Justice and Peace Conference to focus on Ecological Conversion

The National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN) has organised its annual conference in July, to be held at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire 23-25 July 2021.

Organisers feel the issues of the conference should not be postponed for another year. Though planned as an in-person event, if continued constraints prevent the conference going ahead in person NJPN will present the programme, or similar, as a bookable only online conference.

The theme is: '2021: Life on Earth - moment of truth'. As climate change, the biodiversity crisis and Covid-19 make clear, ecological conversion is becoming a matter of life and death.

Decisions to be made this year at the November COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, and in the context of recovery from the pandemic, are critical for salvaging a sustainable future. Inspiration will be taken from the encyclicals Laudato Si and Fratelli Tutti.

The conference aims to inspire ecological conversion, update Christian witness in light of the climate and ecological emergency and Covid-19 and reimagine the justice and peace movement and our Church to meet the challenges ahead.

The conference will be chaired by CAFOD's Director Christine Allen. Marty Haugen, the liturgical composer and pastoral musician, will lead the Liturgy. Speakers include Lorna Gold from FaithInvest, Bishop John Arnold who is the lead bishop on the environment in England and Wales, the Spiritan Priest Fr Eamonn Mulcahy and the Integral Thinker Mark Rotherham. Recently confirmed is Lord Deben, Chairman of the UK Independent Committee on Climate Change.

Workshops and activities include: COP26 and divestment; Conflict and the Environment; Name that weed (outdoor); Biodiversity loss; Extractive Industries; Eco-anxiety; Waste recycling practical session; Liturgy planning; Presence at COP26 (real or virtual).

There will be age-appropriate parallel programmes for young children and teens, as well as provision of a creche.

The JUST FAIR will consist of more than 20 stalls from different agencies displaying goods and resources, as well as information and ideas about practical action throughout the weekend.

Booking forms at: www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/conference

Geoff Thompson is the administrator of the National Justice and Peace Network.