'Act justly, Love tenderly, walk humbly with your God'
Micah 6.8
All posts by Stephen Cooke
NW NJPN E Bulletin for August 2025
The NW NJPN E Bulletin for August 2025 focuses on Gaza, leading with two excellent analyses from Professor Ian Linden who asks ‘Is it too late for the two-state solution?’ Unlike many commentators, he gives the historical context of this troubled region to help put the current conflict into perspective. On page 4 Pat Gaffney, Vice President of Pax Christi, Executive of Catholic Nonviolence Initiative and a stalwart ofweekly Women in Black vigils, shares her concerns about the government new anti-terrorism legislation.
Regular contributor Heather Kiernan provides poems on Gaza (page 5) and also Hiroshima (page 8) to go alongside a heartfelt appeal from the Catholic Bishops of Japan to mark the 80th anniversary of the nuclear bombing – a timely message as President Trump announced this week that the US has moved two ballistic missile submarines to change course for Russia.
Also included in this bulletin are reports of the recent NJPN Conference with links to video presentations on page 7, news on page 9 that St John Henry Newman is to be declared a ‘Doctor of the Church’, and resources on pages 10-11 for the Season of Creation including the introduction of a new Mass “For the Care of Creation” into the Roman Missal, a clear sign that caring for our common home is not merely an environmental issue, but a deeply moral and faith-centered calling. This September the Columban Missionaries in Britain, in collaboration with the Laudato Si’ Centre in the Diocese of Salford, are hosting ‘Hope for Our Common Home’ to celebrate the Jubilee year – details on pages 11-13.
NJPN Conference 2025: “We can tip the scales in favour of Peace”
This year’s annual National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN) Conference on 25-27 July in Derbyshire, took the theme: ‘Towards a Just Peace – Challenging the Inevitability of Violence.’ In the final session on Sunday led by Brian O’Toole, Director of the Presentation Interprovincial Justice Desk, he suggested that “we must build a new narrative, based on the common good and common sense,” and that “we can tip the scales in favour of peace.”
Among the 160 participants, who shared this view of prophetic peacemaking, were Justice and Peace representatives from 17 dioceses in England and Wales, Justice and Peace Scotland, and religious orders, including Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ), Srs of St Joseph of Peace (CSJP), Presentation Sisters, and Mary Ward Loreto UK. Organisations running stalls included CAFOD, Catholic Social Action Network, Laudato Si Movement, Archbishop Romero Trust, Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology and Christians Aware. Peace groups included Pax Christi, Christian CND, and Peace Pledge Union. Petitions were signed on tackling international debt, dismantling nuclear weapons and the Big Bank Switch towards greener banking.
The 47th annual conference opened on Friday evening with a Litany of Peace by Dan Shutte with the chorus ‘Let us be your peace,’ led by Sheena, Anna, Eleanor and Andrew Marshall. Then Anne Peacey, the NJPN Chair, introduced the conference as an opportunity “to commit to becoming peacemakers in our troubled world.” She said, “we thank God for the witness of Pope Francis and now Pope Leo.”
Gospel Nonviolence was explained in an opening dialogue between Sr MaryAnne Francalanza FCJ, of the Centre for Faith and Ecological Justice in North London, and Sr Katrina Alton CSJP, the National Chaplain to Pax Christi England and Wales. Katrina said Jesus’ way is a way that combines a rejection of violence and a focus instead on the power of love and truth in action for justice, peace and integrity of creation. Katrina told of her experience at a protest vigil at an arms fair at the Excel Centre in London where, as she knelt in prayer, a delegate whispered in her ear, “I fear you are right.” She pointed out how most casualties in modern warfare are civilians and that combatants are young people.
At a panel discussion on ‘Just Peace’ on Saturday morning, chaired by James Trewby of the Columbans, Andrew Jackson, CEO of Pax Christi England and Wales, highlighted the “deep spirituality in a commitment to nonviolence”. Bokani Tshdizu of Operation Noah spoke of her commitment to fly less and reduce her carbon footprint to try and protect “our beautiful world.” She felt, “we must do more in the community – such as vigils, street protests, being active in our churches,” to build peace. She asked, “are we doing enough on racial climate justice?”
Speaking during the conference Mass, celebrated by Westminster priest Fr Joe Ryan, Ann Farr of Pax Christi International called for a Just Peace for Gaza. Particular concern for Gaza was expressed in a public ‘Red Line for Gaza’ where many participants wearing red lined up for a photo to urge decision-makers to end the killing of children in Gaza. In messages written on red paper, they joined thousands in similar protests across the world, a striking symbol of how many red lines Israel and its Western backers have crossed. The creation of mass starvation of Palestinians by deliberately blocking food deliveries and shooting unarmed civilians at distribution points was singled out for condemnation.
On Sunday, Joanna Frew of Rethinking Security – a network of organisations, academics and activists working together for security based on justice, cooperation and sustainability – explored what real security looks like today. She suggested root causes of global insecurity, such as the climate crisis and extreme poverty, should be addressed. An alternative vision of security should be considered, based on Gospel values of loving enemies, welcoming the stranger and Earth care as stewards of creation, for “there is no security without a viable planet.”
Workshop contributors include Richard Solly of Jesuit Missions and Ellen Teague of the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team who explored links between violence and environmental problems. Bokani Tshidzu of Operation Noah looked at ‘Investing in Peace through Climate Action.’ Quakers in Britain explored how local interfaith and intercommunal relations in Britain are impacted by international conflicts.
In this Jubilee Year 2025, the NJPN invited all to join them as ‘pilgrims of hope’.
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
