Christians for Palestine outside St Paul’s Cathedral
All are welcome to join us for the fourth Roundtable meeting, facilitated by the Westminster Justice and Peace Commission.
Venue: Arrupe Hall, Farm Street Church, 114 Mount Street, London, W1K 3AH
Date: 29 June 2024
Time: 4.00-6.00pm
This month’s meeting will focus on parish responses to the war in Gaza and strife in the Holy Land.
What is happening in your parish – prayers, fundraising, talks?
What would you like to see happening?
With whom can we collaborate? Ecumenical, interfaith, Holy Land charities???
New participants welcome.
Please do come along to find out more or get in touch with the Justice and Peace Co-ordinator, Colette Joyce. Mobile: 07593 434905; Email: colettejoyce@rcdow.org.uk
Fr Dominic Robinson SJ (Chair), Colette Joyce (Co-ordinator) and Ann Milner (Hitchin) from the Justice and Peace Commission represented the Diocese of Westminster at an Interfaith Peace Walk in Central London on Sunday 23rd June 2024. We joined Christians from several denominations and members of other faith communities to walk in solidarity in a silent, yet powerful, call for peace. In the face of escalating violence and loss of life in over 100 wars and armed conflicts worldwide, including in Palestine and Israel, Sudan, Ukraine, and Myanmar, around 500 people of all faiths joined the vigil.
Facilitated by Plum Village UK and Quakers in Britain, this second peace walk, held by popular request, reflected a groundswell of calls for peace in London and inspired events in Washington, Los Angeles and France on the same day.
The walk commemorated people killed in war, alongside a call for the cessation of killing and reflected a shared commitment to nonviolence, reconciliation and a just peace.
Muslims, Jews, Christians, Buddhists and many more faiths joined the walk from Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square and back, weaving a narrative of peace between the city’s key political landmarks.
Without flags, placards, slogans or chants, participants dressed in mourning to remember the loss of life through war.
They carried hand-made white flowers as a reminder that everyone has a role to play in cultivating a more peaceful world.
Prayers were offered by a diverse group of grassroots faith representatives: Lakshmi Vyas (Hindu), Shahin Bekhradni (Zoroastrianism), Maureen Goodman (Brahma Kumaris), Islam, Rabbi Rebecca Birk (Judaism), Rev Sarah Farrow (Christian), Jinali Meisheri (Jain), Sr Dao Nghiem (Buddhist), Cristina De Rossi (Pagan, Wiccan, Druidry), and Koje Freemantle (Baha’i).
Plum Village Buddhist monastics from France attended the walk, which was supported by key aid organisations Christian Aid and the Salvation Army.
Rehena Harilall, co-organiser from Plum Village UK, said: “There are simply no more words left to convey our anger and grief.”
Judith Baker, co-organiser from Quakers in Britain, said: “We walk together because we share a deep love for creation and a common universal language of peace. We share horror at the desecration of creation that war brings. War is failure to love our neighbours as ourselves; failure to seek peace and pursue it; failure of dialogue and diplomacy; failure to uphold the basic principles of international law and ethical norms. But the possibility of peace is always with us.”
Colette Joyce (l) and Fr Dominic Robinson SJ from Westminster J&P with campaigners about to join the march.
Source: Jo Siedlecka, ICN / Westminster Justice & Peace
People of all faiths and none were out in force at the Restore Nature Now march in London last Saturday. Billed as the “largest-ever environmental march”, an estimated nearly 100,000 people from more than 350 organisations took part – ranging from long established wildlife organisations to climate change activists and faith groups.
Led by naturalist and television presenter Chris Packham with actors Emma Thompson and Judi Dench, Megan McCubbin, Steve Backshall, singer Feargal Sharkey, speakers at the rally urged stronger political action to tackle the nature and climate crisis based on five demands: Giving a pay-rise for nature. Making polluters pay. Delivering more space for nature. Putting a right to a healthy environment in law. Ensuring fair and effective climate action.
Christian campaigners gathered before the march at packed service at Farm Street Church in Mayfair, hosted by A Rocha, the Salvation Army, Christian Climate Action, Operation Noah and Green Christian. Rev Helen Burnett, Vicar of St Peter & Paul Chandon, Diocese of Southwark and Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Parish Priest and Chair of Westminster Justice & Peace, led the prayers. A separate Forest Church gathering for children took place in the church grounds.
Participants then joined the march through central London, to the rally in Parliament Square.
Colette Joyce from Westminster Diocese Justice and Peace told ICN: “Pope Francis has urged us all to hear the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor and to respond. The UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world so we need to act fast now, not only to protect what we have left, but to restore what we have lost. When we help nature we also help ourselves, creating better physical and mental health for ourselves and for future generations. The aims of this rally chime with those expressed in Laudato Si’, and so many Catholics have come out to support it. We know that we need to be in this for the long haul, but we are not doing it alone. The care of our common home is a cause that can unite people like no other. As one slogan said ‘No nature, no us’!”
Tim Cooper, co-founder and Trustee of Green Christian, said: “It was hugely inspiring to see so many Christians demonstrating their love of God’s creation by joining the march. The event should serve as a wake-up call to Christians everywhere. When we voice praise to God for the glory of His creation, we are simultaneously called to address the severe harm being caused to nature by our current lifestyles and priorities.”
Speaking at the rally, Emma Thompson said: “We cannot take any more oil out of the ground. I mean, there’s much argument about it. I know there’s a lot of very complicated economic arguments about it. … we have to leave all the resources in the ground, we cannot bring them out of the ground.”
Chris Packham, who proposed the march and led the coalition of green charities taking part, said political parties’ lack of “substantial promises” in the election campaign to tackle the destruction of the planet was “reckless”.
“I’m devastated by the lack of foresight, intelligence, commitment, understanding and determination to do anything about the single biggest issue in our species’ history,” he said. “At a time when we need bold and brave leadership, we’re not seeing any sign from any of the manifestos that that might materialise.”
Packham said it would be “a bold ask” to expect the march – to put the biodiversity crisis on the political agenda given that it has had “next to no mention at all” in the election campaign so far.
But he said he hoped the day of songs, speeches and slogans for wildlife would show there was a growing coalition determined to force the next government to properly fund nature recovery, with further protests a possibility.
“What the march should do is send a very clear signal to all candidates that an enormous breadth of society is exhibiting a real concern for nature restoration,” he said. “Don’t think we’re going to go away because we will be banging on the door of No 10 on 5 July saying now is the time for action.”
Mary Andrews, Green Christian member and volunteer, said: “Brilliant to be united with thousands upon thousands of nature lovers, to call for its restoration now, at this amazing, family friendly march!”
The weekend of 22/23 June 2024 is a busy one for Westminster Justice and Peace.
On Saturday, 22 June, we will be participating in the ‘Restore Nature Now’ rally, alongside Chris Packham and thousands of other people from organisations that care for and protect our natural world. Before the rally, we are hosting an Ecumenical Service – ‘Creation Cries Out’ – at Farm Street Church at 11.00am, with participation from a wide range of Christian charities and activists. Please come along and join us! Nature Rally
On Sunday, 23 June, we are joining a Multi-Faith Silent Meditation Walk for Peace. Every day on our screens we see reports of the horrors of war. We want to show our commitment to a more peaceful world by uniting in this visible coming together of people from many different faith communities. Join us in Parliament Square and be part of a multi-faith movement. Peace Walk
This weekend also sees the conclusion to Refugee Week, 17-23 June 2024. This is an important time for showing our solidarity with all those who come to the UK seeking sanctuary from war and violence. Refugee Week
To mark Refugee Week, that runs from 17 – 23 June 2024, Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees for the Bishops’ Conference, offers a reflection on three themes – his recent visit to the Bibby Stockholm barge, the impact of the Rwanda Bill, and societal attitudes towards refugees and migrants.
In late April, Bishop McAleenan was invited by the Home Office to visit the Bibby Stockholm. The vessel is a large floating barge moored off Portland Harbour in Dorset that accommodates asylum seekers – many who have fled torture and persecution.
The visit offered a chance to meet with residents, reflect on their plight and consider the pastoral care we could offer. At the time of the visit, Bibby Stockholm housed over three hundred asylum seekers, but numbers fluctuate depending on departures and arrivals.
“The most memorable part of the visit was undoubtedly meeting the residents and hearing their stories,” said Bishop McAleenan. “I was deeply moved by their resilience, the commonality of their aspirations and their willingness to share their experiences, which are, sadly, often traumatic. Despite the hardships they had endured, their desire to find a home here and belong to a society to which they can contribute to, is a testament to our shared humanity.”
“Indeed, I heard many positive stories from the local community – many going out of their way to provide support and a welcome for the residents. It was edifying to see Staff on the vessel genuinely engaging with residents, providing advice and helpful information to assist them to integrate more effectively.”
Bishop McAleenan was also pleased to reflect on the wider welcome extended by many Catholics in our countries to asylum seekers:
“In the last few years, we have witnessed the wonderful work of Catholic communities across England and Wales, who have welcomed migrants from Ukraine, Hong Kong and elsewhere with acts of solidarity and practical help.”
However, Bishop McAleenan’s visit coincided with the recent passing of the Rwanda Bill. He remarked on the distressing impact the legislation was having on Bibby Stockholm residents:
“The result of the passing of the bill was certainly felt onboard. A number of residents had received letters from the Home Office mentioning the possibility of deportation to Rwanda. It is an unjustifiable policy and has created an unnecessary sense of fear and anxiety.”
“The UK Government has a responsibility to ensure that we have an immigration system that upholds the dignity of human life. The Rwanda scheme does not do that.”
Bishop McAleenan concluded his reflection by calling for Catholics to use Refugee Week as an opportunity to pray for refugees and asylum seekers:
“During Refugee Week, I invite everyone to join in prayer and reflect on our understanding and belief that every person is made in the image and likeness of God. Let us remember that we all seek the same fundamental needs – safety, acceptance, and a place to call home.”
“Let us be thankful for the work of so many people in England and Wales to welcome migrants, but not be afraid to ask ourselves what else can we do to assist migrants and refugees”
Bishop McAleenan will be leading the prayer vigil outside the Home Office on Monday, 17th June from 12.30-1.30pm, Marsham Street, SW1P4DF
Our Lady of Fatima Parish, White City, in West London, have taken the plunge and decided to host their own hustings, ahead of the General Election on 4th July 2024.
Candidates have agreed to attend from the Labour, Conservative, Reform, Green and Liberal Democrat parties.
All are standing in the Hammersmith and Chiswick Constituency.
If your parish is doing anything similar in the Diocese, do let us know here at the Justice and Peace Commission.
Representatives from the Diocese of Westminster will be joining the Second Multi-Faith Peace Walk – entitled Walk with Me – facilitated by Plum Village UK (Plum Village Tradition of Thich Nhat Hanh, Buddhist) and Quakers in Britain. All are invited to come along and walk with us.
Date: Sunday, 23rd June 2024
Time: 3pm – 5pm
Location: Gathering in Parliament Square
What to bring:
make and wear/bring a white flower (see video how to make one here)
wear clothes that you would wear to a funeral or to mourning to reflect the remembrance element of the walk
bring your own prayer to contemplate on during the vigil elements that will be held, if you choose to or write your prayer and use that sheet to create a paper flower to wear with you
To reflect the vigil and contemplative nature of this event, we ask you not to bring any banners, flags, or placards. You are enough.
Reasons for Walking in Silent Witness for Peace
In the face of escalating violence and loss of life in over 100 wars and armed conflicts (Geneva Academy) worldwide (e.g Palestine, Sudan, Ukraine, Myanmar among many others) we hold this event to reflect our shared commitment to nonviolence, reconciliation and a just peace, representing the spiritual and ethical values of all spiritual communities.
As exemplified in Palestine and Israel we witness the increasing destruction of life, starvation, displacement, lack of and attacks on humanitarian aid, hostage taking, unjust detentions, trauma and harm inflicted on children in all these wars and conflicts. We see and experience the escalation in retaliatory violence, polarisation and demonisation taking place right here in our countries as Islamophobia and Antisemitism grows.
Please join us, people of faiths and none, as we move together in silence to remember people killed in war, as we call for the cessation of killing, for nonviolence, reconciliation and a just peace. The peaceful coexistence of those on opposing sides is intertwined with one another. Our peace is interconnected. We have a shared commitment to live in peace and harmony in the world.
We will assemble in Parliament Square, to commence at 3pm with short opening prayers offered by faith representatives and we will walk slowly from Parliament Square to Trafalgar Square and back. We will stop at key moments to hold vigil and offer prayers.
Event photo credit: Philip Wood from Quakers Britain
Westminster Justice and Peace will be joining Christians of all denominations alongside Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist and secular peace campaigners in Russell Square this Saturday, 8 June, before marching to Whitehall. We will be calling for an end to the genocide in Gaza, and appealing for the UK and US to stop arming Israel.
Pax Christi will be leading prayers in Bloomsbury Square Gardens at 12noon. The march will begin moving at 12.30. The rally is expected to end in Whitehall at around 4.30pm.
With the General Election looming, the organisers want to show all political parties that they must act to #StopGazaGenocide if they want our vote.
In his message, Cardinal Nichols signposts resources that offer guidance on seven key topics of interest to Catholics. The information and guidance can be found on the Bishops’ Conference website and covers the following areas: Criminal Justice, Domestic Poverty, Family Life, Taxation, Education, Environment, International Relations, Human Rights, Peacebuilding, Life Issues, Migration.
“I ask you to look at these resources, explore them, become a bit more familiar with them so that when it comes to 4 July, you’ve got in your mind what you want to see the next government strive to achieve.
My view is that our next government should strive to create the circumstances in which families can flourish.
Lord God, who govern all peoples in every time and place,
instill in us a spirit of wisdom that we may choose Members of Parliament and a government who truly serve the common good of all.
Help us to do all we can to shape a society which upholds the right to life itself, works for justice and peace at home and abroad, welcomes the stranger, protects God’s beautiful creation, and enables us to flourish as citizens.
May his Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Our Lady, Queen of the Universe – Pray for us.
St Thomas More – Pray for us.
~ Westminster Justice and Peace
BIDDING PRAYERS
Westminster Justice & Peace Commission offers the following Intercessions, one of which could be used each weekend leading to 4 July 2024.
1. As we prepare for the General Election, we pray that all Government policies will promote a preferential option for the poor, ensuring that we create an economy in which all people can flourish. We pray that children, young people, and those with particular needs might find safe and respectful places of education and formation where they can develop as responsible and committed citizens. Lord, in your mercy – Hear our prayer.
2. As we prepare for the General Election, we pray for the health and well-being of our nations. May all Government policies express a clear commitment to the dignity of human life from the womb to the grave. May our rich heritage of health and social care be protected and promoted, and those who serve be fully valued and respected for their service to others. Lord, in your mercy – Hear our prayer.
3. As we prepare for the General Election, we pray that Government policies will exemplify a commitment to the common good, not only for the peoples of the United Kingdom, but for the poorer countries in our world. May those who seek justice and safety on our shores be respected and welcomed for the gifts they bring, as we hold to international human rights. May our nations continue to respond to the challenges of environmental justice, global poverty, and the need for peace in a war-torn world. Lord, in your mercy – Hear our prayer.
4. As we prepare for the General Election, we pray that all people of faith will exercise their rights to vote as a sign of a strong commitment to promote the integrity of civic life. May our faith lead us to do justice as we vote, and so move us, beyond passivity, to become active citizens, promoting the values of God’s reign in our land. Lord, in your mercy – Hear our prayer.
Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission 