Category: News

Presidents of Churches Together in England call for end to racism, division and disorder

Source: CBCEW

The Presidents of Churches Together in England (CTE) have issued a statement calling on churches and communities to work together to end racism, division and disorder.

CTE is the national ecumenical organisation that encourages Christian unity and brings together 54 member churches. Cardinal Vincent Nichols is one of its Presidents.

Statement

We are grateful for the immediate response from Churches Together Merseyside Region, committing to support the grieving people of Southport in the wake of the killing of three children and serious injury of others, some of whom remain in a critical condition. We are grateful for the ongoing support local churches and other organisations offer those directly affected by these life-changing events. We continue to hold all concerned in our prayers.

In the wake of the terrible events in Southport, we acknowledge the anger felt by many at these senseless killings. We also acknowledge deep and troubling anxiety about immigration. Regrettably, we have witnessed violent, racist attacks and intimidation on our streets. Mosques have been attacked, hotels housing people seeking asylum set on fire and individuals set upon simply because of the colour of their skin. Racism has no place on our streets or in society and should not be stirred up in communities or online. The police have faced unacceptable levels of violent disorder and rioting in their quest to keep the peace on the streets. We are grateful for the work of the emergency services who put themselves in danger to protect the public. We are grateful for communities who have come together to help with the clear up, demonstrating a determination to serve the good of all.

We are also grateful to the many local churches across the country who provide a place of worship and sanctuary for people and who help build stronger communities through action at the grassroots level, including initiatives like Street Pastors and Response Pastors. Let us all work together to put an end to this violent disorder, restore peace and heal our nation.

CTE Presidents

The Presidents of Churches Together in England are:

Archbishop Justin Welby
Archbishop of Canterbury

Cardinal Vincent Nichols
Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster

Rev Canon Helen Cameron
Moderator of the Free Churches Group

Bishop Paulina Hławiczka-Trotman
CTE President for the Fourth Presidency Group and Head of the Lutheran Church in Great Britain

Bishop Tedroy Powell
CTE Pentecostal and Charismatic President
National Overseer of the Church of God of Prophecy UK

His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas
CTE President for the Orthodox Churches
Archbishop of the Oecumenical Patriarchate (Diocese of Thyateira and Great Britain)

Cardinal Vincent Nichols joins faith leaders in condemning violence

Source: CBCEW

Cardinal Vincent has joined faith leaders including the Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis, Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, and Sayed Razawi, Chief Imam in condemning the recent ‘hatred, violence and vandalism to towns and cities across the country.’

Read the full text of their letter below:

Sir,

Over the last few days we have watched in horror as a small minority has brought hatred, violence and vandalism to towns and cities across the country. We have seen anti-Muslim hatred and the targeting of mosques; asylum seekers and refugees attacked; violence directed towards the police and private property, all of which are a stain on our national moral conscience.

Every British citizen has a right to be respected and a responsibility to respect others, so that together we can build a cohesive and harmonious society for all.

As faith leaders, we salute the many people who have stepped forward to repair damage and restore their neighbourhoods. We pledge to work with government and all sections of society towards a constructive and compassionate dialogue on immigration and social cohesion.

The Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis
The Most Rev Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury
Imam Dr Sayed Razawi, Chief Imam and director general of Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society
Imam Qari Asim, chairman of Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board
Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster

Bishop Paul McAleenan condemns acts of violence and stands with those supporting migrants and refugees

Source: CBCEW

Bishop Paul McAleenan, Lead Bishop for Migrants and Refugees, has condemned the riots that have taken place across the UK, saying such violence threatens the values of our society:

“I condemn the appalling violence over the past week, especially that directed at migrants and their places of residence,” said Bishop McAleenan. “They demonstrate a complete disregard of the values which underpin the civil life of our country.”

He went on to praise charities, faith groups and volunteers who work in the community to welcome migrants and refugees:

“Today, and always, we need to continue to pray, work and stand together for peace in our country. The actions of the few involved in violence stands in stark contrast to the work of charities, church groups and volunteers who tirelessly extend the hand of welcome to migrants in acts of solidarity. We hope and pray that they will re-double their efforts so that we can rebuild communities after the terrible events of the last few days.”

Bishop McAleenan had a particular message for refugees and those working for the emergency services:

“My prayers are particularly with those who are sheltering in hotels or are feeling threatened. You are loved and welcome here. We all should do what we can to make sure that you feel safe. My prayers are also with the emergency services, who selflessly continue to work despite the risks. Thank you for all that you do in the service of the common good.”

In the aftermath of the horrific Southport attack, Bishop Tom Neylon, Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, stood in solidarity with other faith leaders in Merseyside to call for peace.

Like Bishop McAleenan, he too appealed for calm and an end to violence:

“There are non-violent means to resolving issues that we might not agree on in our society, so let’s use those methods to bring about the peace and healing we need at this moment.”

6 & 9 August 2024 – Hiroshima and Nagasaki Remembered

Westminster Justice and Peace will be joining Pax Christi UK for the annual commemorations of the events of August 1945 when two nuclear bombs were dropped on Japan, killing over 150,000 people instantly and causing devastating long-term effects for millions more.

You are invited to join us as we unite our prayers with peacemakers around the world and call for an end to all nuclear weapons so that they can never be used again.

WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL

6 August, 11.00am-1.00pm: Hiroshima Day – Vigil at Westminster Cathedral

Hiroshima Day Liturgy

Hiroshima Day Scripture Reading

Hiroshima Day Reading

Hiroshima Day Reflection

9 August, 11.00am-1.00pm: Nagasaki Day – Vigil at Westminster Cathedral

Nagasaki Day Liturgy

Nagasaki Day Scripture Reading

Nagasaki Day Reading

St Albans

4 August, 3-4pm: Hiroshima & Nagasaki Memorial Service, St. Albans Cathedral

Members of St Alban and St Stephen Catholic Church Justice and Peace Group will be among the participants at the annual ecumenical Hiroshima and Nagasaki Memorial Service on Sunday 4th August 2024. Meet at 2.50pm at Abbey Peace Pillar, Sumpter Yard, St Albans Cathedral.

Online

6 August, 8.00-9.00pm: Hiroshima Day Online Prayer Vigil

The Anglican Pacifist Fellowship and Christian CND invite us to join their online prayer vigil on Hiroshima Day. The vigil starts at 8.00pm and you can register here:

APF and CCND Online Prayer Vigil Registration

Interfaith Walk and Peace Pagoda Vigil

9 August 2024, from c. 7:30pm: Interfaith Peace Walk from Holy Apostles Pimlico to the London Peace Pagoda

Nagasaki Day coincides with the anniversary of an important martyr for peace, Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, and every year Pax Christi combines these two anniversaries with an ecumenical service, followed by an interfaith walk and vigil.

This year the service will take place at the Holy Apostles Church in Pimlico, in memory of the 81st anniversary of Blessed Franz Jägerstätter’s execution in 1943 for refusing to serve in Hitler’s army. 

Following the service, there will be an interfaith Peace Walk to the London Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park for a Lantern-Lighting Ceremony around the pagoda (not in the Thames!) This will begin when the peace walkers arrive at the Peace Pagoda, to commemorate the 79th Anniversary for victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and all wars. The ceremony seeks to reflect on the horrors of war in an atomic age, and to pray together for peace and harmony between all peoples and nations. 

All are very welcome to join us at any point in the evening for the service, walk or vigil and to offer flowers and incense.

Pax Christi Website

Nagasaki Remembered

Christians for Palestine – Ceasefire Now rally, Saturday 3rd August, 12.15pm

All are welcome to join the Christian Bloc for prayers in Mount Street Gardens W1K 2TH (outside Farm Street Church, Mayfair), this Saturday 3 August 2024 at 12.15pm, ahead of the latest national march for peace in Gaza. Westminster Justice and Peace and Pax Christi will be among the groups represented.

Prayers begin at 12.30pm and will be led by Fr Dominic Robinson SJ.

We will join the main march in Park Lane at 1pm. A shorter walk is also available from Green Park station.

Marchers will be demanding an immediate, permanent ceasefire; a just settlement to end apartheid and occupation and calling for the UK government stop arming Israel.

LEEDS

Christians for Palestine will also be gathering on the same day in Leeds outside the Cathedral in Cookridge Street, LS2 8BE at 12.45pm.

Christians for Palestine Facebook Page

To join the mailing list for details of upcoming marches write to
ChristiansForPalestineUK@gmail.com

NJPN: Annual Conference focus on ‘Just Politics’

Source: Anne Peacey, NJPN

Fr Dominic Robinson SJ (Chair), Colette Joyce (Co-ordinator) and Khurram Daniel (Office Volunteer) will be among those heading to the National Justice and Peace Network Conference this weekend from the Diocese of Westminster.

The votes have been cast, the people have spoken, indicating a desire for change. There will be difficult and challenging times ahead for our newly-elected government and for all who wish to see a kinder, more gentle and respectful form of interaction throughout society.

The NJPN conference -19-21July in Derbyshire – with the title ‘Just Politics’, comes at an opportune moment for people of faith, to consider our responsibility in building a common home where we can all feel safe and valued, and none are excluded. As well as offering congratulations and good wishes to those who will represent us, we will seek to challenge any lack of truth and integrity in the public space.

The 2024 annual weekend conference of the National Justice and Peace Network of England and Wales (NJPN) will gather around 160 Justice and Peace campaigners from across England and Wales. This 46th annual conference includes talks, workshops, a Just Fair Market with stalls from charities and organisations, and opportunities for networking and prayer. It will be a process, using the Pastoral Cycle and involving listening, discussion and discerning, sharing outcomes, commitment to action, with all aspects brought together in liturgical celebration.

The conference will hear the views of key speakers:

The Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Bishop of Chelmsford, will open the conference and explore some of the dynamics of public discourse, the implications for individuals and society, some possible solutions and opportunities for Christians and the Church to play a positive role.

On Saturday morning, Molly Scott Cato, Professor Emerita of Green Economics and former member of the European Parliament, will consider how the failure to make good judgements is undermining our democracies.

Steve Whiting, former manager of the Quaker programme ‘Turning the Tide’, will take the process forward.

John Battle will chair the conference, considering the issues in light of Catholic Social Teaching.

There is to be a discussion between the young adults present around their hopes and dreams for the future.

Two workshop sessions will cover a range of local, national and global issues, related to the conference theme. They include:

Using our Catholic voice to engage with newly-elected MPs (CAFOD and SVP),

‘Voices from the margins’ (Columbans),

‘Neoliberalism – how can we challenge fatalism and build hope?’ (Hexham and Newcastle Diocese),

Laudato Si’ and the Sustainable Development Goals, (Presentation Sisters),

‘Nonviolence – A Route to a just politics’ (Pax Christi England and Wales),

‘Do Justice: a Vision for Spiritual and Civic Renewal in England and Wales’ (CSAN),

‘Being There: An Incarnational Approach’ (Christians Aware),

‘Resetting Democracy? A matter of Faith’ (Society of Friends).

There are activities for children and young people throughout the Conference.

The Sunday morning interactive session will bring together all that has been experienced during the weekend, with a commitment to working to achieve a more resilient, hopeful relational and inclusive society in which all may flourish.

The Conference Mass will be celebrated by Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Chair of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission. Conference Liturgy will be led by the Lay Benedictines.

Conference Hashtag: #JustPolitics2024

National Justice and Peace Network

Vote for Marley in the National Cat Awards!

Marley, the Bakhita House cat

Source: Caritas Westminster

All eyes are on Marley, Caritas Bakhita House’s resident cat, who has been selected as a finalist for the ‘Incredible Cats’ category of this year’s National Cat Awards. Click HERE to vote for Marley today.

Caritas Bakhita House is a safe house for survivors of modern slavery, exploitation and human trafficking. Since opening in 2015, the centre has provided accommodation to 195 women and 16 babies from almost 50 different countries.

The centre recently published an Impact Report showcasing the life-changing impact of its holistic, trauma-informed approach on former guests.

Karen Anstiss, Head of Bakhita House, commented: “Often Marley placing a gentle paw on our guests’ legs is the first kindness they’ve experienced in years. He has this incredible gift of empathy, knowing instinctively who needs him.

“We adopted Marley four years ago and I think he’d suffered abuse as he is terrified of men aged around 30. So he recognises our guests’ trauma. One woman was in such distress she couldn’t speak to us, only to Marley. But, because she trusted him, over time we were able to build a bridge and reach her.

“Marley, who is seven, is also staff supervisor, security guard, patrolling the grounds, and chief gardener. Nobody is allowed to touch his patch of daisies! In art therapy he’s a popular muse and one guest even composed a song for him.

‘At 7pm staff and guests sit down for dinner together, like a family, and Marley joins us. He’s the fluffy heart of our home.”

Watch a film about Marley here: 

LINKS

Caritas Bakhita House: https://caritaswestminster.org.uk/bakhita-house/

Impact report: https://issuu.com/rcwestminster/docs/cbh_impact_report

Vote: https://www.cats.org.uk/support-us/events/nca/incredible-cats

NEXT PRAYER VIGIL FOR MIGRANTS OUTSIDE THE HOME OFFICE: MONDAY 15TH JULY 2024, 12.30-1.30PM

A monthly Memorial Prayer Vigil for refugees and asylum-seekers takes place on the 3rd Monday of every month outside the Home Office, SW1P 4DF, 12:30pm to 1:30pm.

Praying for

  • Those who died trying to reach the UK
  • Victims of current wars
  • Those in detention and who are homeless
  • The UK to be a more welcoming nation
July 2024 Home Office VigilDownload

Sign up to receive email news & alerts of changes or cancellation at: homeofficevigil@gmail.com

Co-sponsored by Westminster Justice and Peace Commission
London Catholic Worker and
London Churches Refugee Fund

New UK government, and the cracks that let in hope

Source: ICN

The Home Office Vigil Prayer Group is nearing three years of its monthly vigil in front of the central offices down the road from the Westminster Parliament.

We have handed in no petitions, but instead have said commemorative prayers for the hundreds who die every month in trying to reach Europe and the UK. We pray for those making the decisions leading to these deaths. We pray for those trying to rescue them, the coast guards with life and death responsibilities, the families who see members die.

We hear of bodies decomposing on beaches, groups dying in rivers and forests, dozens and dozens lost at sea in the Mediterranean, in the Atlantic and in the English Channel. We are not masochistic, though it is sobering to learn of so many disastrous deaths of unnamed people every month.

In the building facing us are policy-makers and policy executors. The security men at the door in their hi-viz jackets look at us with indifference or mild friendliness when we offer to pray for them. We are fortunate to have a few asylum seekers some of the time, though most are nervous about standing in such a public place, opposing government policy. Who are ‘we’? Just a handful from Justice and Peace, the London Catholic Worker, the London Churches Refugee Fund, a handful of 20-30 attendees: charity volunteers, self-employed or retired people, who can afford to take an hour or two on a Monday lunchtime: who have the luxury of free time to pray, ‘O God, will you save the city for fifty righteous people, or even ten’ (Gen 18)?

During this time, government policy has plunged from bad to worse in terms of hostile immigration legislation. Instead of negotiation for safe passage and for legal process towards asylum applications, the expenditure on border protection has shot up. There has been a dramatic increase in those arriving in small boats, exacerbating the housing crisis. Boat arrivals are placed in sub-standard accommodation, barracks, disused airfields, and run-down hotels. They have little access to any facilities and usually wait over a year to have their claims heard, during which time they can’t work.

Worst of all, a desperate government spent millions of pounds trying to set up a deportation process to Rwanda – other countries reputed to be in the pipeline. Praying often seemed futile. In the last few days however, we have seen a crack in that oppressive policy. On July 6th, the day after a Labour government was voted in, the new Prime Minister announced an end to the Rwanda policy. How astonishing that that was one of the first announcements! It is only a beginning of the change we hope for. The end of indefinite detention, a legal and rational system for asylum applications, safe legal routes for those applying, the right to work, all come to mind.

We could feel like the Israelites in the desert: reluctant to believe in the good news, but surely now is not the time to be cynical. We feel, and are, so powerless in this global scene, but as St Paul reminds us, when we are at our most weak, God can show most strength. It is precisely in coming together to recognize our powerlessness that we gain the most hope. The faith of migrants continually astonishes us. Their faith is often greater than ours. Recognising the cracks which let in hope is our obligation to them.

This monthly Memorial Prayer Vigil for refugees and asylum-seekers takes place on the third Monday of every month outside the Home Office, SW1P 4DF, 12.30pm to 1.30pm. The next Vigil will be on Monday, 15 July.

LINKS

Home Office prayer vigil remembers: ‘Jesus was a Refugee’: www.indcatholicnews.com/news/50025

For more information, see: https://westminsterjusticeandpeace.org/

Cardinal congratulates new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer

Source: Diocese of Westminster

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, President of the Bishops’ Conference, has offered his congratulations to new Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer after Labour’s election victory.

Cardinal Nichols wrote to the PM to assure him of his prayers as the Labour leader forms a new government.

‘On behalf of the Catholic community in England and Wales I should like to congratulate you on your victory in yesterday’s general election,’ wrote Cardinal Nichols. ‘I assure you of my good wishes as you take up your new responsibilities in forming and leading a government.’

The Cardinal, acknowledging the challenges of leadership, said the Catholic Church stands ready to work constructively with the government in matters of education and other areas that serve the common good:

‘The Catholic Church has a long record of partnership with the UK Government, not least in the area of education where we run over two thousand schools in conjunction with the state. We look forward to this continuing and to working constructively in this and other areas with you, your ministers, and officials.

‘Your previous comments about wanting a government which works with churches and faith communities have been most welcome, and I want you to know that we stand ready to play our part.

‘I know that the road ahead is, perhaps, not the easiest one but I wish you well as you embark upon it. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.’