NW NJPN E BULLETIN JULY 2023
The July issue of the NW NJPN E BULLETIN leads with a report of a new publication by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales’ in response to the government’s hard-line approach towards migrants and refugees. Love the Stranger invites us to recognise migrants and refugees as people and respect their basic human dignity. Looking through some old material I came across Thomas Merton’s Letter to a Young Activist written to peace activist Jim Forest in 1966. Extracts, peppered by Jim’s thoughts, are included here and make encouraging reading for us at times when we may lose heart. There’s topical news and items from across the region plus a full diary. Please read and pass on.
Enjoy the NJPN Conference later this month for those able to attend.
Mike Clarke: Rest in Peace.
In 2005 Mike became Treasurer of NJPN and since that time we have totally relied on his skill and expertise, as he steered NJPN through some difficult and challenging times. Mike inspired confidence in our ability to continue to maintain and strengthen the network, meeting financial challenges in a clear and calm manner. He did not waste words as he presented his financial reports. His approach was direct, on the lines of ‘this is what we spent, this is what we have left. Any questions?’ In my mind I have a clear picture of Mike during our many meetings at CAFOD, reclining at the back of the gathering, until called upon to present his financial reports. We knew with certainty that Mike had all the information at his fingertips and that NJPN was in very safe financial hands.
In meetings Mike would listen without comment to the thrust of discussion and then quietly produce the appropriate comment or strap line, one that no one else had considered, e.g., Conference 2023: Survival or shutdown.
Mike was much more than his role as NJPN Treasurer. He was wonderful company, and we were lucky to have been able to share time socially during our annual away days, relaxing with wine and nibbles, enjoying his humour and hearty laughter. Mike was in his element whenever he could engage in a good hymn singing session, his powerful voice resonating around the room.
NJPN wishes to express enormous gratitude to Mike as its long serving treasurer and for his longstanding commitment to issues of justice and peace. More importantly we wish to say thank you for so many years of friendship and support. We will certainly miss his towering presence and we offer Lauri and all his family our love and prayers.
Funeral arrangements for Mike:
Mike’s funeral will take place at 12.30 on Monday 10th July at St Edmund’s Church 115 Hertford Road, Edmonton, London, N9 7EN. There will then be a short service at Enfield Crematorium, followed by the reception in the Church Hall in Croyland Road.
The funeral service also be live streamed on YouTube St Edmunds RC Church Edmonton.
Sustainability ? Survival or Shutdown
Sustainability ? Survival or Shutdown
Spaces available for 45th Annual NJPN Conference, Hayes, Swanwick from Friday 21 – Sunday 23 July.
The subtitle Survival or Shutdown presents each of us with the reality of the current state of our planet, the major challenges we face and the informed choices we must all make so that those who come after us may experience the beauty of creation, living secure and sustainable lives.
Following Conferences 2021 and 2022, Conference 2023 aims to continue the process of journeying in hope as we try to discern a more sustainable path to the future for all Creation. Brian O’Toole, Presentation Order’s Justice Desk will be introducing the Sustainable Development Goals,
‘Adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests’.
Making links with Laudato Si and CST. Christine Allen, CAFOD, will be a keynote speaker on Saturday morning. There will also be a range of workshops and the Just Fair. (Look out for more details on each of the workshops)
On the Sunday morning we will gather the strands that have emerged over the weekend and begin the work of discerning emerging themes by listening, considering what shared actions could be taken individually and collectively, then producing and sharing a statement as a guide for all until the next conference in 2024.
Anne Peacey 29 May 2023
NW NJPN JUSTICE & PEACE E BULLETIN JUNE 2023
The June issue of the NW NJPN J&P E BULLETIN has a packed diary of summer events and in-depth articles on a wide range of topics including a stirring opinion piece by Fr Robin Gibbons who challenges the clergy to preach ‘green sermons’ (inspired by Laudato SI)’ to highlight that “the least are as important as the greatest, that all creation and life belong to us, that it is what we do to the least that shows the way of love.” As climate crisis deepens, Catholic writer and theologian Joseph Kelly warns that “humanity is finally having to confront a disturbing new climate reality.” We report on the first face-to-face meeting between Pope Francis and Ukraine’s President Zelensky since Russia invaded and started the war against his country and Professor Ian Linden looks at the impact of President Erdogan’s recent victory at the polls after fifteen years in power and asks is this the decline of democracy for Turkey? The campaigning group Forces Watch express concerns about the rise of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and what the outcome might be for the future.
Please pass on to others.
Best wishes
Anne O’Connor
NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin June 2023
NJPN E-Bulletin 4th June 2023
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The Father is God for you.
The Son is God with you.
The Holy Spirit is God in you.
Dear Friends,
Again, this will be a shorter e-bulletin, due to Conference work taking precedence. We now have less than seven weeks to go, and there is an awful lot of work to get through.
As you will see below, rather than precis the information in the articles I am sharing, I have just relied on hyperlinks. Normal service should hopefully be resumed in two weeks’ time.
As mentioned last time, if you HAVE NOT received a confirmation from me to say that you are booked into the Conference, please email or telephone me urgently as we believe that some booking forms may have gone astray. Also, if you are running a Workshop, or Just Fair stall and are planning on staying, I will also need a booking form from you.
The Conference planning side of things is taking shape and there will be plenty of information coming out over the next few weeks. Please see the section below for up to the minute things.
Don’t let cost stop you from coming if you really want to. Speak with us as there may be a partial bursary available.
All being well, the next edition will be out around the 18th June. Please bear that in mind when sending items that you want included.
God bless,
Sharon
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NJPN E-Bulletin 4th June 2023
Hello everyone
Summer has arrived with some good sunny weather – and Summer Mouthpeace!
Again there is a lot about our climate emergency and various ways people are trying to tackle this – in schools, in parishes, with other groups and local authorities.
There are zoom meetings to join and most are recorded so can be watched in your own time. Note: The Pax Christi member, Ann Wilson’s talk on June 6th about her time in the West Bank is not recorded. On the Israel/Palestine theme there is also things about Nabka this 75th Anniversary year.
There are also articles about ‘Women in Prisons’, Lancashire Churches Together partnership with the public sector and Hiroshima – the play ‘The Mistake ‘ and the book ‘Half life of Snails’
Wishing you a good summer,
Marian
NJPN E-Bulletin 22nd May 2023
‘Communicating in a cordial manner means that those who read or listen to us are led to welcome our participation in the joys, fears, hopes and suffering of the women and men of our time. Those who speak in this way love the other because they care and protect their freedom without violating it.’
Pope Francis for World Communications Day
Dear Friends,
This is a shorter e-bulletin than normal (although some of you will breathe a sigh of relief, I’m sure!)
It has been a busy couple of weeks, and the Conference bookings have taken longer than I thought they would. If you haven’t yet put your form and deposit in, please do so as soon as possible, as we are filling up fast. Don’t forget to email it to my address – ebulletin@justice-and-peace.org, or you can still post it into Eccleston House and it will find its way to me, albeit a bit slower than by email!
If you want to know more details of our Conference, see Ellen Teague’s article through the Columban Missionaries website. I particularly like Christine Allen’s (Director of CAFOD) words: – “I am delighted to be speaking at the Conference, which is an inspiring reminder of how people up and down the country are working tirelessly to secure a better future for our common home.”
Don’t forget, there may be help available if you would like to come but cannot afford it. This particularly applies to young people and students. Ask the question, and we will see what we can do.
The next e-bulletin should be out around the 4th June, so if you want anything shared, please make sure I have it by the 2nd June. Also, if you know of anyone with an interest in justice and peace issues, please share this e-bulletin with them. You never know, they may even want to subscribe themselves!
Wishing you a good fortnight,
Sharon
NJPN E-Bulletin 21st May 2023
Catholic Social Action Network on Environment: Investments as a force for good?
Catholic Social Action Network on Environment: Investments as a force for good?
https://Archdiocese_environment_network.eventbrite.com
Thursday 15th June, 6.30, ONLINE
Special network event focusing on how church funds are used in relation to the climate debate.
- Stephen Barrie, Deputy Chief Responsible Investment Officer at the Church of England Pensions Board
- Bokani Tshidzu, Bright Now Campaign Officer, Operation Noah
For information and registration go to: https://Archdiocese_environment_network.eventbrite.com
NJPN E-Bulletin 7th May 2023
‘Grant that I may be a blessing to all thy children, of every faith and belief, and together we may discover the ways of gentleness and be led into the paths of peace’
King Charles III during his Coronation on 6th May 2023
Dear Friends,
Today is the start of a new era as far as the monarchy is concerned. The big question is, will it change with the times and make itself more relevant! Our new King was gardening organically before it was even a ‘thing,’ and he has had a lifelong interest in the environment. This came across quite strongly in the words that Prince William spoke at the celebration of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee just under a year ago.
Although the King is not supposed to be political, and indeed I seem to remember that Liz Truss advised him against attending the last COP, but it is my fervent hope that he will break the mould and make a stand for the climate.
Our Action today is wrapped up with the Coronation – in The Big Help Out. Also, I know that there are many that are not fans of the Royal establishment, so there is also an article giving a more J & P take to the proceedings.
At present, our Administrator is away from work, and I am picking up emails and Conference bookings. If you have booked a place at the Conference in July, and have not yet received an acknowledgement, or have any concerns about your booking, please contact me directly on the E-bulletin email address: ebulletin@justice-and-peace.org.uk.
Also, please be advised that our Networking Day/AGM (details above) that was due to take place in London next weekend, 13th May, has now been changed to an online event. This is due to the threatened rail strikes on that day. If you want to take part, please send me an email and someone will forward a Zoom link.
All being well, the next e-bulletin will be produced for the 21st May. If you have anything you want shared, please send it to me by Friday the 19th. (please be aware that I will need a link to an article on your own website, and I cannot include PDF’s, but can use most other formats).
God bless,
Sharon
NJPN E-Bulletin 7th May 2023
NJPN Open Networking Day and AGM – 13th May 2023
Zoom Meeting
The next networking day and AGM will take place on Saturday 13 May 2023 from 10:45am – 4:00 pm
For further details and meeting link contact NJPN at
Email: ebulletin@justice-and-peace.org.uk
Tel:02079014864
Download the Poster here
The programme for the day can be downloaded by clicking here
