The meeting was attended by up to 25 participants.

Summary

NJPN Post-Conference Discussion Planning

The meeting focused on planning a post-conference discussion for NJPN. Brian presented a PowerPoint outline for the evening’s event, which included reflections on the recent conference, a review of the conference program, and plans for breakout discussions. Anne Peacey agreed to give a brief introduction and lead a prayer of commitment. The group discussed logistics for the recording of the meeting and the potential use of AI tools for transcription. They noted that some attendees were absent, including Andrew Jackson and Olive Powell, but expected a good turnout nonetheless. The conversation ended with Anne Peacey handing over to Brian to facilitate the rest of the evening’s activities.

Building Just Peace Globally

The conference focused on promoting a just peace that goes beyond the absence of war, emphasising justice, dignity, and inclusion for all. Participants explored how to build a just peace globally, nationally, and personally, with workshops, discussions, and optional activities. The conference statement highlighted the importance of love, collective action, and a commitment to the common good, while rejecting systems that dehumanise and divide. Keynote speakers and participants shared insights on peace, security, and activism, with a particular focus on the situation in Gaza and the need for a different approach to conflict resolution.

Just Peace Conference Reflections

The meeting focused on reflecting on the recent Just Peace Conference, discussing its structure, workshops, and key moments. Participants shared their experiences and highlighted the informal nature of the Just Fair event, which provided an opportunity to network and engage with various contributors. The group also reviewed the conference’s workshops, which were carefully selected to align with the theme and offer valuable insights. The conversation ended with plans to break into smaller groups to discuss what gave hope at the conference and to brainstorm suggestions for the National Justice and Peace Network Conference in 2026.

Conference Feedback and Diversity Initiatives

The meeting focused on feedback from conference attendees, with Sharon highlighting the need for better car-sharing coordination and suggesting additional activities like a film screening alongside the Céilí event. Anne Peacey’s group emphasised the positive impact of diverse attendees, including young women from Westminster Diocese, and discussed the importance of open conversations and cultural diversity at future conferences. The group also suggested having a bookstall, providing toolkits, and involving young priests from minority groups in the liturgy.

Conference Impact and Future Planning

The group discussed the recent conference, highlighting its positive impact and the diverse range of attendees. They emphasised the importance of keeping costs reasonable and seeking external funding to support participation from all age groups, including young people and those on low incomes. There was also the suggestion that those who could might offer to pay a little more to offset the costs for younger participants. The conference’s success was attributed to various factors, including engaging workshops, a sense of community, and the involvement of people from different backgrounds. Suggestions were made to increase appreciation for the organisers, involve more young people in running activities, and maintain the provision for children and teenagers.

Conference Success and Future Planning

The meeting focused on the success of the recent conference, which exceeded attendance expectations and was well-received by both returning and new attendees. Kevin highlighted the need to reassess NJPN’s future direction and resourcing in light of changing church and societal landscapes, while also acknowledging the positive impact of CSAN on addressing previously flagged issues. The light-hearted start to the conference was well received and we should think that this might be the way forward. We need not always rely on the well-known names to be the draw.  The group discussed the importance of reaching younger people and enhancing training in Catholic social teaching. Anne Wilkinson’s group explored ways to make the conference more inclusive and engaging, suggesting alternative workshop formats (Craftivism) and the importance of reflection time. The conversation ended with a review of upcoming events and initiatives for 2026, including a focus on the Holy Land, standing up to racism, and intercultural food events whilst encouraging greater and closer participation and cooperation by our Grassroots members.

Other Suggestions

1. How to reach the young and others at the margins – this is important. 
2. What about offering some more / renewed training on CST. 
3. The balance of free time and value for money must be explored but there was general appreciation for the ability to draw breath on the Saturday afternoon. 
4. We are reminded that there must be sufficient provision for Children and teenagers as there are many who are now attending that have at one stage attended as a child / teenager. 
5. The Justice and Peace Mass rocks!
6. What of young people offering their own workshops.
7. What of a bookstall? Is there a way of encouraging other sponsors to help to fund the attendance by young people. 
8. Other activities similar to the films would be well received as they were this year.  

The meeting finished with thanks to all for their kind attendance.