JPIC Links Conference: 'Building hope for people and planet'

Group discussion

At the end of Global Goals week - an annual week of action, awareness and accountability for the Sustainable Development Goals - 16 religious and associates from Anglican and Roman Catholic communities gathered in person at the FCJ Spirituality centre in Euston for a day conference of JPIC Links (Justice, peace and the integrity of Creation Links for Religious in England and Wales). It was led by Ellen Teague of the Columban missionaries and, thanks to zoom, the conference was joined by 16 online participants from all over the UK.

As we gathered, we looked at posters challenging us to think about the challenges we face and the signs of hope in today's world. After the opening prayer Ellen gave us an input on ways in which people have been 'Building hope for people and planet'. We looked at the growing realisation that poverty will never be history if we ignore the environment and that environmental destruction and poverty go hand in hand.

We explored the ways we can strengthen our own voices as campaigners and amplify the voices of people with lived experience of poverty and oppression. Knowing that the military are huge energy users, making a significant contribution to climate change, we were concerned that military emission reduction targets should be included in national climate strategies and hope that military emissions will feature in deliberations at COP27 in Egypt. We agreed that we need to respond positively to global challenges and stay optimistic in the face of adversity, as well as build on our advocacy skills.

This was followed by group discussion around five themes including, 'Restoring right relationships with Creation', 'Role of humans in creation' and 'Our understanding of sin.' Have you ever heard in church of environmental destruction being described as 'sinful'? It is tragic that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world, with more than one in seven native species facing extinction and more than 40% in decline. We desperately need a new, global deal for nature that protects and restores. We agreed that Biodiversity is an issue that does not receive the attention it deserves.

Our group was challenged by Pope Francis' comment in Laudato Si #217: 'Living our vocation to be protectors of God's handiwork is essential to a life of virtue; it is not an optional or a secondary aspect our Christian experience'. We asked the question, have you ever heard this in Church? We look forward to this being shouted from the rooftops by the Bishops' Conference and for parishioners to be asked to write to their MPs expressing their concern at destructive policies (such as the destruction caused by HS2 construction or fracking). It was pointed out that HS2 has destroyed ancient forests while at the same time the government is calling for new trees to be planted. What role does lobbying play in the government's policies on the use of fossil fuels? Where is the voice for people impacted by mining, fracking, and the extractive industries? Are the faith leaders using their influence in these matters?

In the afternoon, Ellen focussed on Creation-centred theology and Catholic Social Teaching and then looked at: Where does hope come from? We looked at ways in which communities are hearing and responding to 'The cry of the Earth and The cry of the Poor'. Water is a precious resource that should be available to all. We were shocked to learn that 22% of Peru's tropical glaciers have retreated in the last 25 years, threatening the fresh water supply to the city of Lima in Peru. How can it happen that a coca cola factory in Mexico can have a ready supply of water but the local indigenous people are deprived of drinking water?

We then did an exercise in groups using resources from the new 'Journey to 2030 pack - Building a Caring community'. It is a Guide for parishes, schools and faith communities to help care for creation in all its forms, looking at practical ways we can respond in such areas as Ecological Economics and Adopting Sustainable Lifestyles. We need to take dreaming and imagining seriously if we are to create the hope the world needs to see right now.

In the final discussion, Brother Magnus SSF (Society of St Francis) suggested that we should write to King Charles asking him to use his influence in these matters, particularly asking him to ensure that the Coronation will be as environmentally friendly as possible. This was agreed by the conference and we will be drafting a letter to be sent.

We agreed to support with practical advocacy the RSPB, the Wildlife trusts, National Trust and other nature and environmental charities in their campaign to challenge the UK government on its attack on nature. The Government proposed investment zones tears up the most fundamental legal protections of wildlife in the UK while the new Retained EU Laws Bill could see the end of basic protections for our wildlife. Government Ministers seem to have a real lack of understanding that healthy nature underpins a healthy society and a healthy economy. We wonder how the Justice and Peace organisations of the Catholic Community, together with the Bishops of England and Wales, can work together to stand up for nature? Perhaps a start would be if each of us were to write to our MP expressing our concern at the new proposals announced this week by the UK government? Speaking personally, I do not want this assault on the environment to be happening in my name.

And what of building hope? During the day religious shared the many ways we are involved in hope-building ventures. In Birmingham, an interfaith initiative gives 150 - 200 people a hot meal and company every night of the week. In our advocacy too, religious have welcomed Vicky Ford MP to her new role as Minister of State for Development, which means that for the first time since the Department for International Development was merged with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the poorest people in the world have a voice in the Cabinet. Our hope is that she will ensure that UK overseas development spending has a focus on fighting poverty and injustice.

At the end of the day the Eucharist was celebrated by Fr Ray Collier SSC (Columban missionary). Speaking on the Gospel of Dives and Lazarus, he challenged us: "what is in front of us that we fail to see?" The rich man was told that his brothers have, 'Abraham and the prophets.' Who are the prophets of today? Are we the prophets?

On the eve of the World Day of Prayer for migrants and refugees we remembered that environmental factors frequently cause movement of peoples, particularly in areas of conflict, and that environmental refugees could become the largest group of involuntary refugees.

Pope Francis' prayer was said during the day:

Lord, make us bearers of hope,
so that where there is darkness,
your light may shine,
and where there is discouragement,
confidence in the future may be reborn.

Sister Gillian Price is a Daughter of the Cross of Liege.

LINKS

Global Goals Week: https://globalgoalsweek.org/

Journey to 2030: https://journeyto2030.org/

World Migrants Day: www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/messages/migration/documents/20220509-world-migrants-day-2022.html