NJPN and the Year Ahead: Share the Light

The National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN) has always been committed to walking together in faith, action, and hope. At our recent 'Away Days' in Wistaston Hall, Crewe, we reflected on the journey so far and looked ahead with renewed determination, reminded of the strength and importance of Catholic Social Teaching.

Present at the NJPN planning days were Kevin Burr, Anne Wilkinson, Anne Peacey (Chair) Sharon Chambers (Administrator), Sue Ingham, Barbara Butler, Ann Kelly, Stephen Cooke, Annette Brindle, Sam Corcoran and Brian O'Toole.

Last year we embraced the theme of 'Throwing Open the Doors', inspired by the Jubilee image of welcome and renewal. In the year ahead we invite you to 'Share the Light'. Doors opened in faith must not be allowed to close; they are thresholds through which hope can radiate and justice, peace, and integrity of creation (JPIC) can shine.

The Jubilee Year called us to be Pilgrims of Hope: to restore relationships with God, with one another, and with creation. We are being called now to "exploit the cracks where the light gets in"-whether those cracks come from social division, ecological breakdown, or personal struggle. Hope, as our tradition reminds us, is not naïve optimism but faith in action. It is about reclaiming our humanity and daring to believe another way is possible.

Our Away Days also underlined the changing nature of Justice and Peace work. We seek a restoration of dignity, renewed respect for human rights, and a widening of the tent to include those too often excluded. NJPN is a seeking new ways of engaging in difficult but vital conversations by involving our grassroots members. Hope is grounded in action - for migrants and refugees, for our planet, for those in poverty, and for those caught in conflict.

To support this mission, NJPN will host throughout 2025 - 2026:

- Three webinars: December 2025, February & May 2026, online spaces to explore pressing issues, learn, and be inspired and challenged to act.

- Two in-person gatherings: Sheffield in April 2026 & London in September 2026 with opportunities for shared prayer, dialogue, learning and discernment.

- The Annual July 2026 Conference, 'Just Talk': offers a chance to listen, celebrate, and challenge across the network.

At every stage we want to hear your voice. Grassroots experience and local expertise bring life to the network, blossoming in parishes, schools, dioceses, charities, and community groups.

As we move towards next year's conference, we gather to be inspired, challenged, and informed. Our responsibility is "not to let the bad news win." With so many committed to justice and peace, hope is alive-and we can work together to 'Share the Light'.

We are asking you to join us on this journey. Let us 'Share the Light' that restores dignity and hope, defends human rights, protects creation, builds peace and challenges difficult narratives.

For more details please visit : www.justice-and-peace.org.uk

Brian O'Toole is Director of the Interprovincial Justice Desk for the Presentation Sisters.