Dear friends

Just as I about to mail the February NW NJPN E -Bulletin a stirring speech from Canada’s Mark Carney to the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos popped into my inbox, so this is our leading article.  Let’s hope other figures on the word stage will be inspired by his words. 

In recent times one of the key issues seems to be the disintegration of community spirit – the notion that it’s ok to act in one’s own best interests regardless of the impact on the less powerful, a morality (or rather lack of) that decrees might is power.  So, it was heartening to read Elizabeth Oldfield’s essay inviting us to make 2026 the year of neighbouring, to go back to a simpler life-style that celebrates love of neighbour.  Jon Swales’ poem echoes this theme, speaking to the value of simple gestures that can mean so much.  Articles on pages 6-7 explore religious and political shifts in the UK including the rise of Christian Nationalism which builds on an ‘us against them’ stance and is often associated with open racism and xenophobia.

In a members’ blog (page 9), Pax Christi National Chaplain Sr Katrina Alton reminds us: “As the Jubilee of Hope closes, Pope Leo XIV calls the Church to be weavers of hope.”  May that be our prayer and our guide in these troubled times.

We have resources from Caritas Salford for Racial Justice Sunday (8 Feb) on page 9 and an invitation on page 10 to ‘Shining a Light on Racism in England: from lived experience to collective action’, an NJPN live webinar and conversation of faith, witness, & action on Thursday 5 February, 7.30pm – 9pm.

Sadly, President Trump continues to dominate the news – there are articles on pages 11-15: theologian James Gordon Reid Haveloch-Jones writes: ‘Micah’s ancient command still speaks with prophetic clarity: “What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”’ (Micah 6:8) in an op ed entitled ‘Justice and the Prince of Peace: a Christian witness against tyranny’; Three Cardinals issue rare joint statement on the morality of US foreign policy and the Episcopal Bishop of New Hampshire, Rev. Rob Hirschfeld, speaks out against the killing of Renee Good in Minneapolis. Professor Ian Linden comments on the Israeli Government’s recent decision to ban 37 humanitarian NGOs from Gaza, including internationally respected Médecins sans Frontières.

This packed edition also contains CAFOD Campaign News from around the North West and a range of resources for Lent plus diary dates.

Please read and pass on to others.

Anne O’Connor

NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin February 2026