In the October 2025 edition of the NW NJPN E BULLETIN Brian Brivati, Executive Director, Britain Palestine Project, writing in a personal capacity, shares his reflections on the Trump Plan for peace between Israel and Palestine as he gives an excellent critique of the proposed agreement.  Pax Christi Chaplain Sr Katrina Alton notes that, as President Trump stood beside Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to announce a 20-point plan to “end” the war in Gaza, there were no Palestinians in the room.  She asks will this be “peace on the terms of the powerful – a peace that leaves occupation intact and the oppressed voiceless?”  Christian Aid’s Head of Middle East Policy & Advocacy, William Bell says: “a sustainable peace (must) secure justice, dignity and prosperity for all (with) Palestinians and Israelis treated as equals.”

The Manchester Synagogue attack last week has been condemned by Muslim, Jewish and Christian leaders with a renewed plea for peace and religious tolerance.  A statement from NJPN calls for “deep listening and respectful dialogue.  We must continue to strive for a just and equitable world where the common humanity of all people is valued.”

We have poster information promoting the up-coming Sabeel-Kairos UK Advocacy Tour with events in the North West on 15 and 18 October, facilitated by two expert speakers, and exciting news that The University of Liverpool has been awarded ‘University of Sanctuary’ status and has also officially launched its new Refugee Hub.

Ian Linden looks at the life and impact of Charlie Kirk, assassinated at a rally last month, whose dynamic speeches on college campuses and via social media platforms have attracted many young people.  Referring to the rise of right-wing extremism and Christian nationalism, Professor Linden says: “Kirk added to the smog that swirls through the politics of the USA today.”

The Bishop of London and Chair of Christian Aid, Bishop Sarah Mullally has been chosen as the first woman to become Archbishop of Canterbury.  Cardinal Vincent Nichols was among church leaders who offered warm congratulations on this ground-breaking appointment.  He said: “together we will be responsive to the prayer of Jesus that we ‘may all be one’ (John 17:21) and seek to develop bonds of friendship and shared mission between the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church.”

There are reports from Brian O’Toole about the recent NJPN webinar on Child Poverty in the UK and from Ellen Teague on the Laudato Si’ Movement’s ‘Raising Hope for Climate Justice’ Conference in Italy this week where Pope Leo affirmed his commitment to climate justice. Tim Root from Friends of the Earth suggests forming a ‘Climate Coalition’ to maximise campaigning success and we pay tribute to conservationist and animal behaviour expert Dr Jane Goodall who has died at the age of 91.

There are details of the 2026 Columbans’ Schools Competition on the theme ‘Becoming a refugee is never a choice.  But how we respond is.’

All this, plus events for your diary including Church Action on Poverty Sunday on 19 October and their AGM by Zoom on 19 November.

Please read and pass on to others.

Anne O’Connor

NW NJPN Justice and Peace E Bulletin October 2025