NJPN Networking Day to focus on 'Extremism'

Melanie Nazareth

The next quarterly meeting and AGM of the National Justice & Peace Network of England and Wales (NJPN) will be held on Saturday 11 May at CAFOD's offices in South London.

The theme will be: 'New definition of extremism 2024' and exploring "What will it mean in practice?" and "Climate activism - who are the extremists?" Speakers are Margaret-Ann Fiskin, Consultant Emeritus and formerly Chair of the Catholic Association for Racial Justice (CARJ), and Melanie Nazareth, Churches Project Officer, Green Christian and Christian Climate Action. There will be a 'notice board' session, with the opportunity for justice and peace groups and representatives from dioceses and Catholic/Christian agencies to share information about their activities and campaigns.

And NJPN's annual Conference will take place at Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire on 19-21July 2024. The theme for the weekend is 'Just Politics' and the aim is to explore the need for truth and integrity in public life. As people of faith, and in an election year, how are we called to work towards honest dialogue and respectful listening in political and social engagement and seek good governance in all seats of power; local, national, and global?

The conference attracts Justice and Peace representatives from the Catholic dioceses of England and Wales and representatives of agencies with a focus on social justice. During the weekend participants will hear from keynote speakers, take part in workshops, find resources and information in the 'Just Fair' and listen to the voices of young adults as they share their hopes and concerns for the future of our world.

The Chair is Sir John Battle, bringing his vast knowledge and experience of Catholic Social Teaching in action, both in the political sphere and in community engagement. Speakers include Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, Anglican Bishop of Chelmsford, who will explore opportunities for Christians and the Church to play a positive role in society and Colette Joyce of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission, who will facilitate a session with young people speaking about their concerns, what action they can take and what they look for from others.

There will be an 'Exhibition of Sculptures and Poems', connecting the Passion of Christ with the suffering of all living beings globally. The exhibition, which is supported by the Passionist Community, comprises a number of 'Stations'. Each one is made up of a sculpture, a poem, and quotes from Scripture and from Laudato Si'. Artist Lya Vollering and poet Michael Quille are interested in re-imagining traditional Christian art and beliefs in a politically progressive way, connecting them with Catholic Social Teaching and the Pope's encyclical Laudato Si'.

Anne Peacey is the Chair of NJPN.

Conference information and booking details at: www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/conference/

NJPN Website: www.justice-and-peace.org.uk