Bruce Kent: A tribute from NJPN
A familiar face at NJPN conferences, Bruce was honest, challenging and encouraging, proactive rather than reactive, offering solutions to problems and not simply complaining about them.
A modern prophet, he also foresaw a shift to Synodality in the way of being Church. Years ago, he predicted that:
“We are going to become more of a team church and a less priestly one. Bishops are going to have to listen more than they speak and much more before they issue instructions. . A ‘justice and peace’ Church? I certainly hope so…. The life of the Church is what goes on at the grassroots of parishes rather than the great halls of state.”
And, like all prophets, he suffered for his beliefs and activism, sacrificing his clerical status to become a ‘priest without a collar.’
He understood that all justice issues are interconnected. Although his own focus was largely on ending war and building a culture of peace, he knew the other issues were just as valid and wanted people to be fully engaged with one or any of them. He considered them all to be his partners and he was the enemy of apathy and indifference.
Bruce was in it for the long haul – and there are not many hauls as long as the one this nonagenarian undertook! “I’m for tortoises rather than hares,” he once said, and was conscious of being only one in a long line of tortoises that extended before and beyond him.
He made a difference, and for so many of us he was the difference, inspiring us not only by words but by his faith, wisdom, resilience, and commitment.
Bruce Kent: May he Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory
Today we heard the sad news of the death of Bruce Kent, a wonderful and committed campaigner for peace and non-violent action over so many years. Some years ago, Bruce contributed to the ‘Speaking Personally’ column in the NJPN newsletter and I offer the link to his article as a tribute to a great advocate for justice and peace. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
https://www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/speaking-personally/speaking-personally-bruce-kent/
The photograph shows Bruce meeting with two young J&P activists when they attended the 40th anniversary celebrations of NJPN in May 2018. Following the event, they were inspired to return to their diocese and arrange a J&P day for secondary school students.
photo: Anne Peacey
NJPN E-Bulletin 18 January 2021
Peace is a great and precious value, the object of our hope and the aspiration of the entire human family.
Pope Francis (for World Day of Peace 2020)
A message from our Editor
Maybe this extra time that many of us have on our hands can be used to get involved virtually with one of the many events/campaigns that we advertise.
The next bulletin will be out in two weeks’ time, and don’t forget, if you have something you particularly want shared, send it to ebulletin@justice-and-peace.org.uk
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NJPN E-Bulletin 18 January 21
NJPN Comment in the Catholic Universe – Aisling Griffin: Peace Sunday 17 January 2021
These last few months have showed us many examples of people caring for others. This year, Pope Francis highlights in his 2021 World Peace Day Message, ‘A Culture of Care as a Path to Peace’, the need to care for each other as a key part of working for peace. Despite the goodwill that we see around us, we also still see inequality, injustice and violence. Pope Francis says, we must “combat the culture of indifference, waste and confrontation so prevalent in our time”.
Read more here:
Aisling Griffin – Peace Sunday
NJPN Column in the Catholic Universe – Andrew Rollinson: Herald of happier days
It happened in what appeared to be the most godforsaken of places. Eight lanes of traffic, and during rush hours too [for it had ceased to be the singular ‘hour’ long ago]. A modern autogeddon, separated only by a small patch of white painted crosshatch markings (about 10ft by 4ft) on the tarmacadam between two sets of dual carriageways. Traffic thundered past.
Read more here:
Andrew Rollinson – January 2021
Joseph Rowntree Foundation: UK Poverty 2020/21
This week, we launched the 2020/21 edition of our annual state-of-the-nation report, UK Poverty, on the nature and scale of poverty across the UK, and how it affects people struggling to stay afloat.
We are in the midst of the coronavirus storm – a turbulent time when all of us have felt insecurity and instability. But our analysis shows too many of us entered the pandemic already at risk of being cast adrift into poverty, while often lacking secure housing, a reliable income or adequate support. It also shows that those of us already struggling to keep our heads above water have often been hit the hardest.
See more from the report here:
NJPN E-Bulletin 3rd January 2021
“Peace, justice and care of creation are three inherently connected questions, which cannot be separated in such a way as to be treated individually …”
Quotation from the 2021 World Peace Day Message
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NJPN E-Bulletin 3 January 21 (1)
WCC: Online celebration for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
World Council of Churches (WCC) interim general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Ioan Sauca is inviting the global ecumenical family and friends to join the WCC for a livestreamed public prayer service on 25 January, the final day of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Traditionally the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is celebrated from 18-25 January, between the feasts of St Peter and St Paul, especially in the northern hemisphere. The theme for 2021 is “Abide in my love and you shall bear much fruit.”
Read more here:
NJPN Comment in Catholic Universe – Bruce Kent: Good News and Bad News
In many ways the end of 2020 is a gloomy time. Covid is on an upward move…. already nearly 70,000 deaths in this country alone. Worldwide, hundreds of thousands more.
Aged 91, I am told to be very careful. Neighbours kept at a distance. My admiration for those brave people – doctors, nurses and workers of all sorts in the NHS – is unlimited. A quick dash around the local park is all I am allowed to manage. Sunday Mass is possible but only if zoomed in from somewhere else.
Read more here:
Bruce Kent December 2020
NJPN E-Bulletin 13 December 2020
“I believe that true evangelisation is born of love and desire: a love for all people and a desire that they come to know the love of Christ and the blessings of living in his kingdom.”
Annie O’Connor 2016
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E-bulletin December 13th