Category: Campaigns

Reflection: Showing love for refugees

Barbara Kentish gives the reflection at the Home Office Prayer Vigil 20th March 2023

By Barbara Kentish

On Monday 20 March, more than 20 people attended the monthly ecumenical Home Office Prayer Vigil in London to commemorate refugees who have died trying to find a place of safety. The group has gathered every month over 18 months. Organisations represented included the London Catholic Worker, Westminster Justice and Peace, the London Churches Refugee Fund, the Community of the Word of God and Columban missionaries. Barbara Kentish gave the reflection.

Reflection

So here we are, in the Fourth Week of Lent, in the middle of a worsening political situation. How can we continue to pray and have faith that God is with those coming to our shores looking for safety?

I think that it is this very sense of powerlessness that aligns us with refugees and migrants. We are unable, as things stand, to do anything significant to change the policies and hardline mentality of our government. Exiles on the move are powerless even to death, as we realise every month. We campaign, hold placards, try to communicate with our fellow human beings. We take comfort that all of us here feel the same outrage and sometimes despair that anything can be different. I have taken this reflection from a book on shared spirituality with refugees compiled by the International Jesuit Refugee Service.

‘It is in that weakness that we can take refuge. Weakness links us profoundly with God, because it provides a privileged area in which his grace can be seen, in which his sustaining presence can reveal itself, in which even his power can become manifest. This is why weakness stands as almost the opposite of sin. Weakness is a chosen context for the epiphany of the Lord, it is the night in which he appears – not always felt as assurance, but rather as a power to move on faithfully, even when we do not feel the strength, even when fidelity means simply putting one step in front of the other.”

The writer, a Jesuit Refugee Service director, points out an important corollary of our weakness, which might make us stop and think:

“The experience of weakness deepens both our sensitivity to human need and our experience of prayer. There is an important consequence for all of us in the refugee support network: we must support one another in weakness, forgiving one another our daily faults and carrying one another’s burdens. It would be absurd to maintain weakness as essentially part of our vocation and then to belittle those who are deficient, to resent those who are insensitive, unsophisticated or clumsy, to allow disagreements to become hostilities, or to continue battles and angers because of personal histories.”

There is a great tendency for us to become embittered and cynical about those whom we oppose. We have a clear duty to show love, however that is to be manifested, to those we see as enemies to the good of refugees. I don’t know quite what that looks like. But standing here in this public place, I pray that it will be revealed to us!

Let us pray: Jesus, who told us to love our enemies, and do good to those who hate us, bless our weakness, and give us the heart and the wisdom to follow your teaching. Amen

Link

Love the Stranger – Document from the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales, March 2023

Prayer Vigil outside the Home Office for Migrants on Monday 20th March 2023

You are invited to our monthly Prayer Vigil which will be held outside the Home Office, 12.30-1.30pm, Marsham Street, SWQP 4DF.

It is normally held on the third Monday of the month and is a space for us to remember migrants who have died trying to reach the UK, the many victims of the war in Ukraine, those who work with asylum seekers in detention centres, and the homeless.


We believe that God will prevail, however great the disaster,
however great the horror, however great the inhumanity.

For further information contact johanmaertens@hotmail.com or barbarakentish@talktalk.net

Home Office Vigil Prayers March 2023Download

Bruce Kent Memorial Tree Planted in Finsbury Park

Jeremy Corbyn MP and Bruce’s wife, Valerie Flessati, plant the tree

By William Rhind. Source: Christian CND

Saturday 4th March saw about 150/200 people gathered on the north side of the Finsbury Park athletics track to plant a walnut tree in memory of Bruce Kent. In the spirit of Bruce himself it was a joyful if somewhat chaotic event bringing together numerous strands of his most varied life. 

Kate Hudson there on behalf of CND head office, accompanied by Jeremy Corbyn. Bruce’s widow, Valerie Flessati, spoke on behalf of the Movement for Abolition of War along with a Keith from the Friends of Finsbury Park. Like Bruce himself they all managed to bring humour into the serious topics they were talking about. Pax Christi, London Catholic Worker and the London Peace Pagoda, the United Nations Association were but five organisations I recognised as being present after a quick survey of the crowd. The Diocese of Westminster Justice & Peace Commission was also represented. Mereid Hopwood, a Welsh language poet came all the way from her home country to deliver a poem she had composed just for the occasion.

That said it would perhaps be incorrect to describe it as a crowd as there was no ‘them and us’ as everyone was chatting as friends and all were invited to add soil as a collective team effort to plant the tree.

Initially it had been announced that the tree to be planted would be grown by Jeremy Corbyn. Unfortunately, when pruning his olive tree Jeremy damaged the hornbeam he was growing for the purpose so, once that has recovered, it will be planted elsewhere in Finsbury Park. It seems somewhat ironic that the tree being grown to commemorate such a commensurate peace campaigner should be damaged by an olive branch! Bruce would have seen the funny side.

Bishop McAleenan comments on Illegal Migration Bill

Bishop Paul at Dover memorial to refugees drowned in Channel. Photo: Mazur/CBCEW.org.uk

Source: CBCEW

Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Catholic Bishop for Migrants and Refugees made the following comments on the government’s Illegal Migration Bill yesterday:

“Everyone who makes a dangerous journey across the Channel to build a better life here has a name, a face, and a story. People are driven from their homes by poverty, conflict, persecution, natural disasters, or other factors that prevent their flourishing. Many have links to the UK or family members already living here. Yet, far too often, there are no safe routes open to them.

“While we all wish to end dangerous Channel crossings, this new legislation treats migrants and refugees as a problem to be solved rather than brothers and sisters towards whom we have responsibilities. Establishing more safe routes, and genuinely understanding people’s individual circumstances are essential to meeting these.

“As Christians we call for the human person, made in the image and likeness of God, to be put at the heart of public policy.”

Sign the Safe Passage petition now

Cardinal Calls for ‘Unceasing Prayer’ for Ukraine

Source: RCDOW

On the first anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, Cardinal Nichols has called for continued support and prayer.

Calling this day a ‘solemn and distressing moment’, he appealed for ‘an unceasing prayer for peace’.

In his message, he writes: ‘This first anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine is a solemn and distressing moment. The people of Ukraine continue to suffer. We must all continue our support, both in practical ways and in an unceasing prayer for peace.’

More on War in Ukraine

Ecumenical Prayer Service for Peace in Ukraine on 24th February 2023, 9am

An Ecumenical Prayer Service for Peace in Ukraine will take place at the Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral of the Holy Family in Exile in Duke Street, Westminster, London W1 5BQ at 9am on Friday, 24 February 2023, marking the first anniversary of the Russian invasion.

The service will be led by Rt Rev Kenneth Nowakowski, Bishop of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of the Holy Family of London.

At 4pm there will be an Ecumenical Memorial Service at the Statue of St Volodymyr the Great on the corner of Holland Park and Holland Park Avenue.

Link

Ukrainian Catholic Cathedral, London

Ukraine Appeal Updates

Southern Dioceses Environment Network Meeting – 13 February, 12.45-2.00pm, ‘Laudato Si’ in 2023′

Laudato Si’ in 2023

The next meeting of the Southern Dioceses Environment Network (SDEN) on Monday 13th February 2023, 12.45-2.00pm, will be an exploration of ‘Laudato Si’ in 2023’, revisiting Pope Francis’ document to see how it is inspiring and continues to guide our agenda in this, its eighth anniversary year.

John Paul de Quay (Journey to 20230), Colette Joyce (Westminster Justice & Peace), Richard Busellato (Rethinking Choices) and Sian Thomas (Caritas Brentwood) from the Planning Group will all be presenting short inputs on aspects of the encyclical Laudato Si’ that are motivating them. You will also be invited to share the phrases and sentences that most inspire you.

As it is also the day before Valentine’s Day, we will once again be participating in the ‘Show the Love’ social media event to show our love for the environment online.

Please bring, draw or decorate a green heart ready for a screenshot!!

To register, please book in advance using the Eventbrite link below or write to Colette at colettejoyce@rcdow.org.uk

Book here with Eventbrite

More About the Southern Dioceses Environment Network

The SDEN is a network for all Catholics and our friends who care about creation and meets monthly online on the second Monday of the month. We also organise occasional other events online and in-person.

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, especially as set out by Pope Francis in the encyclical Laudato Si’, and the teachings on caring for the earth and one another found in Scripture.

Participants include CAFOD and Diocesan staff and volunteers, Laudato Si’ Animators, clergy, parishioners, religious and activists. You are welcome to attend as a one-off or to participate regularly.

The Southern Dioceses are: Arundel & Brighton, Brentwood, Clifton, East Anglia, Plymouth, Portsmouth, Southwark and Westminster.

Southern Dioceses Environment Network

Working Together for Racial Justice – Reflection by Nalini Nathan

Nalini Nathan, General Secretary of the Conference of Religious and a trustee of CARJ, the Catholic Association for Racial Justice, offers three thoughts to help us focus on ‘Working Together’ for racial justice.

On 5 February, the Catholic Church in England and Wales celebrates Racial Justice Sunday. It’s the day the Church focuses on the need to oppose racism and pursue racial justice with renewed vigour.

The theme for 2023 is “All are included in the mission of Christ and His Church. Let us walk together, pray together and work together.”

This reflection, from Nalini Nathan, General Secretary of the Conference of Religious and a trustee of CARJ, focuses on ‘Working Together’ for racial justice.

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My name is Nalini, and I am the General Secretary for the Conference of Religious in England and Wales. I am also a member of the Christian Network Against Caste Discrimination and a trustee for a number of charities including CARJ, the Catholic Association for Racial Justice and the Margaret Clitherow Trust which supports Traveller, Gypsy and Roma communities.

In the next few minutes, I’ll be sharing three ponderings I have about working together if every race and ethnicity are to be included in the mission of Christ and His Church.

Firstly, our unique ancestries are a gift. The world has been blessed with such a broad diversity of cultures and therefore perspectives, knowledge, skills and experiences. Working with different people to ourselves should, I think feel like being in a sweet shop.  I want mine and all cultures to be seen for what they are, a gift from God!

I should be so grateful that God has blessed me with chocolate brown skin that protects me from harmful rays, from cancer, even from wrinkles! I save so much money not needing to use sunbeds or fake tan. But more seriously, so often in life, my skin colour has been a hindrance. There’s the avoidance, that change in tone when someone speaks to you, the ignorant mistaken or at times deliberate aggressive comments, the being overlooked for promotion when you’re the most qualified or experienced person for the job. There’s the scapegoating,  the stepping on, the passive-aggressive behaviours and the trauma of healing from ignorant comments, isolation and oppression. As a Catholic, I find this at odds with my faith. I was taught that like everyone, that I am made not just good but very good, that we are all made very good, each called to be a jewel in God’s crown.

Secondly, I want to mention privilege. I come from more than one culture. That’s my privilege, that’s one of my blessings. I humbly embrace my cultural privilege. It helps me be a better Christian, a better Catholic as it increases me empathy, compassion and communication skills to relate to the stranger, to relate to the outsider, to relate to the person who is being treated as invisible.

Privilege has become the dirty word of our post-covid society. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being given privilege. It’s your talent, it’s your gift. There’s nothing wrong with having privilege if you are a Catholic as long as you are using it for the glory of God and as long as you are not stealing it from someone else.

I wonder, are we aware of our privileges, if so, how are we using them to work with and support others? How are we using them to help others flourish?

Finally, I want to reflect on how we might look at each other through the eyes of God. The first thing we are told in the bible is that God is a creator. ‘In the beginning he created…’ I look at the diversity of what he has created, the diversity of plants and wildlife. God is clearly a creator of diversity. We are taught that we are the Body of Christ. Are our cultures also different parts of this Body, which are meant to work together to build up the kingdom of God? If we oppress one part of the body, one culture, are we damaging ourselves?

Like those of different cultures who face rejection in their workplaces, parishes and schools, Jesus too felt rejection throughout His life, even before He was born, when there was not place at the inn. It is a natural human behaviour to feel the need to surround ourselves with people who are similar to ourselves. We want to fit in, we want to feel validated and sometimes there are opportunities to preserve things by working with people similar to ourselves. But as Catholics, like the early Christians, we are called to sometimes put away our own insecurities and need to fit it, to instead look outwards. I wonder, way back when God chose the Israelites, did he consider that the land of Christ’s birth would be the place that united the known world of that time? Israel, a land that links Africa, Asia and Europe. Quietly, Christ was born at a place that brought together the continents, and then 33 years later, again, he reached out his hands to the world.

So the three things I just reflected on were that if we wish to work together it might be helpful to remember that:

  1. Each and every culture is a gift from God that is needed for working to build up His kingdom.
  2. Own your privilege -it is a gift to be used to help others step forward, it can be used to help others participate and share their talents.
  3. Look outwards, that’s a part of the mission and calling of each of us who make up the Body of Christ and His Church.

Every culture is a gift, own your privilege, look outwards.

Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales Racial Justice Sunday Resources

Prayer

God of our past, present and future, 
you created each one of us in your image and likeness,
help us to recognise you in each person.

As we pray for end to suffering caused by racism
lead us this day to walk with one another,
pray with one another and work together,
so that we create a future based on justice and healing,
where all can fulfil the hope you have for all peoples. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Racial Justice Sunday, 5th February 2023

The theme for this year’s Racial Justice Sunday is:

‘All are included in the mission of Christ and his Church.
Let us walk together, pray together and work together.’

It reflects the role each of us must play in promoting the mission of Christ and His Church. This was inspired by conversations around last year’s Racial Justice Sunday and Pope Francis’ visit to Canada in July 2022 when he spoke about looking towards a future of ‘Justice, healing and reconciliation’.

There are new resources for 2023 on the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales website and we are also invited to return to the images produced last on ‘Made in the Image God’ for deeper reflection.

Gallery of Saints – Chosen by parishioners and especially commissioned for Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Parish, White City, in West London. Photo @ Fr Richard Nesbitt

Prayer

God of our past, present and future, 
you created each one of us in your image and likeness,
help us to recognise you in each person.

As we pray for end to suffering caused by racism
lead us this day to walk with one another,
pray with one another and work together,
so that we create a future based on justice and healing,
where all can fulfil the hope you have for all peoples. 

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

Catholic Bishop’s Conference of England and Wales – Racial Justice Sunday

Rooting Out Racism in the Parish – Our Lady of Fatima, White City

Holocaust Memorial Day, 27th January 2023

Holocaust Memorial Day, 27th January 2023

Watch the recording for Holocaust Memorial Day

Today we remember those who were murdered for who they were and stand against prejudice and hatred everywhere.

#HolocaustMemorialDay is a time to remember people affected by the Holocaust and genocide and take action to create a better future.

Each year, people from across the UK take part in a national moment for Holocaust Memorial Day.

Join the nation at 4.00pm today and #LightTheDarkness to remember all those murdered for who they were stand against prejudice and hatred today.

Holocaust Memorial Day Website