Bishop Declan Lang, Chair of the Bishops’ Conference’s International Affairs department, and Bishop Nicholas Hudson, Chair of the Holy Land Co-ordination have released a statement on the ongoing Israel/Hamas war:
“To our brothers and sisters across the Holy Land, particularly those sheltering in the Parish of the Holy Family in Gaza along with those in the West Bank, we remain close to you and in constant prayer for you at this most difficult, terrifying, and testing of times. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you always.
“To our own government, we urge you to continue your diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire, the immediate release of all hostages and the facilitation of humanitarian aid so that desperately needed food, water, fuel, and medical supplies can be safely delivered into Gaza. We will continue to add our voice to the impassioned chorus calling for justice, peace, and the cessation of the suffering that has descended upon the Holy Land.
“To the Catholic Community here in England and Wales, please join us in prayer for those in the Holy Land, particularly for those who have been taken hostage, those who have been killed, those who have been injured, and their families.
“We also pray for those who are wearied by the conflict to receive strength, and those in positions of power and authority receive the wisdom to guide them into ways of peace and justice.”
Bishop Declan Lang Chair, Department for International Affairs
Bishop Nicholas Hudson Chair, Holy Land Co-ordination
Holy Land Co-ordination
Since 1998, the Department for International Affairs has organised the annual meeting of the Co-ordination of Episcopal Conferences in Support of the Church of the Holy Land. It’s a pilgrimage of prayer and persuasion by bishops from around the world. The delegation stands in solidarity with the Christians of the Holy Land.
Related
Cardinal Pizzaballa: Unite our feelings with those of Jesus at this tragic moment for the Holy Land
On 24 October, after weeks of conflict and violence in the Holy Land, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem addressed a letter to the faithful under his jurisdiction. Read More
Cardinal calls for sustained prayers for peace
on 13 October, Cardinal Nichols urged the faithful to pray for peace as the conflict escalated. Read More
Home Secretary Suella Braverman announced on Saturday she is planning to propose new laws to limit the use of tents by homeless people, saying many of them see it as “a lifestyle choice.”
She said on X: “We cannot allow our streets to be taken over by rows of tents occupied by people, many of them from abroad, living on the streets as a lifestyle choice. Unless we step in now to stop this, British cities will go the way of places in the US like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where weak policies have led to an explosion of crime, drug taking, and squalor.
“Nobody in Britain should be living in a tent on our streets. There are options for people who don’t want to be sleeping rough, and the government is working with local authorities to strengthen wraparound support including treatment for those with drug and alcohol addiction.”
Fr Dominic Robinson SJ Chair of Justice and Peace, Diocese of Westminster said: “On behalf of those homeless we serve and for whom it is our duty to advocate, it is deeply disturbing to hear reports of further moves which will criminalise and punish the homeless simply for being homeless. We know from our work on the ground in central London and further afield that there is a tragic lack of fit for purpose accommodation for those who, through no fault of their own, find themselves without the basic human right to shelter. The guests we see at our services are not making a ‘lifestyle choice’ – rather they have no options left.
“Banning tents from public places and criminalising agencies that provide them is cruel beyond belief and unacceptable in civilised society. The success of the repeal of the Vagrancy Act is now in danger, as politicians from across the party divides have been pointing out, of being replaced by even harsher legislation which will push the street population further into a subculture of society.
“The principles of Christian social teaching demand that any move to further punish those homeless who already suffer on the margins of society through no fault of their own must be resisted as robustly as possible.”
Mick Clarke, Chief Executive of The Passage in Victoria, central London, said: “The Passage strongly condemns the new enforcement powers outlined by the Home Secretary, regarding street homelessness.
“We believe everyone deserves a place to call home; that no one should ever have to sleep on the streets, or indeed in a tent on the streets. This policy risks demonising the poorest in our society without even beginning to address the real issues facing our country regarding poverty and homelessness. In the long term, building more social housing and seeking to prevent homelessness occurring in the first place must be the priority, yet the simple fact is that the government could be taking immediate steps to alleviate the homelessness crisis, such as unfreezing Local Housing Allowance and creating more emergency accommodation.
“The Home Secretary states that homelessness is a ‘lifestyle choice’ and that ‘there are options for people who don’t want to be sleeping rough..” However, the stark reality on the ground is that many local authorities are no longer able to provide accommodation for those most in need; some have even been forced to either give, or direct people towards tents as they are simply unable to offer any other housing solution. The people that we work with have certainly not chosen to be on the streets; circumstances have put them there.
“When the Home Secretary speaks of wanting to stop crime blighting our communities, this is of course something with which we all agree. However, these measures will do nothing to address the causes of crime and it is important to realise that those on the streets are far more likely to be victims of crime rather than perpetrators. Instead, to focus on addressing issues such as drug dealing and modern slavery – which puts many who are street homeless at risk – would be significantly more effective than criminalising homelessness.
“All of this comes days after the highest monthly increase ever recorded for those sleeping out on our streets since records began. Instead of taking the opportunity to repeal the archaic Vagrancy Act and address the anti-social behaviour that those on the streets and in the wider community are victims of, we are presented with a set of measures designed for show with no substance to tackle the real cause of the scandal – that being far too many people now experiencing street homelessness.
“There are so many good people and organisations – charities, voluntary and community groups, companies, and local and central government civil servants – who are working tirelessly to address the scandal of street homelessness in our country and we’re very proud to work with and alongside such committed partners.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, street homelessness was treated as a public health emergency, which led to society coming together to implement the Everyone In initiative. Instead of headline grabbing politics, we need policies that address the core issues; we urgently need to re-frame street homelessness and adopt measures that will prevent it from happening in the first place.
“The latest official figures show that as winter approaches, the number of people who are street homeless is going to be at a level not seen for over two decades. Every single one is a human being and a personal tragedy. With the impact of the cost of living crisis, we are seeing more people at risk of street homelessness who would never have thought they would be in that position.
“This winter, we are facing an emergency on our streets. We desperately need the right policies in place to address the scandal that is street homelessness. Frontline staff at The Passage, in collaboration with our partners, work tirelessly to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society. We will not stop until we have ended the national shame that is street homelessness in 21st century Britain and instead of criminalising homelessness, we strongly encourage the government to work with us, and countless others, to bring about lasting change. As evidenced during the pandemic, there is so much more that can be achieved by working together to end street homelessness.
“We therefore urge the government to once again take this collaborative approach and work with us to end homelessness for good.”
Martin, a homeless man who has lived around Fitzrovia in London for the past two years told ICN: “A tent really makes a difference. In the winter it keeps you a bit warmer, out of the rain and safer. It also gives you some privacy. You’re less likely to get kicked or spat on.”
There will be a Service of Commemoration for those who have died homeless in London in the last year at St Martin in the Fields, on Thursday, 9 November, from 11am -1pm.
Since our last statement on the cost-of-living crisis, issued by our Department for Social Justice, some aspects of the crisis have eased while other problems have emerged. The persistence of social and economic difficulties for many has led us to issue a new public statement.
We understand the complex challenges facing Government as a result of war, an ageing population and the fracturing of families. However, the ‘preferential option for the poor’ must be at the forefront of the Government’s priorities. This principle requires that social and economic policies are scrutinised for their impact on the poor: “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honours God” (Proverbs 14:31).
Recent events have further exposed the fact that too many people live in a position where they lack financial security and risk falling into a spiral of poverty and debt. Ahead of the Government’s 2023 Autumn Statement, the Department for Social Justice urges the Government to consider seriously policies to address these problems, whilst not neglecting our obligations to aid poorer countries or to reduce carbon emissions.
The Catholic Church recognises that the promotion of the common good is the responsibility of all individuals and institutions in society. We commend the wonderful work of Catholic schools and charities that have responded to the cost-of-living crisis. Schools and charities have supported families, welcomed migrants and extended solidarity to our brothers and sisters in faraway countries who are similarly suffering at the present time. We also applaud the work of parish communities which, in a spirit of solidarity and true to the mission of the Church, must always be open to those who are in particular need of social, material and spiritual support at this time. Those in need of our support can, in turn, enrich the community with their own special gifts.
We offer our prayers for all who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and for those with the opportunity and responsibility to help them.
In this statement, we recognise that the cost-of-living crisis is multi-faceted and requires actions at a range of levels, including Government, civil society and the Church. However, with the Government’s Autumn Statement imminent, we are making the following specific requests of the Government:
The taxation system should treat justly those with family, child-rearing and other caring responsibilities.
The Government should examine with urgency and seriousness how policies relating to the provision of housing can reduce costs for families and ensure that families can have a stable and decent home. Housing costs today are at their highest levels relative to incomes since the 1870s.
The Government should not neglect the need for a just transition to greener energy but should also consider carefully how different sections of society bear the costs.
The world’s poorest people should not be further victims of the cost-of-living crisis in our own country. The Government should return to spending 0.7 per cent of national income on foreign aid.
Welfare benefits should be fully uprated to reflect increases in the cost of living, with priority being given to families with children.
The two-child cap on universal credit payments should be removed or, at the very least, suspended pending a review of its impact.
Bishop Richard Moth
Chair, Department for Social Justice Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Colette writes: As Israelis mourn their murdered love ones and await news of captured hostages, the world watches in horror as the death toll rises from retaliatory actions in Gaza and the situation becomes intolerable for people living there in constant fear of bombing and dwindling resources. Where will it end? What can we do?
Below we publish statements from Pope Francis, Cardinal Vincent, Mgr Jim Curry, Pax Christi and the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and invite you to read the more detailed texts in full.
More than 8,000 people, including over 3,000 children, have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched their relentless bombing campaign in response to the brutal attack by Hamas inside Israel, which claimed the lives of around 1,400 people on 7 October.
This morning Cardinal Vincent Nicholas issued a new call for prayers and appealed for a ceasefire. He also warned against the avoidance of any “hateful language” as the crisis affects communities here.
The Cardinal told ICN: “Weeks into the terrible conflict in Israel and Gaza, I urge Catholics to sustain their prayers for peace. I echo Pope Francis’ appeal for a ceasefire, as a hope not to be abandoned, as an end to all violence in Israel and Palestine.
“The horrific atrocities committed by Hamas in Israel warrant every condemnation. We continue to hold in our prayers those who were killed, the injured, those held hostage, their families and communities.
“The situation facing the millions of civilians in Gaza also calls for effective humanitarian relief. We pray too for those killed, injured and displaced there.
“At home I appeal for restraint and the total avoidance of hateful language and action, as the impact of this conflict is felt in communities here.”
“Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts and give us the courage to say: “Never again war!”
As the death toll in Gaza, from Israel’s ongoing bombardment, has reached over 5,000, including more than 2,000 children – with more than half the population have been displaced from their homes and a dramatic increase in evictions and killings of Palestinians in the West Bank – the Network of Christian Peace Organisations has written to Foreign Secretary James Cleverly MP condemning the attacks by Hamas on civilians in Israel but urging the UK government to use its influence to de-escalate the violence.
They write:
Dear Foreign Secretary,
We write to you in response to the outbreak of violence in Israel and Palestine. We urge the UK Government to use its influence to help create space for de-escalation and meaningful dialogue in the coming days and weeks, to urgently avert a deepening humanitarian crisis and military conflict that could cost many more lives than have already been tragically lost.
Indiscriminate attacks on civilians violate international humanitarian law. We condemn the Hamas attacks on civilians and the taking of civilian hostages. We also condemn the response of the Israeli Government in bombing of Gaza and targeting of the civilian population. The increased restrictions and complete cutting off of water, electricity, food and fuel constitute collective punishment and will create an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza, exceeding that which already exists as a result of the 16-year blockade.
We are deeply saddened by the continued violence in the region and urge you work for dialogue and de-escalation. We ask you to support measures for the immediate protection of civilians including a ceasefire, adherence by all parties to international law, and the UN’s call for humanitarian corridors.
Long held concerns about land, peace and security have not been prioritised by the international community. The only way to break the cycle of violence and build a lasting peace is to end the Israeli occupation of the West Bank and the blockade of Gaza and create conditions of justice, equality and peace for all Israelis and Palestinians.
As people of faith, we stand against the Islamophobia and antisemitism many individuals in this country may face as a result of violence in the Middle East. We will do what we can to de-escalate these tensions.
We ask you to avoid supporting polarised arguments and apportioning blame. We ask you to support measures that do not rely on military security but instead build a lasting peace based on justice and equality for all.
Yours sincerely
Ann Farr, Chair, Pax Christi England and Wales
Sue Claydon, Chair, Anglican Pacifist Fellowship
Rev Dr Barbara Glasson, President Methodist Peace Fellowship
The knights and dames of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem will be celebrating a special Mass in honour of The Blessed Virgin Mary, Queen of Palestine, and All the Holy Land, this Thursday, at the Church of Our Lady of Victories in Kensington.
All are invited to attend this special Mass for peace and justice for all people of the Holy Land on Thursday October 19th at 6.30pm at the Church of Our Lady of Victories, 235a Kensington High Street London W8 6SA.
The Order has a special mandate to support the work of the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and the Christians in his care. For more information see: www.eohsj.org.uk for more information.
CAFOD staff and volunteers deliver ‘Salina’s Letter’ to the World Bank HQ in London
Catholic aid agency CAFOD has handed over a letter to the World Bank calling on it to help fix the broken global food system by upholding the rights of farmers to use their own seeds. The letter was signed by 18 Catholic Bishops and over 70,000 Catholics from 750 parishes across England and Wales.
43 Westminster parishes, plus the curial staff at Vaughan House, were among the contributors signing ‘Salina’s letter’ to the World Bank. This represents around 8,180 signaturesfrom our diocese.
The letter from Salina, a farmer in Bangladesh, calls for the protection of the fundamental rights of small farmers like herself to use their own varieties of seeds – a right that is increasingly under threat as big seed companies have come to dominate the global seed market. Her letter – signed in solidarity by over 70,000 Catholics – was handed over to World Bank staff in London and at the annual World Bank meetings taking place this week in Marrakech, Morocco.
‘Fix the Food System’, CAFOD’s food campaign, is urging the UK government and institutions including the World Bank to protect the right of farmers around the world to save, use, exchange and sell their own seeds. In some countries, new seed laws have been insisted on by the World Bank in exchange for financial support, yet these laws prevent farmers from sharing seeds as they have done for generations and instead force them to buy seeds from big agribusinesses.
CAFOD’s Campaigns and Outreach Manager, Helen Moseley, said: “We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who signed Salina’s letter. Her message to the World Bank has been heard loud and clear: unfair rules putting pressure on small farmers to buy commercial seeds aren’t acceptable. They can push farmers and the communities they feed into poverty, food insecurity and reduce their resilience to climate change.”
CAFOD campaigners handing in Salina’s letter on 11th October 2023 were received by senior World Bank staff who agreed to meet and discuss the issue.
“It was a very cordial meeting and we explained how much support our campaign has received across the country from ordinary parishioners,” said Father Rob Esdaile, who handed over the letter to World Bank staff and whose own parish, St Dunstan’s in Woking, was one of the 750 parishes who supported the campaign.
Bishop Tom Neylon from Liverpool Archdiocese said: “I support CAFOD’s Fix the Food System campaign because it’s highlighting the situation that small-scale farmers around the world are increasingly finding themselves in. Caught in a huge power imbalance with large agribusiness, even their rights to their own seeds passed down from generation to generation are being threatened.”
Many of us will have been shocked and deeply saddened by the news over the weekend of the terrible loss of life, injury and destruction in Israel and Gaza – suffering which is continuing and, without a ceasefire, will only increase.
On Saturday, His Eminence the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, called for prayer and sent a message to all priests of the Latin Patriarchate asking them and all believers to ‘offer Sunday Mass for the intention of ceasefire and an end to the ongoing war in the Holy Land, asking the Lord to prevent further bloodshed, shattering of lives and burial of hopes.’
Speaking after the Angelus prayer in Rome yesterday, Pope Francis pleaded for an end to the attacks and repeated what he has said before, ‘War is always a defeat!. Every war is a defeat!’. He reminded us all that ‘terrorism and war do not lead to any solution, but only to the death and suffering of so many innocent people.”
Preaching in London, Cardinal Vincent Nichols said ‘Violence is never a solution. Retribution is never a contribution to peace ‘and urged our prayers for all who have lost their lives and for the immediate release of those taken hostage.’
As we watch the situation develop, please respond with us to these calls for prayer. Please pray for peace and an end to the violence. As the Latin Patriarch urged, pray with Pope Francis:
“Lord, come to our aid! Grant us peace, teach us peace; guide our steps in the way of peace. Open our eyes and our hearts and give us the courage to say: “Never again war!”
A whole host of activities have taken place around the Diocese this month, including an outdoor ecumenical service for Farm Street Church and Grosvenor Chapel; a litter pick around Our Lady of Fatima parish, White City; weekly themed flower arrangements featuring the ‘river of justice and peace’ at St Peter and Paul, Northfields; an Uxbridge parish trip to Church Gardens, Harefield; and a Justice & Peace outing to the ‘Plants of Qur’an’ exhibition in Kew Gardens.
If you would like to share your events and photos from the Season of Creation, please reply to this email and let me know!
CAFOD ‘Fix the Food System’ Campaign
In addition, some 43 Westminster parishes plus the staff at Vaughan House signed the most recent CAFOD Fix the Food System campaign over the course of the summer – ‘Salina’s letter’ to the World Bank, calling for the rights of farmers to be protected to preserve and trade their own seed. This represents around 8,180 signatures. Thank you to everyone!
Bishop Nicholas Hudson signs ‘Salina’s Letter’
Laudate Deum and the Synod
During the month, Pope Francis announced that he has written ‘Laudato Si’ Part 2’, a follow-up to his 2015 encyclical. The Apostolic Exhortation ‘Laudate Deum’ will be launched on 4th October (details below) to close the Season of Creation, significantly placing the care of creation and concern for the poor, themes central to the life of St Francis, at the heart of the Synod in Rome which opens on the same day. We will be reflecting on all these developments over the course of the coming months.
New Commission Members
A very warm welcome to Richard Harries, the new Director of Caritas Westminster, and to Beata Rozycka, recently appointed as CAFOD Westminster Community Participation Co-ordinator, who are joining the Westminster Justice and Peace Commission as representatives of Caritas and CAFOD respectively. We look forward to working closely with Richard and Beata on justice at home and abroad and benefitting from their insights and experience. All best wishes in your new roles!
The newsletter also contains three pages of Diary Dates detailing unmissable events on these and other themes of justice and peace to share with your parishioners, friends and colleagues.
Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission 