'Act justly, Love tenderly, walk humbly with your God'
Micah 6.8
All posts by Stephen Cooke
NW NJPN E BULLETIN APRIL 2025
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.
We have a number of resources for Lent this year produced by Anne O’Connor who regularly produces a wonderful series of resources each Lent and Advent,
The resources are as follows:
A Journey from Lent to Easter 2025: “On Ash Wednesday the prophet Joel invites us to turn to God, ‘for he is all tenderness and compassion.’ For a few minutes each day we can set aside time to sit quietly and listen to God, as we ‘journey into love.’” Daily readings from the office of the day with short reflections as an aid to prayer.
Prayers around the Cross on Good Friday evening: for the past three years in my parish a group of us have gathered around the Cross to watch and wait together for an hour. This intimate service contains readings, reflections and recommended music to download. GOOD FRIDAY EVENING 2025 (2)
Opening the Doors to Refugees and Asylum Seekers – Monday April 7th at 7.30pm
Dear Friends,
On Monday April 7th next you are invited to attend the next National Justice and Peace Network Event entitled.
Opening the Doors to Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Monday April 7th at 7.30pm
To learn a little more about the sudden and forced movement of people to the UK in 2025 and how you, as a ‘Pilgrim of Hope’, can play your part in shining a light their hostile welcome as we “Welcome The Stranger” we invite you to complete the form below to ensure your attendance.
The Zoom Link to attend this Webinar will be sent to you closer to the event itself.
The NJPN Executive.
(National Justice and Peace Network)
We hope that you can be with us. You can register HERE
Brian O’ Toole for the National Justice and Peace Network.
The March issue of the NW NJPN E Bulletin contains a wide range of resources for Lent. In his Message for Lent 2025, Pope Francis invites the faithful to “journey together in hope,” and to use the opportunity of the upcoming Lenten Season to ask ourselves whether we are truly willing to heed God’s call to change our lives.
The Pope’s reflection ties into the broader theme of the Jubilee Year: ‘Pilgrims of Hope.’ Picking up on from this we look at a three-year project to promote walking pilgrimage in England & Wales by developing Pilgrim Ways between the cathedral of each Catholic diocese and one or more shrines within the same diocese and examine the many benefits of pilgrimage.
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales has issued a new resource which helps Catholics use Scripture and their faith to inspire effective social justice action – we take a detailed look.
Pressing issues are discussed: concern about the UK government’s decision to cut international aid in favour of defence spending in the light of President Trump’s intervention in world affairs, an excellent opinion piece from Ian Linden, and a focus on the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine. Regular contributor Heather Kiernan provides first-hand accounts of the impact of these conflicts.
There’s a packed diary of events for March and April and information about upcoming conferences.
I am pleased to send the Spring Mouthpeace. With Easter being so late I have been able to include several suggestions for Lent – some to do in groups, some on your own.
Also there is quite a lot about the Jubilee – reports of the NJPN first two Opening Doors meetings and an article using Pope Francis’s own words plus information about A Day of Reflection at Workington (Lancaster Diocese) on April 5th.
Also information about CAAT celebrating 50 years, the Amos Trust’s webinars with Raja Shehadeh’s latest books and a report on Peace Sunday in Liverpool .
“If we just do the ordinary things well” Sr. Imelda
To all who attended last evening, thank you so much but a special thanks to Sr. Imelda Poole who is working in Albania and to Kevin Hyland whose generosity of time and experience made last night’s event one to remember.
Thank you for your interest in Conference 2025 ‘Towards a Just Peace’.
Once you have read the Conference Details and Terms and Conditions, and are happy to go ahead and book please do one of the of following: –
Save the Word version of the Booking Form to your computer, fill it in, and then email it to admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk, letting us know whether you will be paying by Bank Transfer or Cheque (details on the T’s & C’s document).
If you are able to Gift Aid please contact us directly and we will ask you to fill in a form. If you have attended previous Conferences and your Gift Aid circumstances have changed, please also email admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk.
Please note that we will not be able to offer single night stays, or day visitor places until nearer the time. If you are interested in going onto a waiting list, please email us on the above address.
