NW NJPN E Bulletin July 2025

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 and Sajid 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.

Please read and pass on to others.

Anne O’Connor

NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin July 2025

NJPN North West