Lancaster Faith and Justice - Articles, Events and Campaigning

The April 2019 newsletter of Lancaster Diocese Faith and Justice Commission looks at issues ranging from the children climate strikers, the Amazonia Synod and giving up clothes for Lent.

Fr Hugh Pollock of a parish community in Kendal, Cumbria, reports being forced to acknowledge the reality of climate change with local communities suffering flooding after severe weather. He feels he began to understand, "the interconnectedness of our global family" after travelling with CAFOD to last December's climate conference in Poland. He says, "our way of life - our use of fossil fuels and rising CO2 levels - isn't just affecting us; its having a huge impact on the lives of people around the world, often on the poorest countries". His parish has developed a Lenten guide, with ideas on how parishioners can live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with poor communities. "Lent is a classic time given to us by the Church for conversion and change" he says.

Stephen Garsed has written an open letter to the school student strikers saying "As a 69-year-old grandfather, I salute you and stand in solidarity with you". He feels, "you have displayed a maturity that has put our politicians to shame".

We learn of the Lancashire Sanctuary Homes Project about refugee hosting. St Wilfrid's parish in Preston gave a very generous donation of £1000 which will help individuals with the initial costs of setting up a home.

The newsletter can be downloaded at:

www.lancasterfaithandjustice.co.uk/newsletter/Lancaster%20FJ%20E-Bulletin%20April%202019.pdf

Reports, newsletters mentioned and previous newsletters are also available at:

www.lancasterfaithandjustice.co.uk/newsletter/