NJPN: Annual conference to challenge 'the inevitability of violence'

"War is a defeat for everyone" - Words of Pope Francis, quoted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re at His Holiness' Requiem Mass on 26 April 2025.

"Peace be with all of you!" - The first words of Pope Leo XIV as he appeared on the balcony of St Peter's in Rome having been just elected by the Conclave on 8 May 2025.

This year, the National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN) Conference on 25-27 July in Derbyshire, takes the theme: 'Towards a Just Peace - Challenging the Inevitability of Violence.'

The 47th annual conference, is not just about highlighting the mounting horror of war in our times. It is about highlighting ongoing challenges in various communities, conflict resolution, the environmental care - and the aim is that everyone will leave with a commitment to work actively for peace in the future.

Keynote Speakers are Dr Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, who will address the theme, and Dr Joanna Frew of Rethinking Security, who will explore what real security looks like today.

The conference, which draws Justice and Peace activists from the dioceses of England and Wales, will also hear from Andrew Jackson and Sr Katrina Alton of Pax Christi England and Wales about work of the Catholic Church to reclaim nonviolence. Other contributors, who will also be running stalls, include CAFOD and CSAN.

Workshop contributors include Richard Solly of Jesuit Missions and Ellen Teague of the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team who will explore links between violence and environmental problems. Another workshop will listen to the voices of bereaved Israelis and Palestinians who are committed to working together for a Just Peace. Bokani Tshidzu of Operation Noah will explore 'Investing in Peace through Climate Action.' Quakers in Britain will look at how local interfaith and intercommunal relations in Britain are impacted by international conflicts.

In this Jubilee Year 2025, the NJPN has invited all to join them as 'pilgrims of hope'.

NJPN says: "Journey with us this jubilee year as we open the doors to a just peace for current and future generations. Join us as we commit to taking restorative action to bring about peace and justice for migrants, or people living in poverty and inequality and for a world in climate crisis. We owe it to future generations to make this Jubilee permanent".

LINKS

For more information see: www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/conference/

Further details and booking please contact Sharon Chambers Email: admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk Tel: 020 7901 4864

Some bursaries available, especially for any young people who have a keen interest in social action.

Details of the NJPN Jubilee Year programme: www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/