NJPN Conference Workshops demonstrate Integral Ecology

Nature walk with botanist Dr Judith Allinson

A 'Nature Explorer Walk', led by botanist Judith Allinson of Green Christian, was a popular workshop at the recent conference of the National Justice and Peace Network of England and Wales (NJPN).

"Everyone should have the opportunity to do one outdoor workshop and connect with nature' said a participant. Connecting with the natural world was an important component of a conference in Derbyshire focusing on the environment, taking the theme 'Action for Life on Earth', but, in addition, another 14 workshops demonstrated the concept of 'Integral Ecology' highlighted in Laudato Si'.

Integral ecology is a holistic perspective on reality which seeks not only to promote human flourishing, but also the flourishing of the natural world. For example, a look at and discussion of the complicated interaction between biodiversity loss, animal welfare and human action, including farming and other practices, was a workshop run by Chris Fegan, Chief Executive of Catholic Concern for Animals.

Around 30 participants attended 'A Global Green Recovery Towards Just Transition and the Glasgow COP' workshop, led by CAFOD's Maria Elena Arana. She shared information and led discussion about outcomes of G7 meetings in Cornwall and issues around Green Recovery and Just Transition, and plans for the rest of 2021, including the Glasgow COP26 climate summit. Participants viewed and discussed film clips of CAFOD's 'Reclaim Our Common Home' campaign and campaigning of CAFOD's young adult Cornwall G7 delegation. CAFOD partners Davi Yanomami from the Amazon and Brianna, a Pacific Climate Warrior, spoke about CAFOD Climate advocacy in advance of the Glasgow Summit in November. 'Parliament in Your Parish' MP meetings and CAFOD's Climate petition to the Prime Minister in advance of the COP were highlighted as well as plans for the Season of Creation, including Climate Sunday and CAFOD's new Climate Rosary. Saturday 6 November will see parish involvement in a COP26 Day of Action in Glasgow, London and cities across the UK.

Peter Grimwood of Green Christian led a workshop on Joy in Enough's 'Plenty!' programme which he found "encouraging". Plenty! is a new small ecumenical group discussion resource for churches on the economic drivers of the current ecological crises. Participants were encouraged to envision other, better ways of living together well and there was signposting to further resources for those wishing to explore ideas further.

A session on 'Fossil Free Churches: How and why your diocese should divest from fossil fuels' was led by James Buchanan of Operation Noah. Participants learned about Operation Noah's Bright Now campaign, which encourages UK Churches to divest from fossil fuel companies and invest in clean alternatives. Only four out of 22 Catholic dioceses in England and Wales have so far made divestment commitments. Participants are planning to encourage their dioceses to join the next global divestment announcement for faith organisations in October 2021. "Different ideas were given for approaching Diocesan Trustees regarding divestment," said a participant.

'Holding Water in your Landscape' looked at questions such as: How do you regenerate a river and transform a landscape? Can the world become water rich again? How do we ensure Water for All? Minni Jain, Director of the Flow Partnership, which works globally on community-driven decentralised water management and landscape restoration, examined the work of reviving rivers and stopping flooding. The workshop stressed the importance of working to make water available for rural communities in order for peace to return to their regions.

Tim Devereaux, Chair of the Movement for the Abolition of War, led a 'Conflict and the Environment' workshop. A member of Pax Christi for many years, he has an MA in Peace Studies. "For more than a decade," he said "Movement for the Abolition of War (MAW) has been highlighting the destructive connections between war and the climate crisis, so I was very pleased to lead this workshop." Some participants will be joining the actions at the DSEI (Defence & Security Equipment International) arms fair in September, while others will lobby their MPs to make sure that after COP26, military greenhouse gas emissions are no longer ignored. Eight years ago MAW launched a DVD, Conflict and Climate Change', in collaboration with Kevin Mayhew Publishing.

Brian O'Toole of the Presentation Interprovincial Justice Desk ran a workshop on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He felt that the SDGs must be a part of all local conversations if they are ever to be a part of national conversations. The SDGs are the only roadmap as we try to build back better. They are a readymade plan that puts those furthest behind to the front of all queues. COVID-19 is a curtain raiser for the impending Climate Crisis but the underpinning philosophy for the achievement of the SDGs in a human rights-based framework is one that can help us work together to achieve what we will never be able to achieve alone. Brian lamented that public awareness of the SDGs is "remarkably low" but one participant said afterwards, "so down to earth, yet global, the SDGs will be a focus for me now"

The PhoneCycle Game, led by Kerima Mohideen of the London Mining Network was described as "very informative and gave plenty of food for thought." Described as a cross between Monopoly and Trivial Pursuits, this interactive board game promotes discussion about the human and environmental costs of digital technology and what we can do to help solve the problems. The workshop drew upon real life experiences of people whose lives and livelihoods have been threatened by mining.

'Nonviolent Direct Action and Environmental Protest' was led by Melanie Nazareth of Christian Climate Action and the subgroup Catholics For Christian Climate Action. She will be joining the 'Camino to COP' walking relay setting off for Glasgow in September. One participant felt it was "marvellous to hear from such a dedicated practitioner with deep faith grounding." The workshop considered the need for Christian witness and protest in the context of the climate and ecological crisis, why nonviolent direct action is used, and some real life protest actions. Melanie then focused specifically on prayer protests and how this might be undertaken in an individual or parish setting.

Paul Bodenham, the J&P worker in Nottingham and a trustee of Green Christian, ran a workshop on 'Pastoral Care for Climate Distress' which, in the words on one participant, "allowed people to explore their feelings thus freeing up action." The workshop was an introduction to pastoral care for campaigners, church leaders and their congregations as we become aware of our collective climate trauma. Paul suggested that far from disabling us, these climate emotions are our greatest gifts right now. In them lie the energy we need: creativity, resilience, courage to win the future, and equanimity whatever the outcome.

In addition to workshops, more than 20 organisations had stalls in a conference marketplace, with further resources. These included Journey to 2030, Columban JPIC, Pax Christi, CAFOD and books by conference speakers, such as 'Climate Generation: Awakening to our Children's Future' by keynote speaker Lorna Gold.

LINKS

NJPN website: www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/conference/

Twitter: #NJPNlifeonearth