Author: jprcdow

Statement from Bishop Nowakowski to mark the third month of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine

Statement of Right Reverend Kenneth Nowakowski, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy (Diocese) of the Holy Family of London, marking the third month of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine

London 24th May 2022: Today marks the third month of Russia’s full scale invasion of Ukraine, an escalation of the ongoing war that Russia has been openly waging against Ukraine for the past eight years.  Ukraine has become a familiar site on the map of Europe. The names of cities until recently known to few people outside of Ukraine, have become the focus of daily news reports—cities like Mariupol (the city of Mary), Bucha, Kyiv, Lviv and Kharkiv.  Many of these cities and towns have witnessed horrific and brutal war crimes, the deliberate destruction of civilian infrastructure—residential homes, hospitals, schools, churches, museums, theatres, bridges, etc. We have seen the displacement of more than 15 million people, including the more than 5 million who crossed into countries of Central and Western European seeking shelter and help. The average Ukrainian displaced person is a young mother of one or two children whose husband has remained in Ukraine to defend their homeland. 

In these past three months we have seen an outpouring of support from the people of the United Kingdom. Tens of thousands have opened their homes to provide a safe haven to Ukraine’s displaced people. With the help of so many NGOs and private sector businesses, Her Majesty’s Government has developed various programs to assist those who have already arrived and will be arriving in the UK. 

We have seen how the people of the UK have stood for peace in Ukraine, and showed their outrage and support through many acts of solidarity, be it in the display of the now familiar yellow and blue colours of the Ukrainian flag, in marches through our cities, in the sending of much needed humanitarian aid to Ukraine and its closest neighbours.  The initial shock and disbelief that we experienced in those first few days after the invasion has turned into resolve to stand with those brave men and women who are defending not only their own country’s independence, but the ideals of liberty and democracy of the entire free world

People of faith continue to support Ukraine with prayers to the Almighty, that He might open the eyes of those who have allowed evil to take hold of their hearts, so that they might be horrified by their actions. We continue to pray for a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. We pray for those who have lost their lives, for the wounded, for those tortured and abused, physically, mentally, spiritually. By divine grace and with the assistance of all people of good will, Russia’s openly stated goal to destroy Ukrainian statehood and “resolve the Ukrainian question once and for all” must end in failure. The alternative is simply too horrible to imagine. Evil must not prevail.

Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London

Duke Street, London, W1K 5BQ, Great Britain

press@ucc-gb.com

More on the Diocesan support for Ukraine 

Saturday, 11th June, 10am-4pm, JPIT Conference, Oasis Hub, Waterloo

£5 Online – £12 On Site – Free for under 25s and those on a low income

The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) is a partnership between the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, and the United Reformed Church. The purpose of JPIT is to help the Churches to work together for peace and justice through listening, learning, praying, speaking and acting on public policy issues. JPIT will be ecumenical partners this year for the National Justice and Peace Network Annual Conference in Swanwick, Derbyshire, 22-24 July 2022.

As the rising costs of living impacts families across our communities, what does it mean to seek justice?

As war rages and refugees are met with hostile policies, where can we unearth hope powerful enough to bring change?

When politics and international events make us feel angry or powerless, what can we discover by starting locally?

From the Ground Up: Unearthing Hope and Seeking Justice will begin here, with the local. This one-day conference will explore how we can listen to our communities, amplify local voices and connect these together to make local action for change part of the bigger picture of building God’s kingdom.

Keynote speakers include:

Emma Revie (CEO of the Trussell Trust) – How does a network of over 1200 foodbanks help to bring about the eradication of poverty in the UK from the ground up?

Zrinka Bralo (CEO of Migrants Organise) – Where’s the power in organising with lived experience at the centre in order to change the asylum system?

Revd Al Barrett (Hodge Hill Birmingham) – How might the Church be disrupted by what the people on the margins of our communities have to tell us?

Marsha De Cordova MP – As people of faith, how can connecting our call for justice with parliamentary structures and procedures be a route to change?

Bishop Mike Royal (General Secretary of Churches Together in England) – Where is the Church called today to organise and speak up for justice and peace?

Take part in workshops exploring…

Refugees; Racial Justice; Climate; Healthcare; Community Organising; Theology; Tax Justice; Peacebuilding; Housing Justice; Poverty.

With poetry, creative reflection, networking and more…

Together, we hope to be inspired and re-energised to speak, pray and act boldly for peace and justice.

Register by 4th June 2022

JPIT Conference Registration

National Justice and Peace Network Annual Conference

24th May, 2-4pm, Laudato Si’ Study Session, Vaughan House

Join Colette Joyce, the Westminster Justice and Peace Co-ordinator, on this, the 7th anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato Si’: On the Care of our Common Home for a fresh look at this prophetic teaching document on the environment.

About this event

We know there is a climate crisis and the need to change our lifestyles is urgent, but still we struggle to find common ground or workable programmes. COP26 has only taken us so far and there is much more to be done before CO27 in Egypt in November. How are we getting on as a Catholic community?

How can a re-reading of Laudato Si’ animate our efforts for change in our parishes and homes?

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Free. All welcome.

24th May – Circular Tree Walk from Westminster Cathedral

Plane Tree outside Westminster Cathedral

Join Colette Joyce, the Westminster Justice and Peace Co-ordinator, to mark the 7th Anniversary of the publication of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si’: On the Care of Our Common Home (2015) with this wander around the scenic streets surrounding Westminster Cathedral, reflecting on some fascinating trees we will meet along the way.

About this event

Trees are essential to life on earth as we know it. They bind soil, remove carbon dioxide from the air and release oxygen, as well as providing a home for many species from birds to insects to squirrels.

This walk will include reflections on the importance of trees within the Christian tradition and invite contemplation of some of the many beautiful trees within easy walking distance of Westminster Cathedral.

Along the way we will consider, too, the significance we attach to trees – from the celebratory decoration of the Christmas tree to the solemn prayer before the wood of the cross.

Families and children welcome.

Meet outside Westminster Cathedral.

We will return to the Cathedral a little before 12noon or there is the option to leave the Walk in St James’ Park.

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Advance registration helps us to meet health and safety requirements. Thank you.

Thursday 26 May, 6pm Lecture at Notre Dame: ‘What does human dignity mean and why should we care?’

Professor McCrudden

Professor Christopher McCrudden

Professor Christopher McCrudden will be giving the annual Richard O’Sullivan Memorial Lecture this Thursday 26 May 2022, 6pm at Notre Dame University near Trafalgar Square, London on: “What does human dignity mean and why should we care?”

International human rights purport to be based on the principle of ‘human dignity’, and references to it are now commonplace in political discourse and judicial opinions throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, the Commonwealth, North and South America, and the Global South.

For such an omnipresent and core idea, ‘human dignity’ has become more, not less, controversial since its inclusion in the Universal Declaration on Human Rights in 1948.

What does ‘human dignity’ mean? What hangs on the different meanings that have been attributed to it? And why is it so controversial, both from the Left and the Right, from religious adherents and proponents of secularism? Based on recent examples, the lecture explores what these debates say about the contested understanding of human rights, and indeed what it means to be human, in our current political and legal systems.

Christopher McCrudden has been professor of human rights and equality law at the School of Law, Queen’s University Belfast since 2011, when he returned to Queen’s, and holds the visiting position of L Bates Lea Global Law Professor at the University of Michigan Law School. He was formerly Professor of Human Rights Law at Oxford University (the first), and a Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford. Specializing in human rights, he concentrates on issues of equality and discrimination, the relationship between international, European, and comparative human rights law, and most recently the effect of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on the law and politics of Northern Ireland.

This free lecture is only in person. Refreshments will be provided for attendees.

Register to attend here: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/christopher-mccrudden-what-does-human-dignity-mean-and-why-should-we-care-tickets-315287753157

All Creatures Great and Small – Reflecting on Biodiversity: Talks by John Paul de Quay and Mary Colwell

‘Biodiversity’ was the theme for the May meeting of the Southern Dioceses Environment Network on Monday 9th May 2022.

John Paul de Quay

Guest speaker John Paul de Quay from the Journey to 2030 project spoke on the need to safeguard nature to ensure the future and diversity of all life on earth which is essential for the health, wellbeing and prosperity of humanity.

What is biodiversity? It is the diversity of all living things which includes genetic diversity within and between species, and of ecosystems. This ensures the stability of the natural world.

Evidence shows that there has been on average 68% decrease in wildlife population sizes between 1970-2016 with some areas such as South America being affected more. Why is this happening? Changes in land due to farming, over-fishing, pollution and climate change. Loss of biodiversity happens due to these constraints on species.

Laudato Si’ states that we are dust of the Earth, as we breathe air and need water, nothing is indifferent to us. In Acts 6:26 it shows that nature provides everything we need to survive, not only healthy air and water, but our happiness and wellbeing. Throughout scripture nature is continually mentioned showing God’s immense care for biodiversity. If we hold the attitude that we are more important than nature, we have forgotten that we are ‘dust of the earth’. This connection with faith is essential and it is important to spread this knowledge especially in schools to give confidence that we can do something to change the situation.

Mary Colwell

We were also very fortunate to be joined by the environmentalist, Mary Colwell. Mary has been campaigning for 11 years for a UK GCSE in natural history which has now been agreed upon and is set to take effect in 2025. This is essential so children are able to learn about how wildlife relates to us, to fall in love with nature again, to encourage them to make the right decisions in the future.

She runs a charity called Curlew Action which aims to help protect the curlew population, which is a flagship species for conservation.

She has now begun writing her 4th book.

See http://www.curlewmedia.com/ for more information.

Southern Dioceses Environment Network

The next meeting takes place online on Monday, 13th June 2022, 12.45-2.00pm, with the theme ‘Sustainable Summers’

Southern Dioceses Environment Network

World Fair Trade Day – Saturday 14th May 2022

Source: World Fair Trade Organisation

Saturday 14th May is World Fair Trade Day

This year’s theme is “Climate Justice Now #LetsDoItFair”

Climate ambitions must involve people. Like it or not, climate change is happening now and already affecting communities and livelihoods. Tackling the climate crisis is not just an ecological necessity, but also a social justice issue and a matter of survival for the worst affected who are facing extreme weather conditions and perennial calamities.

We need Climate Justice. The aim of Climate Justice is to deliver fair, inclusive and sustainable solutions to people who are suffering the effects of the climate crisis while addressing the root causes of climate change. 

10 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

  1. Walk, Cycle or Use Public Transport
  2. Choose Products with Recyclable or Compostable Packaging
  3. Reduce, Recycle and Reuse
  4. Invest in Sustainable Clothing
  5. Home Composting
  6. Consider your Meat Consumption
  7. Consume Locally Grown and in Season Food
  8. Plant Trees
  9. Choose Organic
  10. Use Renewable Energy
Find out more with Traidcraft

Laudato Si’ Study Session 24th May – 7th anniversary of publication!

Laudato Si' Study Session - 7th anniversary of publication!

Hosted by Westminster Justice and Peace Commission

Free entry, to register please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/laudato-si-study-session-7th-anniversary-of-publication-tickets-329853740417


When: Tue, 24 May 2022, 14:00 – 16:00 BST

Where: Vaughan House, 46 Francis Street, London, SW1P1QN

About this event

Join Colette Joyce, Westminster Justice and Peace Co-ordinator, for a study session on ‘Laudato- Si’ on the seventh anniversary of its publication.

This is the second encyclical of Pope Francis entitled ‘care for our common home’ and the source of contemporary Catholic teaching on the environment. We are all aware of the ever growing climate crisis, and the urgent need to make changes to our lifestyles, but is there still a lack of clear direction or workable programmes to follow? There is clearly a lot of work to be done before COP-27 in Egypt this November.

This session will explore what progress we have made as a Catholic community, with the hope that a re-reading of Laudato Si will give us some further encouragement and direction to make changes within our parishes and homes.

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All Creatures Great and Small: Reflecting on Biodiversity

Curlew study in pen, Adam Entwistle – http://www.curlewmedia.com/what-is-a-curlew

Ahead of the next Southern Dioceses Environment Network meeting on Monday 9th May, Westminster Justice and Peace Communications Volunteer, Amy Smith, writes her reflections on the chosen theme of ‘Biodiversity’:

Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is essential for the future of humanity. Climate justice i.e. the recognition of our shared responsibility to try to tackle the climate crisis is integral to our values at ‘Justice and Peace’ where we strive to protect our planet and those that inhabit it.

Climate change due to our burning of fossil fuels, is already happening and will only get worse if more actions aren’t taken; this is a huge threat to the biodiversity of our planet. Issues that threaten peace can also impact on biodiversity for example by affecting food production.  

The complex ecosystems that make up our planet are what enables humans to survive and thrive; we need fresh water, clean air, and plants and animals for food. Different animals and plants help to maintain a habitat that stable and sustainable. Due to the effects of an ever- warming planet an increasing number of plants and animals are facing the threat of extinction, currently as many as 27%. This is due to loss of habitats, food production, increased rates of disease and changes in physiology and behaviour. The decline of species can even accelerate climate change further. Any species that are affected can threaten their entire food chain.  

The effect of climate change on biodiversity can be seen prominently in the UK Curlew population, which are now seen as a flagship species in conservation education. Their population has halved over the last 20 years. They are useful bio-indicators as they are easy to spot and count and are a good reflection on less visible species and the health of an ecosystem. Their protection is critical for plant diversity and ecological stability.  

We continue to pray for The UN Biodiversity Conference, COP15, which is set to happen in Kunming, China, later this year, although the date has already been postponed several times. It will gather governments from around the world to agree to new goals to protect our natural world over the next decade.  

The Southern Dioceses Environment Network will discuss biodiversity at its next monthly meeting on Monday 9th May, 12.45-2.00pm online.

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL: REFLECTING ON BIODIVERSITY

Monday 9th May, 12.45-2.00pm

Guest Speakers: John Paul de Quay (Journey to 2030) & Mary Colwell (Curlew Media)

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Southern Dioceses Environment Network

Monday 9th May, 12.45-2.00pm Southern Dioceses Environment Network Meeting on Zoom

All Creatures Great and Small: Reflecting on Biodiversity

Guest Speakers: John Paul de Quay (Journey to 2030) & Mary Colwell (Curlew Media)

Register with Eventbrite

This developing network for all Catholics and our friends who care about creation meets monthly online on the second Monday of the month and also organises other events online and in-person when this is possible. Some events take place jointly with the Northern Dioceses Environment Group, as we all work together to animate the Catholic community in the long-term task of stabilising our climate and protecting our common home.

We are inspired by the principles of Catholic Social Teaching set out by Pope Francis in the encyclical Laudato Si’ and the teachings on care for the earth and one another found in the Scriptures.

Participants include CAFOD and Diocesan staff and volunteers, Laudato Si’ Animators, clergy, religious and activists. All are welcome.

For more details or to be added to the mailing list please message Colette Joyce, Westminster Justice and Peace Co-ordinator, colettejoyce@rcdow.org.uk or call her on 07593 434 905

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