BULLETIN NOVEMBER 2025
The November issue of the NW NJPN E BULLETIN focuses on the forthcoming COP30 in Brazil and the genocide in Sudan with articles and prayers for both. Priest and prophetic theologian Rev’d Jon Swales challenges us with a poem for climate justice and Seattle-based writer Cameron Bellm offers a powerful reflection on violence and hope following the recent assassination of American political activist Charlie Kirk. Johnny Zokovitch, the former executive director of Pax Christi USA, has written a personal reflection on ‘Naming our Fears and Surviving Together’ based on his experience on a Pax Christi retreat. Regular contributor Ian Linden looks at Pope Leo’s recent Apostolic Exhortation on the Love of the Poor, Dilexi Te, and wonders how many parishes or dioceses will promote this document. Is Catholic Social Teaching still the church’s ‘best kept secret’? You might consider joining the webinar on Dilexi Te with expert speakers or perhaps promoting it in your parish bulletin – see page 12. We also print the text of Professor Linden’s Middlesbrough J & P Commission Storey Lecture given on 8 May this year on the theme Option for the Poor: Foundations & Spirituality.
The Catholic and Church of England Bishops of Portsmouth have released a joint statement following reports of intimidation, blaming and scapegoating of asylum seekers and refugees urging compassion and a humane way forward.
There are also links to some Advent resources – for this year I’ve produced a booklet (one page of A4 folded) with readings, reflections and prayers for each of the four weeks on the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love plus a choice of 2 leaflets of services on these themes for parish use. Please feel free to use as you wish but do include any acknowledgements for the authors as indicated in the text. You can download these resources from NJPN here:
REFLECTIONS FOR ADVENT HOPE PEACE JOY LOVE https://www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/resources/7447/attachment/reflections-for-advent-hope-peace-joy-love/
SERVICE FOR ADVENT HOPE PEACE JOY LOVE https://www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/resources/7447/attachment/service-for-advent-hope-peace-joy-love/
and an alternative SERVICE FOR ADVENT HOPE PEACE JOY LOVE [2] https://www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/resources/7447/attachment/service-for-advent-hope-peace-joy-love-2/ which includes some lovely Advent Wreath Prayers by Rev Lisa Degrenia
All this in a very packed bulletin, plus news updates from Church Action on Poverty, Pax Christ and CAFOD and details of the Columbans Schools Competition.
Please read and pass on to others
Best wishes
Anne O’Connor
NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin November 2025
Resources for Advent 2025
Anne O’Connor has produced a wonderful set of resources for use during Advent 2025
1. A reflection booklet for the four weeks of Advent on the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love
REFLECTIONS FOR ADVENT HOPE PEACE JOY LOVE
2. A service of prayer and reflection on these themes
SERVICE FOR ADVENT HOPE PEACE JOY LOVE
3. An alternative service on these themes using different reflections and prayers and including Advent Wreath prayers
SERVICE FOR ADVENT HOPE PEACE JOY LOVE [2]
Please do use and share with anyone you think may be interested.
Summary of the Conference Roundup Meeting on Oct 30th 2025
The meeting was attended by up to 25 participants.
Summary
NJPN Post-Conference Discussion Planning
The meeting focused on planning a post-conference discussion for NJPN. Brian presented a PowerPoint outline for the evening’s event, which included reflections on the recent conference, a review of the conference program, and plans for breakout discussions. Anne Peacey agreed to give a brief introduction and lead a prayer of commitment. The group discussed logistics for the recording of the meeting and the potential use of AI tools for transcription. They noted that some attendees were absent, including Andrew Jackson and Olive Powell, but expected a good turnout nonetheless. The conversation ended with Anne Peacey handing over to Brian to facilitate the rest of the evening’s activities.
Building Just Peace Globally
The conference focused on promoting a just peace that goes beyond the absence of war, emphasising justice, dignity, and inclusion for all. Participants explored how to build a just peace globally, nationally, and personally, with workshops, discussions, and optional activities. The conference statement highlighted the importance of love, collective action, and a commitment to the common good, while rejecting systems that dehumanise and divide. Keynote speakers and participants shared insights on peace, security, and activism, with a particular focus on the situation in Gaza and the need for a different approach to conflict resolution.
Just Peace Conference Reflections
The meeting focused on reflecting on the recent Just Peace Conference, discussing its structure, workshops, and key moments. Participants shared their experiences and highlighted the informal nature of the Just Fair event, which provided an opportunity to network and engage with various contributors. The group also reviewed the conference’s workshops, which were carefully selected to align with the theme and offer valuable insights. The conversation ended with plans to break into smaller groups to discuss what gave hope at the conference and to brainstorm suggestions for the National Justice and Peace Network Conference in 2026.
Conference Feedback and Diversity Initiatives
The meeting focused on feedback from conference attendees, with Sharon highlighting the need for better car-sharing coordination and suggesting additional activities like a film screening alongside the Céilí event. Anne Peacey’s group emphasised the positive impact of diverse attendees, including young women from Westminster Diocese, and discussed the importance of open conversations and cultural diversity at future conferences. The group also suggested having a bookstall, providing toolkits, and involving young priests from minority groups in the liturgy.
Conference Impact and Future Planning
The group discussed the recent conference, highlighting its positive impact and the diverse range of attendees. They emphasised the importance of keeping costs reasonable and seeking external funding to support participation from all age groups, including young people and those on low incomes. There was also the suggestion that those who could might offer to pay a little more to offset the costs for younger participants. The conference’s success was attributed to various factors, including engaging workshops, a sense of community, and the involvement of people from different backgrounds. Suggestions were made to increase appreciation for the organisers, involve more young people in running activities, and maintain the provision for children and teenagers.
Conference Success and Future Planning
The meeting focused on the success of the recent conference, which exceeded attendance expectations and was well-received by both returning and new attendees. Kevin highlighted the need to reassess NJPN’s future direction and resourcing in light of changing church and societal landscapes, while also acknowledging the positive impact of CSAN on addressing previously flagged issues. The light-hearted start to the conference was well received and we should think that this might be the way forward. We need not always rely on the well-known names to be the draw. The group discussed the importance of reaching younger people and enhancing training in Catholic social teaching. Anne Wilkinson’s group explored ways to make the conference more inclusive and engaging, suggesting alternative workshop formats (Craftivism) and the importance of reflection time. The conversation ended with a review of upcoming events and initiatives for 2026, including a focus on the Holy Land, standing up to racism, and intercultural food events whilst encouraging greater and closer participation and cooperation by our Grassroots members.
Other Suggestions
- How to reach the young and others at the margins – this is important.
- What about offering some more / renewed training on CST.
- The balance of free time and value for money must be explored but there was general appreciation for the ability to draw breath on the Saturday afternoon.
- We are reminded that there must be sufficient provision for Children and teenagers as there are many who are now attending that have at one stage attended as a child / teenager.
- The Justice and Peace Mass rocks!
- What of young people offering their own workshops.
- What of a bookstall? Is there a way of encouraging other sponsors to help to fund the attendance by young people.
- Other activities similar to the films would be well received as they were this year.
The meeting finished with thanks to all for their kind attendance.
Shine the Light: NJPN and the Year Ahead
The National Justice and Peace Network is committed to walking together in faith, action, and hope. At our recent ‘Away Days’ we reflected on the journey so far and looked ahead with renewed determination, reminded of the strength and importance of Catholic Social Teaching.
Last year we embraced the theme of ‘Opening Doors’ inspired by the Jubilee image of welcome and renewal. In the year ahead we invite you to ‘Shine the Light’. Doors opened in faith must not be allowed to close; they are thresholds through which hope can radiate and justice, peace, and integrity of creation (JPIC) can shine.
NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin October 2025
In the October 2025 edition of the NW NJPN E BULLETIN Brian Brivati, Executive Director, Britain Palestine Project, writing in a personal capacity, shares his reflections on the Trump Plan for peace between Israel and Palestine as he gives an excellent critique of the proposed agreement. Pax Christi Chaplain Sr Katrina Alton notes that, as President Trump stood beside Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to announce a 20-point plan to “end” the war in Gaza, there were no Palestinians in the room. She asks will this be “peace on the terms of the powerful – a peace that leaves occupation intact and the oppressed voiceless?” Christian Aid’s Head of Middle East Policy & Advocacy, William Bell says: “a sustainable peace (must) secure justice, dignity and prosperity for all (with) Palestinians and Israelis treated as equals.”
The Manchester Synagogue attack last week has been condemned by Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders with a renewed plea for peace and religious tolerance. A statement from NJPN calls for “deep listening and respectful dialogue. We must continue to strive for a just and equitable world where the common humanity of all people is valued.”
We have poster information promoting the up-coming Sabeel-Kairos UK Advocacy Tour with events in the North West on 15 and 18 October, facilitated by two expert speakers, and exciting news that The University of Liverpool has been awarded ‘University of Sanctuary’ status and has also officially launched its new Refugee Hub.
Ian Linden looks at the life and impact of Charlie Kirk, assassinated at a rally last month, whose dynamic speeches on college campuses and via social media platforms have attracted many young people. Referring to the rise of right-wing extremism and Christian nationalism, Professor Linden says: “Kirk added to the smog that swirls through the politics of the USA today.”
The Bishop of London and Chair of Christian Aid, Bishop Sarah Mullally has been chosen as the first woman to become Archbishop of Canterbury. Cardinal Vincent Nichols was among church leaders who offered warm congratulations on this ground-breaking appointment. He said: “together we will be responsive to the prayer of Jesus that we ‘may all be one’ (John 17:21) and seek to develop bonds of friendship and shared mission between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church.”
There are reports from Brian O’Toole about the recent NJPN webinar on Child Poverty in the UK and from Ellen Teague on the Laudato Si’ Movement’s ‘Raising Hope for Climate Justice’ Conference in Italy this week where Pope Leo affirmed his commitment to climate justice. Tim Root from Friends of the Earth suggests forming a ‘Climate Coalition’ to maximise campaigning success and we pay tribute to conservationist and animal behaviour expert Dr Jane Goodall who has died at the age of 91.
There are details of the 2026 Columbans’ Schools Competition on the theme ‘Becoming a refugee is never a choice. But how we respond is.’
All this, plus events for your diary including Church Action on Poverty Sunday on 19 October and their AGM by Zoom on 19 November.
Please read and pass on to others.
Anne O’Connor
NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin October 2025
