The September issue of the NW NJPN E BULLETIN leads with NJPN’s July 2026 Conference on the theme ‘Just Talk’. The opening session posed the question, ‘What breaks your heart in the world today?’ There was no shortage of answers but sometimes it can be difficult to start a conversation, especially where views are radically different. Speakers shared stories of how looking at what we have in common, rather than focusing on what separates us, can be the way forward to meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding. Do use the links to the Conference videos on page 4 to revisit the talks or watch anew if you weren’t able to attend.

One of the Conference speakers, Billy Vaughan who works on political advocacy for Quakers in Britain explains why protest is part of dialogue on page 6 and another speaker, Liz Archibald, shares her involvement as part of an Interfaith group in the North East who hold a monthly prayer vigil outside the Derwentside Immigration Removal Centre. You can find her account on page 6 and a selection of the prayers and readings used on pages 7-8.

Six Catholic Priests representing the group Priests Against Genocide UK and Ireland – which includes three Cardinals, 28 Bishops and more than 2,500 Catholic priests and deacons in 67 countries – has sent an open letter to Prime Minister Andy Burnham urging his government to take decisive action on Palestine (see pages 9-10)

Reflecting on the death of British academic Jason Arday, The Rt Revd Dr Rosemarie Mallett, Anglican Bishop of Croydon and Acting Bishop of Southwark calls for compassion for those who struggle with oppression, with prejudice or mental health. You can read her heartfelt response as a Christian leader and a person of colour on page 11.

Pages 12-13 provide a round-up of special days and weeks throughout the Autumn: Season of Creation; World Week of prayer for Peace in Palestine and Israel; Fairtrade Fortnight; CAFOD Harvest Fast Day; Homelessness Sunday; Church Action on Poverty Sunday and Remembrance Sunday (see pages 12-13)

Regular contributor Heather Kiernan reports “[this week] the UN has harshly criticised Israel’s threat to evacuate people from areas where kites, drones and balloons are launched in Gaza, lamenting “unacceptable rhetoric” coming from Israeli leaders. Kites are being launched from Gaza by children searching for their innocent childhood amid the rubble. It is not about the kite; it is about the sense of freedom, flight and hope.” Heather shares a poem The Kite has no Passport by her friend Vijay Prasad (see page 13)

For those in the North West, there’s some stunning art on display at the Imperial War Museum North at Salford quays – a great day out opposite the Lowry Theatre and Lowry Art Gallery dedicated to Manchester’s most famous artist. The iconic cascading Poppies sculpture created in 2014 to mark the First World War centenary with a ceramic poppy commemorating the lives lost (see page 14 for details).

Please read and pass on.

Anne O’Connor

NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin September 2026