Category: News

July 2017 Events

July 1st-30th Call me by my name: stories from Calais and Beyond A critically acclaimed multimedia exhibition exploring the complex and human stories behind the current migration crisis, with a particular focus on the now-demolished Calais camp.  More info: migrationmuseum.org/exhibition/calaisstories/

July 1st-30th 100 Images of Migration 100 Images of Migration is a collection of diverse images by professional and amateur photographers. The subjects of these images range from the unique to the everyday; together they tell a compelling story about what migration means now to people across the UK. More info: migrationmuseum.org/exhibition/100-images-of-migration/     Opening hours (FOR BOTH EXHIBITIONS): Wednesdays-Sundays, 10am-4pm  Location: Migration Museum at The Workshop, 26 Lambeth High Street, SE1 7AG

Tues 4th July Anti-Trafficking Conference for support providers or managers working directly with victims of traffickin. The day will consist of a series of panel discussions with practical information from leading lawyers in this area. 9:00-17:30.  Registration Free – details here: http://www.migrantsrights.org.uk/events/?mc_cid=a22a2d4224&mc_eid=93232d54d1

(Note Catholic Worker Vigil for Refugees – there will be no Catholic Worker vigil at the Home Office or Downing Street in July and August)

Thurs 6th July Progressing Prisoners Maintaining Innocence  ‘Who we lock up and why: from the dangerous and difficult to the innocent’ Talk by John Podmore,  professor of applied social sciences.  Free entry from 6pm. Meeting 6.30- 8pm, BPP University (Waterloo Lecture Theatre), 137 Stamford St, Lambeth, London SE1 9NN – 5 mins walk from Waterloo station.  Organised by PPMI – donations welcome.  See www.prisonersmaintaininginnocence.org.uk  for more information.

Tues 11th July London: Migration and Citizenship conference Time: 9.30am – 1.00pm Venue: Room 3002, John Galsworthy building, Penrhyn Road campus, Penrhyn Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 2EE.  Free entry Information at  Web page: http://www.kingston.ac.uk/events/item/2670/11-jul-2017-migration-and-citizenship-conference/?utm_source=Print&utm_medium=Print&utm_campaign=PG%20May%202017%20Migration%20conference%20Poster

Thurs 13th July The Catholic Worker invites you to join them for the visit of Bishop John Sherrington to Giuseppe Conlon House at 11am. All volunteers, friends and supporters of GCH are invited to join an informal meeting with the bishop. Please let us know if you would like to join us. The address of Giuseppe Conlon House is 49 Mattison road London N4 1BG. To get in touch please email or phone us at 02083488212.

Thurs 13th July Listening to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor: A CAFOD talk – Southwark. 07:00pm ‐ 09:00pm organised by CAFOD. Address: St Edmunds Hall, Village Way, Beckenham, Kent, BR3 3NA (opposite the Church of St. Edmund of Canterbury)  Register at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/listening-to-the-cry-of-the-earth-and-the-cry-of-the-poor-a-cafod-talk-tickets-34503283249

Fri 14th July The Response of the Church in Latin America to Pope Francis’ Call – Westminster. 02:00pm ‐ 03:30pm. Fr Peter Hughes, an Irish Columban priest from County Mayo who has spent most of his life as a missionary based in Lima, Peru will be explaining the Church’s response to Laudato Si’ and teaching us more about the Church’s work in Latin America at Comboni Missionary Sisters, 2 Chiswick Lane, London, W4 2JF.  Organised by CAFOD Register at:  https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/listening-to-the-cry-of-the-earth-and-the-cry-of-the-poor-a-cafod-talk-tickets-34503283249

Wed 19th July Listening to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor: A CAFOD talk – London webinar.  You are invited to this special campaigns event where you’ll hear from Fr Peter Hughes, an Irish Columban priest from County Mayo who has spent most of his life as a missionary based in Lima, Peru.  Organised by CAFOD. Register to listen to this live on https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4695294364973161473                           

Wed 19th July Listening to the Cry of the Earth and the Cry of the Poor: A CAFOD talk Attend this event live at 1 St Peter and St Paul’s Camborne Ave, London, Northfields, W13 9QZ.  Register at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/listening-to-the-cry-of-the-earth-and-the-cry-of-the-poor-a-cafod-talk-tickets-34503283249

Sun 6th Aug Hiroshima commemorations organised by Pax Christi @ 10:00 am – 5:00 pm in  Westminster Cathedral Piazza, Victoria, London SW1P.  LITURGY VIGIL – Every year we have a stall, vigil and time of prayer to commemorate the bombing of Hiroshima.  Join us, help give out leaflets, talk with people about what is happening today to ban nuclear weapons, pray with us.  Prayer times at 11.30 and 3.30. Leaflet here http://paxchristi.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/August_-peace-events.pdf        Contact the office if you would like to help us any way – all welcome.

Wed 9th Aug Nagasaki Commemorations @ Westminster Cathedral Piazza Organised by Pax Christi.  Every year we have a stall, vigil and time of prayer to commemorate the bombing of Hiroshima.  Join us, help give out leaflets, talk with people about what is happening today to ban nuclear weapons, pray with us.  Prayer times at 11.30 and 3.30. Leaflet here http://paxchristi.org.uk/wp/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/August_-peace-events.pdf.  Contact the office if you would like to help us any way – all welcome.

Wed 9th Aug Mark the anniversary of execution of Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, martyr for peace. Resources on Pax Christi website http://paxchristi.org.uk/ Annual service @ 6.30 in the Crypt Chapel, Westminster Cathedral. Access from Ambrosden Avenue, through car park. Followed by the annual interfaith peace walk to Battersea Park.

Lampedusa Cross Prayers at Westminster Cathedral in Refugee Week

Westminster Justice and Peace organised an evening of prayer for refugees, peace and and victims of violence in front of the Lampedusa Cross in Westminster Cathedral on Friday 23rd June to mark Refugee Week.  The Cross is situated permanently in the St Andrew’s side chapel, and is made of wood from the wrecks of boats carrying refugees across the Mediterranean.   Fr John Scott, chaplain of the Cathedral led the prayers,  attended by over 70 people.   Refugees from war, persecution and climate change were remembered, but also those who had suffered from the violent terrorist attacks in the UK.  The congregation was invited to write messages of hope for asylum seekers to be sent through CAFOD to refugee camps in Eastern and Southern Europe.  
 
The prayers were followed by a talk and discussion with the Brothers of St John of God and staff of Olallo House, a hostel serving asylum seekers, and trafficked people, as well as recovering homeless TB sufferers.  Situated in Central London, Olallo House is above all a safe house, offering safety and hospitality to people without recourse to public funds. 

Refugee Week Vigil

On Tuesday 20th June, Westminster Justice & Peace attended a special Refugee Week vigil outside the Home Office, with the London Catholic Worker, Housing Justice, and others.

As well as prayers and music, we also stood in silence while a list of those who have died trying to reach Europe was read out. We have included that list here to give an idea of how many are still losing their life making this journey. The information is taken from the Missing Migrants Project, https://missingmigrants.iom.int/

VigilListL

Statement for peace and solidarity with victims and survivors of violence in London, the UK and beyond, during Refugee Week 2017

The Westminster Justice and Peace Commission adds its voice to all those who have condemned the violent events of the last few weeks in London, including the fire at Grenfell Tower, and who have called for peace.  We stand with all those against terrorist attacks and tactics: there is no place for violence in our society.

We commend the generosity of the thousands of ordinary civilians who have helped and are helping those in need, and we are especially grateful for the peaceful actions and dignity of the leaders at Muslim Welfare House in Finsbury Park, in responding to violent aggression.

We further commend the bravery of the civilians who came forward to ward off attacks at the 2 bridges, and to help victims while danger still threatened, as well as the inspiring dedication and courage of the personnel in the emergency services.

To honour all those who have died in these events, we pray for the wisdom to continue to act as peacebuilders, drawing on the courage, generosity, dignity and determination shown by those so closely involved in these tragedies.

We invite all to pray with us in Westminster Cathedral on Friday 23rd June 2017 at 6.30pm in the St Andrew’s Chapel before the Lampedusa Cross, for Refugees, Peace and Solidarity.  We will hold a one-minute silence to remember all those who have recently died in our city and country through violence.

For further information contact Justice and Peace at 0208 888 4222 or justice@rcdow.org.uk

There will also be a talk in the Hinsley Room behind the Cathedral at 7.15pm on Friday 23rd June from the Brothers of St John of God, about their work at Olallo House in Central London, where they care for the sick and destitute with no recourse to public funds. 

May 2017 Events

Tues 2nd May – Catholic Worker Vigil for Refugees (every first Tues of the Month) 12.30 in front of the Foreign Office, King Charles St:  We pray for refugees and call for our government to ensure safe passage for refugees

 Wed 3rd May – Love your neighbour: welcoming others in the face of fear.  A group for Christians of all denominations interested in the work of St Ethelburga’s to strengthen Christian support for and awareness of the mission of the Centre, through prayer, discussion and worship. Discussion led by Canon Rev. George Newton on practicing love for your neighbour and welcoming others in the face of fear.  For more information contact Jane Morton on 0207 496 1610 or jane.morton@stethelburgas.org

 Tues 9/10 May – “Christian Responsibility to Dalits and Caste Discrimination”  2-day Conference organised by The Christian Network Against Caste Discrimination. 10 AM – 05 pm, at Amigo Hall, St George’s Cathedral, London SE1 7Y.  CONTACT DETAILS:  Voice of Dalit International:  Email: vodi@vodintl.org.uk , Tel: [0044] 0208 813 2380 / 07919247332, or Mr Jan Janoszka, Email: janj@rcdow.org.uk , Tel: 07572942799. Requested conference donation of £10 per day.

Sat 13th May – Annual General Meeting and Open Networking Day of National Justice & Peace Network at CAFOD, Romero House, 55 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE7 1JB. 10.30am to 4pm . Networking and Updates from around country.  Our Environment Working Party will lead a session to prepare for Creation Day and Creation Time (1 Sept – 4 Oct), looking at ideas and resources.  Tel:020 7901 4864 or  Email: admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk

14-20 May – Christian Aid Week .  Fund raising by membersof various churches to help the needy throughout the world, regardless of religion or race, in over 60 countries, to improve their own lives and tackle the causes of poverty and injustice

Mon 15th May – International Conscientious Objector’s Day. Commemoration with short speeches, songs led by Sue Gilmurray, a minute’s silence and flowers laid at the stone, to remember the COs of all countries and all times..  Bring family, friends and a picnic for afterwards. 12 noon in Tavistock Square, Bloomsbury, London WC1 with Guest speakers: Sir Mark Rylance and Nick Jeffrey (Vietnam War draft resister).  Singing from 11am.   Organised by Christian CND.  For further info: mail@coproject.org.uk

Tues 16 May – Catholic Worker Vigil for Refugees (every third Tues of the Month) 12:30pm, by the Home Office, Marsham Street: CW vigil. We pray for refugees and call for our government to ensure safe passage for refugees.

Tues 16 May – “Open Society under Threat?: A warning from history”  6.30pm.  A distinguished panel come to St. Paul’s Cathedral to explore the challenges facing nations and societies today, through the lens of history and the remarkable book Darkness over Germany. Speakers: Dr Rowan Williams, Baroness Butler-Sloss, Professor Maiken Umbach, Progessor Kurt Barling, with a response from Professor Lord Stern.  Register for free tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-society-under-threat-a-warning-from-history-tickets-32582733834?aff=eac2

Sat 20th May – Annual Mass for Migrants The 12th Migrants Mass will be hosted this year by Brentwood Diocese for the first time at St Anthony of Padua, Forest Gate, London E7 9QB. In honour of St Joseph the Worker. Every year, the Dioceses of Westminster, Southwark & Brentwood  celebrate the contributions being made by the migrant workers in the country. Bishop Alan Williams  will be the main celebrant .

Sat 20th May – 32nd Annual Multi-Faith Pilgrimage for Peace in Hertfordshire and North London. Starts at Arnos Grove at 9.15am Gathering at Our Lady of Lourdes, RC Church, 373 Bowes Road N11 1AA. Ends at 6.30pm.at Nanak Darbar – North London Gurdwara, 136 High Road, London N11 1PJ. Travel by coach   Please book early to reserve a seat .(around 100 places available only) Organised by Westminster Interfaith.  Enquiries to jondaldin@rcdow.org.uk , info@londoninterfaith.org.uk or check on the website: http://londoninterfaith.org.uk/

Sat 20th May – Religion in Colombia: Supporting or spoiling peace?  What role might religion play in the future of peace in Colombia? Rodeemos el Diálogo will facilitate a dialogue between ex-Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams and a panel of experts on Colombian politics and human rights in our unique historical space. For more information contact Claire Chou Doran on 0207 496 1612 or claire.doran@stethelburgas.org

Sun 21st May – Faiths In Tune faithsintune@gmail.com   London Interfaith Music Festival, British Museum

Sat 3rd June – Pax Christi Annual Gathering 2017 at Maria Fidelis School.  Register for tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pax-christi-annual-gathering-2017-tickets-33112080123

Fri 9th June – J&P Visit to North London Waste Recycling Centre, Edmonton   to see how our household waste gets recycled and why. Time 10.30 to 12.00.   Meet 9.30am. at the Justice and Peace office, 4 Vincent Rd, London N15 3QH,   0208 888 4222

Fri 9–10th June – Protest, Power & Change is the theme of the 2017 Peace History Conference.  Organised by MAW in partnership with Imperial War Museums. Among topics on the programme will be ‘Fewer Bombs, More Jobs: The Lucas Aerospace Combine Shop Stewards’ Alternative Plan 1976’ and ‘Lysistrata in the Rainforest: the women’s nonviolent campaign which ended the civil war in Liberia’. PHC 2017 is timed to coincide with the exhibition ‘People Power: Fighting for Peace’ at IWM London.   (Exhibition ends 28 August)  The Museum is the venue for the Saturday conference:  IWM Lambeth Road, SE1 6HZ.

Friday 9th June .  Afternoon walk along London Peace Trail (starts 3.30pm  Tavistock Sq) and at 7.30pm the acclaimed play ‘This Evil Thing’ performed by Michael Mears (at Oasis Hub Waterloo, 1a Kennington Road SE1 7QP). e-booking for Conference, with add-on options for Peace Trail and/or Play  http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2911651

Sat 17 June – No Need for Nuclear: the Renewables are Here. CND hosts this one day national conference to discuss how renewable energy can and should replace nuclear energy production. Tickets £10/£5 10:15am-5pm (Registration and refreshments from 9:45am) Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London. Contact enquiries@cnduk.org  / 020 7700 2393

Mass For Migrants 2017

Migrants Mass Poster 2017

The annual Mass for Migrants in honour of St Joseph the Worker will be held in the Diocese of Brentwood, on 20th May at 11am.

The mass will be preceded by a banner procession of representatives from London’s diverse communities, occupations and civic organisations (gather at 10:30am).

The mass takes place at St Anthony of Padua, Forest Gate, E7 9QB.

You can download a poster here.

 

Westminster Justice and Peace deeply disappointed by US environment backtracking

The Westminster Justice and Peace Commission is deeply disappointed by the actions of President Trump regarding energy and climate change, which cuts across all the endeavours of Pope Francis and the Catholic Church towards a new way of caring for creation.

On 29 March 2017 Donald Trump signed legislation – an Energy Independence Executive Order – which has undermined all Barack Obama’s policies to combat climate change by reducing emissions from fossil fuels. Central to the changes is a review of Barack Obama’s clean power plan – a pledge to cut US emissions by 26-28% by 2025 – which paved the way for the Paris agreement on tackling climate change involving 195 countries

Through this action, he has swept away green legislation at a stroke of the pen, and has enforced his statement that global warming was a ‘hoax’ invented by the Chinese. Crucially, the Paris accord of 2015 has been seriously undermined on greenhouse emissions and his actions also threaten to derail the worldwide fight against global warming. His plan will therefore make it impossible for the US to meet its Paris obligations.

Yet the US is the world’s second-largest emitter of greenhouse gases – behind China, and most of the world looks to the US for leadership and shared responsibility when it comes to saving our planet for future generations. When leaders of poorer nations see the lack of resolve on the part of the US they are likely to think twice about investing cash into schemes that will not produce immediate results in their political lifetime.

To be committed to climate change means that one has to be there for the long haul and work to pass on a sustainable world to future generations. There is NO ‘quick fix’ which is what many people would like in life. Environmental groups and all who are concerned with the care of our planet need to unite together in a sustained plan of action. We need to proclaim the message of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’ letter on ‘the care of our common home’, as never before. We must not be diverted by those who either deny or are indifferent to the task in hand. Now is the hour for renewed efforts.

Fr Joe Ryan (Chair) and Barbara Kentish (Fieldworker)

On behalf of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission

For further information contact the Commission on 0208 888 4222

justice@rcdow.org.uk