A bumper bulletin for April leads with an analysis of ‘The common good in a time of global crisis’ by Professor Ian Linden who writes: “Prayers for a seriously ill Pope seem to have been answered. But will we hear his voice again, speaking from the heart, truth to power, at this critical time? It is so badly needed. For his words have often broken through the political gaslighting to illuminate truths that give hope, and could do so again. It says something when a Guardian editorial (17 March) describes Francis’ pontificate as making the Catholic Church “one of the west’s most combative defenders of the liberal democratic values”.

We have transcripts of two talks commemorating St Oscar Romero who was assassinated on 24 March 1980, one from Dr Gemma Simmonds CJ celebrating him as ‘a true pilgrim of hope’ and another from Cardinal Michael Fitzgerald who makes the link between Ramadan and our Lenten fast, the dates of which coincide this year, as he focuses on the theme of hope.

Regular contributor Jon Kuhrt asks: ‘Who are the positive male role models for teenage boys and young men?’ drawing on Sir Gareth Southgate’s recent BBC Dimbleby lecture (available on BBC iplayer) and the highly acclaimed Netflix drama Adolescence which can still be viewed on catch-up.

There is a comprehensive account by Chester World Development Forum member Ann McCarthy on a talk given by Dr Rebecca Collins, Senior Lecturer in Human Geography, University of Chester, – on ‘Current Trends and Challenges in the Global Fashion Industry’. I’ve linked this to a report I compiled on ‘Ethical shopping and the fast-growing rise of China’s online brands’ which featured in the August 2024 issue of the NW NJPN E Bulletin. I sent this my new MP in October last year and received his response earlier this month – included in the bulletin.

UK faith leaders have sent an open letter to the co-chairs of the Ministerial Child Poverty Taskforce, Bridget Philipson, Secretary of State for Education, and Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with an urgent call for the government to go further and be ‘bold and ambitious’ in its forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy.

Formed 8 years ago, the Balfour Project which focuses on advocacy for the Palestinian people has changed its name to the ‘Britain Palestine Project’ – details on p.13.

We have exciting schools’ news: after a long campaign the government has announced the launch of a new GCSE in Natural History and North West-based Loreto Grammar has enjoyed success in the Columban Schools’ Competition for the second year running (see p.14).

Wishing you all the blessings of the Easter season.

Anne O’Connor

NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin April 2025