'Act justly, Love tenderly, walk humbly with your God'
Micah 6.8
All posts by Stephen Cooke
NW NJPN E Bulletin July 2025
In the July issue of the NW NJPN E Bulletin we pay tribute to Ann Gill, former Fieldworker for Shrewsbury Diocese Justice and Peace Commission and dedicated peace campaigner. Ann’s requiem Mass was on the fourth of July – doubtless Ann would have had plenty to say about the current state of the USA. A challenging opinion piece from a US Deacon makes the connection between “cheap” patriotism and “costly” patriotism, inspired by Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s distinction between “cheap” and “costly” grace in what he called “the cost of discipleship.” Catholic Bishops in the US, joined by leading faith leaders, have spoken out against President’s Trump’s “big, beautiful bill”and
Ian Linden looks at what he calls “Trump’s selective memory” re Iran and other issues.
We also welcome the appointment of Liam Purcell, previously Communications Officer for Church Action on Poverty, to the role of Chief Executive following the retirement of Niall Cooper who worked tirelessly in support of the poor and disadvantaged in the UK for the past 28 years.
Other items featured the ongoing conflict in Gaza with a stirring poem from Michael Rosen, the work of the Child Rights International Network raise the age of military enlistment in the UK armed forces from 16 to 18, led by the late David Gee who featured prominently in the June issue, as well as a report from Steve Hucklesby for The Joint Public Issues Team challenging the proposed introduction of a new range of tactical nuclear weapons for the UK andSajid Javid and Jon Cruddas announce a new cross-party Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion to help build a peaceful, diverse UK focusing on what unites rather than what divides.
Ellen Teague gives news of the Climate Lobby of Parliament next Wednesday organised by The Climate Coalition with additional information from Chris Myers, Environmental Lead, Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle Justice and Peace Co-ordinating Council.
And some good news: the Vatican made a historic announcement: the introduction of a new Mass “For the Care of Creation” into the Roman Missal. This marks the first time the Church formally includes a liturgical prayer focused on creation as part of its public worship — a clear sign that caring for our common home is not merely an environmental issue, but a deeply moral and faith-centered calling.
Attached to this mailing is a leaflet produced recently by our parish CAFOD/Justice and Peace Group at St Vincent’s, Altrincham (adapted here for wider use) on Catholic Social Teaching and the Jubilee Year of Hope. Feel free to download and circulate.
The June edition of the NW NJPN E Bulletin pays tribute to two gifted thinkers who made a difference to the world around them. David Gee, UK peace activist and writer died with courage and grace aged only 52, his final blog shining light, hope and love in the midst of all that often seems hope-less. Extracts from some of David’s blogs are included – do follow the links for further reading. US theologian Walter Brueggemann was an inspirational writer and speaker. You can read the text of a talk from 2018 which is startingly relevant today – a long read but so rich in content that it was difficult to cut anything.
Professor Ian Linden looks at the current situation in Gaza and asks: “Is the tide turning in Israel?” He suggests that World opinion about Israel is changing with support for Benjamin Netanyahu waning: (recent) “protests may signal the beginning of the end to the intolerable suffering in Gaza.”
Ellen Teague reports on Pax Christi’s AGM last Saturday on the theme ‘Prophets for Peace in a Changing World’ with guest speaker Oliver McTernan whose talk focused largely on the Gaza conflict. Several participants asked: “Why don’t all Catholic parishes have a Pax Christi Group?” Indeed, and we could also ask: “Why don’t all Catholic parishes have a Justice and Peace Group?”
To mark the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, students from the Jesuit-run Universities of Manchester Catholic Chaplaincy have folded one thousand origami cranes in a powerful gesture of peace and solidarity (photo on page 12). Do visit if you can.
In an expression of welcome and unity, St Patrick’s Church in Coventry recently held an LGBTQ+ Vigil Welcome Mass, inviting all – especially members of the LGBTQ+ community and their families – to come together in worship. Organized by the Coventry Deanery LGBTQ+ group and Parish Priest Fr George Bennett, this gathering embodied the spirit of Christ’s message of compassionate love and acceptance. Read the report on page 13.
We have a stirring homily from Pope Leo to mark Pentecost Sunday on pages 14-15 and a packed diary of regional and national events on the final pages.
This month’s bulletin ends with the sad news just in that Ann Gill, who will be known to many readers, has died. Ann worked tirelessly for Justice and Peace for many years and was a former J&P Worker for Shrewsbury Diocese with a strong commitment to Pax Christi. Please send me any memories of Ann to be included in the next bulletin to go alongside a full tribute. May she rest in peace.
I completed this last night and put on the news to see the distressing scenes from Liverpool. How sad when people were just trying to enjoy themselves. John’s poem Why? ( page 9) is how we so often feel with the news.
I am sending this out in good time as there are positive things going on..some near the beginning of June – the Laudato Si’ Celebration webinar and Pax Christi AGM both online. Also information about the Mass Lobby in Westminster in July and a reminder about the Conference at Swanwick.
The Jubilee Open doors events are continuing and you can catch up on the last in May. There are various CAFOD activities including their encouragement to all of us to take the Drop the Debt into our parishes this summer.
Enjoy your Summer – while welcoming the rain I hope we have not seen the end of the summer sunshine already.
Videos from our 10th May meeting “Opening Doors to a Sustainable World for Future Generations”
Videos from our 10th May meeting “Opening Doors to a Sustainable World for Future Generations” are now available below and on YouTube,
The first input was “Experience of a Live Simply Parish” by Mary and Peter Johnson from Lexden Parish of the Brentwood Diocese and the Southern Dioceses Environment Network
This was followed by Mary Finnerty, Lead Economist at CAFOD and Andrea Speranza, Campaigns Manager at CAFOD, talking about “tackling the debt and climate crises in the Jubilee Year”
The next input saw James Buchanan from Laudato Si Movement and Bokani Tshidzu from Operation Noah with an input on “Greening Church Investments: Fossil fuel divestment and investment in climate solutions” with a special guest input from Bishop Gerardo Alimane Alminaza of San Carlos in The Philippines.
Bishop Gerardo Alimane Alminaza’s full input can be seen below
The speakers from the earlier sessions then took part in a panel question and answer session
The afternoon session saw Shanon Shah, Director of Faith for the Climate, delivering an input on “Honouring Our Covenants of Care for Creation” featuring extracts from Laudato Si, Laudato Deum, and Al Mizan: A Covenant with the Earth.
The day finished with an opportunity for personal reflection and a visioning plenary session.
The May issue of the NJPN NW E BULLETIN pays tribute to Pope Francis, giving thanks for his life and leadership. It’s clear he touched the hearts of many, not just within the Catholic Church but to people of other faiths and none. The election of Pope Leo was a surprise to many but his focus on peace and building bridges offers the hope we so desperately need in these turbulent times. There can so much bad news in the media but this issue focuses on the positive and offers a heart-warming article from regular contributor Jon Kuhrt plus a report of a social enterprise initiative that charity provides a second chances to women in UK prisons through horticultural training. We remember Frank Regan who was well-known to many in the J&P network and a regular attendee at the annual NJPN Conference. We have a packed diary of events across the region.
Frank Regan RIP (see pages 9-11 of the May NW NJPN E Bulletin)
Frank was known to many in J&P circles and was a regular attendee at the NJPN National Conference.
Frank’s widow Tirke has requested that friends consider making a donation in memory of Frank to the St Francis Leprosy Guild
I began this e-bulletin yesterday, and was wishing everyone a happy and blessed Easter, and prayers for the forthcoming week. Today, though, we have received the very sad news of the passing of our Pope, Francis. A true man of the people, living out the Gospel and themes of Catholic Social Teaching.
As we are coming up to the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’, and the fact that we are in the Jubilee Year of Hope, it seems all the more poignant that he will no longer be here to guide us. Not just us as Catholics, but the world as a whole, has lost a great shepherd.
We pray for his soul, and we also pray for the church that we may be led by someone with the humility of Pope Francis, who cares for those on the margins and listens to the cry of the Earth.
We want to share with you some upcoming actions and events themed around the Environment, especially as we are coming up to the 10th Anniversary of Laudato Si’.
The poster above is our own in-person Networking Day at CAFOD,
Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JB, which takes place on Saturday 10th May, from 10.15am until 4pm.
The NJPN Environment Group have organised this, and they have a
great day planned – including experience of being in a Live Simply
parish; Tackling Debt and the Climate Crisis in the Jubilee Year;
Greening Church Investments: fossil fuel divestment and investment in climate solutions; and Honouring our Covenants for Care of Creation.
There will also be a couple of special guests, Bishop Gerardo Alimane Alminaza of San Carlos in the Philippines (who has played a key role in the implementation of Laudato Si’ in the Philippines) and Avril De Torres (Deputy Executive Director of CEED Philippines).
We are asking that you register to attend this Networking Day by
emailing me on admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk as we are limited to a certain number. Also, refreshments will be provided, but you will need to bring your own packed lunch.
NJPN has heard the news of the death of Pope Francis with great sadness. To the end, he showed his great wish to be close to his brothers and sisters around the world at this blessed season of Easter and now he passes to his eternal reward.
Over time as we reflect on his years as a devoted shepherd there will be much to say but for the moment, we remember his call for dialogue, his deep love and respect for all people and for our common home. His constant message that we work for peace and justice will stay with us and provide a clear vision for all who seek a better world.
Opening Doors to a Sustainable World for Future Generations
‘Opening Doors to a Sustainable World for Future Generations’
Saturday 10 May CAFOD, Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7JB, 10.15am until 4pm.
You are all warmly invited to the third in our series of events for this Jubilee Year of Hope
The day will be facilitated by the NJPN Environment Group and will include experience of being in a Live Simply parish; Tackling Debt and the Climate Crisis in the Jubilee Year; Greening Church Investments: fossil fuel divestment and investment in climate solutions; and Honouring our Covenants for Care of Creation.
There will also be a couple of special guests, Bishop Gerardo Alimane Alminaza of San Carlos in the Philippines (who has played a key role in the implementation of Laudato Si’ in the Philippines) and Avril De Torres (Deputy Executive Director of CEED Philippines).
We are asking that you register to attend this Networking Day by emailing Sharon at admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk as we are limited to a certain number.
Tea and coffee will be provided, please bring your own lunch.
