NJPN: Annual Conference focus on 'Just Politics'

National Justice and Peace Network

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