SPARK and the Justice and Peace Commission are members of Leeds Citizens and at their Accountability Assembly at the end of April we heard from the potential Mayoral candidates for West Yorkshire.
I went with Anthony, one of our SPARK supporters and John Battle Chair of the J&P Commission also attended. Leeds Citizens is an alliance of organisations across the city, enabling community priorities to be represented to local politicians, to drive change on priority issues like local bus transport, mental health support and responding to racism. It was great to feel a part of a wider community working for the Common Good in the greater Leeds area.
The Citizens Organising movement also has much to offer in ways of working – it is a very bottom-up organisation and that is very much the approach we have taken with the SPARK project. I try to react to what people in our target age range have been telling me they would like to do about issues of social justice and am doing my best to facilitate that happening.
Having made good links with Leeds Trinity University, the University of Leeds & Mary Mother of God parish in Bradford I would also be interested to hear from any other parishes that are interested in talking with me about building a relationship with the project to better engage with people in the 18 – 30 age group.
Just prior to Christmas the Commission held a ‘Listening’ event at Wheeler Hall, Leeds. People coming along welcomed the opportunity to share their varied social justice concerns and we determined that, as a Commission, we should hold further events like it.
At the end of April, we met at St Mary & St Monica Church in Cottingley. This time we had a specific issue to focus on: UK poverty. Thanks to Liz Firth, who organised this event, our tables were covered with tablecloths that could be written on – and this we duly did!
What we know and have experienced. There was a lot of experience in the groups from people who volunteered with the SVP and some who were involved with the ‘Community Kitchen’ in Bingley. Others were involved in supporting refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom have no recourse to any benefits. The church we were in supported the night shelter for asylum seekers run by Inn Churches in Bradford.
Bingley Community Kitchen started out as a kitchen – providing ‘cook and eat’ sessions and, during the pandemic, cooking meals for delivery to people. An important aspect of their work now is a ‘pantry’ style organisation where people pay £5 each visit and they can choose a number of items to take for that (along with some additional items that are freely offered). In addition, £1 of that amount is put into a Credit Union account for that person. There is also a café so that people coming to the community Kitchen can stop and have a chat with others.
Root causes When we examined root causes of poverty then a lot of it came down to UK Government policy. This has been much more than just financial cuts. The harsh attitude towards migrants and asylum seekers has been well documented. Some also pointed to the difficulties involved in actually claiming a benefit such as Universal Credit: it is a complicated process to navigate. On top of that it can take several weeks before payment comes through, and many people claiming do not have any savings that they are able to fall back on in such circumstances. Others pointed to increasing cases of people in rented accommodation. Several also cited examples of service rationing’ – a good example being mental health services where the current waiting list for services is 1.9 million people and so the criteria for actually getting support are set in such a way that only very acute cases get help quickly. Charities are now covering the gaps in statutory services like these. Those helping people on low incomes should be plugging short-term gaps – not providing a way for Government to permanently reduce the welfare budget.
What actions provide hope? When it comes to what additional actions we can take, the looming General Election came into play. How do we apply the principles of Catholic Social Teaching?
In considering the ‘Common Good’, John Battle pointed out that CAFOD and the SVP nationally have collaborated to produce a whole programme in preparation for this.
The ability to fully participate in society and to do that with full human Dignity should also be part of our decision-making. When we were talking about what sort of actions, we found hopeful then the Bingley Community Kitchen was certainly one of them: it sounded like a real attempt to provide help with dignity. It provides food for individuals and families very cheaply, which is helpful in itself. Additionally, the people using this service make their own choices about what to take – it is not a handout. By using a small proportion of the money paid to put into a credit union account the service also offering a ’hand up’ to people who do not have income levels allowing them to save on a regular basis.
We didn’t solve anything in our discussions in this meeting but I think everyone found out something they didn’t know before they came along or were given ideas for things that they could do differently. When we went round at the end to see if individuals had any comments, more than one person mentioned how helpful it was to be able to be in a group where such a discussion could take place. Others mentioned the language we use and fall into the trap of using and accepting: the ‘cost of social welfare’ as opposed to the amount we ‘invest to help people live a more dignified life where they can fully participate’. All of this was captured in visual form by Bronagh Daly, from Our Lady of Kirkstall parish & Leeds Church Institute (as shown at the start of this article). She did the same thing at our pre-Christmas event and worked so well that we asked her to do it again!
This format of event is something which we will continue to repeat later in the year. Email the Commission if you would be interested in hosting a session in your area.
CAFOD launches emergency appeal to support ‘world’s worst crisis’ in Sudan
CAFOD has launched an emergency appeal to support families in Sudan, as Britain’s Ambassador to the United Nations says that Sudan is in the grip of the world’s worst hunger and displacement crisis.
With over eight million people having fled their homes to escape violence, after fighting erupted a year ago between government forces and paramilitaries, and with 25 million in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, CAFOD says there is a short window to act before the growing season in Sudan starts in June, as fears grow of an impending – yet preventable – famine.
Jo Kitterick, CAFOD’s director of participation, said: “Many aid agencies exited Sudan when the current fighting erupted a year ago. Right now Catholic agencies in the Caritas network that CAFOD is part of, supported by the Church of Sudan, are some of the only organisations able to deliver aid to support the Sudanese people. The communities we serve in Sudan have issued a desperate cry for help and we are inviting the Catholic community to stand alongside us and the local Sudanese organisations we fund in responding to their call.”
CAFOD has been working alongside communities in Sudan for over fifty years. Donations made to its Sudan crisis appeal – whether online or via collections in parishes this weekend – will go towards supporting families in Sudan and surrounding countries, who are already contending with extreme hunger, as communities strive to stop the crisis becoming the worst in living memory.
Speaking at the weekend, Ambassador Barbara Woodward, the UK’s permanent representative to the United Nations, told the UN Security Council that while Sudan is in the grip of the world’s worst hunger and displacement crisis, “it is not too late for Sudan to return from the brink,” as she urged the warring parties in Sudan to engage in political negotiations to bring about peace, and for greater access to humanitarian access to reach those most in need.
By David Somerville, Our Lady & St Cuthbert parish
On the 2nd April, around 200 people joined a march organised by the Bradford Friends of Palestine in Baildon, Shipley to the gate of Teledyne who make high-tech weapons for use by the Israeli military.
They are on the Campaign Against the Arms Trade (CAAT) list of suppliers to the so-called defence industry and are our most local here in West Yorkshire – now that Chieftain tanks are no longer made at Crossgates in Leeds.
Teledyne are situated in a quiet industrial area off the Otley Road. Over recent years they have been highlighted as taking an active role in the armaments industry.
A number of Catholics, Quakers and other Christians joined the protest in conjunction with Muslims from various groups.
People are tired of being ignored by current political party leaders.
By Emma Temple, LCI On Thursday 14th March, Christians around Leeds gathered to hear Bishop Tony Parry tell his story of faith at New Testament Church of God.
As Dr Helen Reid introduced him, it was clear from the extensive list of communities he’d served and titles he’d held that this was a life whose impact created ripples throughout Leeds.
His work as a minister and bishop in his church, his powerful voice for social and civil rights, and his balanced approach to ecumenical unity all shone through, and told a story of a man with a love of God’s word and passion for God’s justice.
When asked about his calling to ministry, he said: “I’m very shy and reserved, and most people don’t believe that, but it’s really true. So I wouldn’t necessarily push myself forward for anything, but I did really love God’s word. So I was always thrust into preaching, and, and it was from that people saw God’s call in my life.”
Bishop Parry has worked tirelessly for racial and social justice in Leeds, leading a call for transformation after the murder of George Floyd. He explained: “I don’t like confrontation, but because I like fairness, so sometimes you end up challenging, and trying to help those who may not have a voice.”
Helen Reid carried the interview with gentleness and sensitivity. She introduced the passion for racial justice that led LCI to host these interviews: “At Leeds Lives events, we celebrate Black lives in Leeds, and the contribution made to church and city, to celebrate living by faith and challenging discrimination. These events are a chance to listen, and learn from one particular person telling their story.”
You can find the full interview on the LCI YouTube Channel here:
On Thursday 18th April, LCI are hosting Churches Against Racism, an opportunity for Christians in Leeds to come together and talk practically and theologically about action for racial justice in Leeds. Bishop Tony Parry will be speaking alongside local and national voices. Find out more here: More Info
By Joe Burns, Commission Member This is the title of an event that has been organised by the Northern Dioceses’ Environment Group (NDEG). The NDEG first met in 2017 to bring together people who are concerned about the environment and who are also active in their own dioceses. It was inspired by Pope Francis’s Laudato Si encyclical and created an opportunity to bring together people who care about creation, climate change and poverty. The objectives of the NDEG are:
Last year they held their first in-person day event after the pandemic in Leeds – with the support of the Commission.
This year the event will be held on Saturdayt 18 May in Preston at St.Wilfrid’s parish centre.
NDEG is inviting parishes and individuals from across the North of England to come along to this day . One of the keynote speakers will be Francis Stewart who is part of the Theology team at CAFOD. He will be exploring how issues about the way we obtain our food relate to our faith. There will also be speakers who will explain what is happening in Lancashire to create a more sustainable food system as well as a speaker exploring how food insecurity affects those experiencing poverty.
There will be a Fairtrade stall and a plant andseed swap stall. If you have any excess seedlings or seeds then you can bring somealong and swap them for something else! There will also be a stall about howmicroplastics are affecting our food.
Everyone coming is invited to bring some food to share with others at lunchtime (nothing that requires cooking or heating up) – something that people on t’other side of the Pennines apparently refer to as a ‘Jacob’s Join’.
St Wilfred’s Parish Centre is a 5 min walk from Preston train station. There is also ample parking in the shopping complex opposite the train station (the shopping centre complex is called St George’s and is accessed from Lune Street). Avenham Car Park (PR1 3XA) is cheaper (£5.50 compared to £8) – and still only a 5 min walk to St Wilfred’s Parish Centre.
There are direct trains to Preston from several West Yorkshire stations. The Commission will reimburse train travel expenses for anyone who wants to attend this event. Make sure you take a photo of your tickets (if they are paper) and email jandp@dioceseofleeds.org.uk for an expense claim form. For more information and to book a place please click the button below:
CAFOD and the SVP have joined forces to help prepare the UK Catholic community for the upcoming General Election. Their introduction to this campaign is as follows:
The common good is reached when we work together to improve the lives of people both in our local community, and in the wider world.
The SVP’s and CAFOD’s campaign wants to help the Catholic voice be heard in the next General Election, and we want to make sure our politicians make tackling poverty a priority.
The Church tells us that “…All citizens ought to be aware of their right and duty to promote the common good by casting their votes…”. But in order to arrive at the polling station as well informed as possible, it’s important to know our prospective MP’s views on the things that matter to us.
For this reason, the SVP and CAFOD are inviting parishes to reach out to their local candidates ahead of the next election. This is not about party political affiliations, but rather about strengthening community participation as a local faith group, and practicing the culture of encounter that Pope Francis talks about:
“. . . with our faith we must create a “culture of encounter,” a culture of friendship, a culture in which we find brothers and sisters, in which we can also speak with those who think differently…”
You can register to receive more details and updates about training workshops that they are offering. Use the button to find out more.
Join the LCI team to say a fond farewell to Dr Helen Reid, who has served as Director for over 10 years.
In May, Helen will be moving on to new adventures as Director of Parceval Hall, retreat house for the Anglican Diocese of Leeds, and we want to wish her all the best in this new role, as well as celebrating her immense contribution to the life and vision of Leeds Church Institute.
We will gather at Leeds Minster for tea and cake, and a short service of blessing for Helen in her work going forward. We very much hope you will join us to celebrate Helen and say a heartfelt farewell from the LCI community.
Use the button to get more information and attend.
There will be a Fairtrade stall and a plant andseed swap stall. If you have any excess seedlings or seeds then you can bring somealong and swap them for something else! There will also be a stall about howmicroplastics are affecting our food.
CAFOD and the SVP have joined forces to help prepare the UK Catholic community for the upcoming General Election. Their introduction to this campaign is as follows: