National Justice and Peace Network Conference – 22-24 July, Swanwick – Offer of a free place! – Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission

Owing to a cancellation, the Westminster Justice and Peace Commission is offering one free place for someone who lives, works or worships in the Diocese of Westminster to attend the 44th annual conference of the National Justice and Peace Network of England and Wales on 22-24 July 2022 at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire.

Travel costs and Conference fees will be fully covered.

To apply please contact Colette Joyce on colettejoyce@rcdow.org.uk or call her on 07593 434905

No takers yet! Deadline extended to 5pm on Monday 18th July...

The NJPN Conference theme this year is: ‘Hope is a verb with its sleeves rolled up.’

The Conference programme includes talks, workshops, times of prayer and a Just Fair. Every year it provides an opportunity to meet and network with other Justice and Peace activists from Dioceses across England and Wales as well as gain some fresh insights and encouragement to face the multiple challenges of our complex well. The Hayes is a beautiful and well-appointed Conference Centre whose facilities include a chapel and a labyrinth! The Conference is family-friendly, offering a creche and separate programmes for children and teenagers.

The opening address at the 2022 NJPN Annual Swanwick Conference is to be given by Philip McDonagh. In his talk, ‘Towards a Civilisation of Hope,’ he will speak of a hope that requires courage and action for the sake of the future. Philip is co-author of the recently published work ‘On the Significance of Religion for Global Diplomacy’ (Routledge 2021). He is Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of Humanities and Director of the Centre for Religion, Human Values, and International Relations at Dublin City University. As a serving Irish diplomat and Political Counsellor in London, Philip played a part in the Northern Ireland peace process in the build-up to the Good Friday Agreement. He later served as Head of Mission in India, the Holy See, Finland, Russia, and the OSCE (Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe).

Another conference speaker is Fr Patrick Devine SMA of the Shalom Center for Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation. A missionary priest, he has 25 years of experience helping to mitigate conflict and poverty in Africa.

The Conference Chair is Tim Livesey, CEO of Embrace the Middle East, who works with Christian partners in Egypt, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Syria and Iraq.

Revd Ruth Gee, a Methodist Minister and one of NJPN’s Patrons, will lead an Ecumenical Service on the Saturday.