On the 17 January we held our first Zoom conversation of 2023.
It was with the Rt. Rev. John Arnold, Bishop of Salford. Bishop John is the lead on Climate Change for the Bishops’ Conference and he is also a trustee of CAFOD.
He was in conversation with Commission Chair, John Battle, about the importance of Laudato Si, what he has done in his own diocese and what lessons others can learn from what he has done.
To listen to this discussion use the button below.
By David Kelly, Vice Chair, Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament
Last year was the fortieth anniversary of the Faslane Peace camp, situated across the road from the home of Britain’s nuclear submarine fleet. The four submarines that are equipped with Trident nuclear missiles, have been joined by the seven nuclear powered submarines of the Astute class, transferred from Devonport. The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) has increased the amount of permitted pollution into the sea, to accommodate the near tripling of nuclear reactor powered submarines based here. The juxtaposition of the immaculate industrial site, designed for genocide, with its miles of perfect, electrified fence, and the Peace camp immediately across the road, looking hand-knitted, with its aging caravans, solar power, and wood burning stoves is remarkable. More police are employed to protect Faslane than all of the rest of Argyll and Bute. Every ten minutes a police patrol car passes by. The message of the base is ‘they keep us safe’. There are other interpretations of the patriarchy’s most treasured and insane installation. I think of the peace camp as ‘They keep us sane’, how can planning to kill tens of millions of people be anything other than lunacy? How should we respond to the threat of mass murder as a political strategy? As part of the celebration, an Open Day on the 12th of December was organised in conjunction with the ‘Embrace the Base’ collective, setup to celebrate the anniversary of the demonstration when 30,000 women surrounded the Greenham Common base for nuclear armed cruise missiles. I set off from my home in Glasgow, all ‘layered up’, the camp is not warm in December, collected a chum and we were off.
The Peace Camp occupies a strip of land, one path wide with caravans and self-assembled buildings that run for about one hundred meters, by ten meters wide. We got there a little behind the others. Not connected to the world to football, I had not allowed any extra time to collect someone from Ibrox on match day! The visitors and most of the camp regulars were on their way by foot to a vigil at the North Gate. We quickly made-up time by car. Of course, we are quickly joined by small group of Police, keen to understand this was a vigil, rather than anything disruptive. We are blessed in Scotland with a Police force who are properly briefed in our right to protest. Always good to have new visitors to the camp, so a wee trip to Coulport was quickly organised for those who had never been. Coulport is where all of the UK’s nuclear warheads are kept and loaded onto submarines. In contravention of the non-proliferation treaty that we are signatories of, the number of bombs is being increased. I took the ‘military’ road to get there, a road recently built to accommodate the huge convoys that take our nuclear warheads on public roads to Aldermaston and Burghfield for maintenance. We know little of the process they go through while being refurbished, but we do know that Tritium which has a half-life of only 12 years is an essential component of these bombs. We didn’t stay long with the promise of a hot bowl of soup back at the peace camp, but I took the long road over the top of Peaton Hill, from where you can see what a fabulous piece of countryside has been despoiled by the enormous base. Glasgow CND will be organising a ‘Reclaim the Clyde’ campaign in 2023, and are actively looking for groups or individuals to join in. In recent years, the Peace Camp has struggled to have enough residents, this has improved in the last year, but numbers could still go up, and new residents are welcome. It is quite a tough life if you are used to waking up to a warm house with an electric kettle for that first cup of coffee. Someone has to do it, glad it’s not me! The gathering was about twenty strong, and included philosophy student Matty Maslen, which is why I am writing this. I met several new ‘campers’ which was very encouraging. Great sense of community as we shared a meal, exchanged our histories, and met old friends. I caught up on the news, such as it was, on the ‘missing’ eight metre ‘Happy 40th Birthday’ sign that Kate and I made for the camp, which disappeared from inside the camp the night before the 40th birthday party. Looked like a classic ‘capture the flag’ operation, and my Kate will write to the base commander asking if there is any light he can cast on this.
This is the front line in our decades long struggle to eliminate nuclear weapons. The United Nations passed the Treaty to Prevent Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), which is being adopted by more countries all of the time. Of course, the real struggle is to persuade those countries that have nuclear weapons to work to abandon them. The Scottish Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament is at the forefront of this.
There are other organisations that pursue particular objectives in this global campaign:
By Dr Ann Marie Mealey, Commission member and Director of Catholic Mission – Leeds Trinity University
(This article was fist published as a blogpost by Leeds Trinity University)
We are saddened to learn of the death of Pope Emeritus XVI. This news will sadden those who had a deep appreciation of his theological writings and those who had the privilege of attending the papal visit to the United Kingdom in 2010.
Students at Leeds Trinity studied some of the writings of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI and pondered the implications of his teachings for the modern world. Deus Caritas Est (God is Love, 2005), Spe Salvi (Saved by Hope, 2007) and Caritas in Veritate (Love in Truth, 2009) have been debated in our classrooms at LTU for several years and will undoubtedly continue to shape those students who have now graduated and work in our local schools, charities, and businesses.
The teachings of Caritas in Veritate very much link with our own mission as a Catholic University as they remind us that every person who interacts with us at the university must be respected and cared for. This means taking the necessary steps daily to ensure that the good of all is maintained and guaranteed. Paragraph 7 of Caritas in Veritate reminds us that:
‘[t]o love someone is to desire that person’s good and to take effective steps to secure it. Besides the good of the individual, there is a good that is linked to living in society: the common good. It is the good of “all of us”, made up of individuals, families and intermediate groups who together constitute society. It is a good that is sought not for its own sake, but for the people who belong to the social community and who can only really and effectively pursue their good within it.’
Put simply, to show love is to be naturally drawn into the field of justice and peace. This teaching is essential for universities such as Leeds Trinity. And we must continue to find ways of expressing our profound respect and support for those who work and study in our universities, as without these principles underpinning our work, we cannot claim any distinctiveness or claim to be genuinely living our mission and values.
But in addition to this support and respect, we need to teach and empower our students to believe that they can make a difference in the world. Graduate employability is not simply about getting students into jobs, at LTU it is also about empowering our students to question the structures and circumstances in businesses, charities, communities, and classrooms that keep people disempowered, marginalised and questioning their own true potential.
On this point, the teaching of the late Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI is again helpful. In Spe Salvi he reminds us that we must always be open to asking new questions and looking at old problems in a new light. He states:
‘[…] new generations can build on the knowledge and experience of those who went before, and they can draw upon the moral treasury of the whole of humanity[…]. […] [E]very generation has the task of engaging anew in the arduous search for the right way to order human affairs; this task is never simply completed. Yet every generation must also make its own contribution to establishing convincing structures of freedom and of good, which can help the following generation as a guideline for the proper use of human freedom; hence, always within human limits, they provide a certain guarantee also for the future’ (paragraph 24-5).
When viewed in light of what Catholic Universities are trying to achieve, this provides a sound platform for the critical engagement that is sought after from employers. Graduates who can take approaches from previous generations and ask whether they are now providing a suitable moral compass for the future are extremely valuable to any organisation. Challenging the status quo, asking fresh questions, providing ethical solutions, and having the convictions to see these through are valuable both in moral and business terms.
Along with these teachings, our LTU students who attended the papal visit to England in 2010 will remember Benedict XVI perhaps for the rest of their lives. His humility, openness towards them and willingness to engage with students of all ages was very endearing indeed. The reports were overwhelmingly positive as he seemed confident and very much at ease bringing the theology of the Catholic Church and its riches to bear on the contemporary world and its challenges. Known for his love of students, learning and scholarship, many who knew this Pope personally reported that he never forgot the names of his students and continued supporting them long after they graduated.
Of course, there are certain aspects of Pope Benedict XVI’s work that continue to be debated and will continue to be written about by scholars. Nevertheless, few can doubt the enormous contribution to theological teachings and Catholic scholarship more generally that he leaves behind. As the Bishop of Leeds, Marcus Stock puts it, ‘Benedict’s teaching as the Successor of St Peter and his theological writings have given the Church a profound legacy that will be appreciated every more deeply now and in the years to come.’
But for those who do not belong to the academy or to the Church, there is another lasting teaching that the late Pope leaves behind. Who can forget the memory of him being courageous enough to voluntarily resign from his position in 2013 and admit that he no longer had the ‘strength of mind and body’ to continue the role in such a demanding world? This action of courage played out on a world stage as one of the world’s religious leaders expressed his wish to step down from his position.
For anyone in leadership who is feeling much guilt and worry about having the courage to bow out of a position of enormous responsibility, this example is both humbling and thought-provoking. Having the ‘courage to be imperfect’ is something that is certainly worthy of consideration by everyone, and something that the late Pope Benedict XVI leaves not only to the universal Church but to the whole of humanity. With gratitude and thanks, may he Rest in Peace.
By John Duffy, Commission Member After many years campaigning, being ignored and treated as troublemakers, the Comboni Survivors Group have achieved their aim, in a meeting in September with the Very Reverend Tesfaye Tadesse, Superior General of the Comboni Missionaries. The group persisted through barren years to have such a meeting, and gradually built support from a number of groups and individuals, including latterly the Leeds Justice and Peace Commission. Most crucial was the support of Bishop Marcus, who arranged an audience with Pope Francis, who gave the group strong pastoral support, and raised the issue with the Comboni Order.
“Following the meeting today with leadership of the Comboni Missionaries, the Comboni Survivors Group were deeply moved and believe the journey on the healing process has taken one step further. We recognize that the Comboni Missionaries have responded positively to our request for an acknowledgement of the abuse that was suffered, and we welcome their heartfelt apology. We have committed to continue this path of healing together, which we look forward to in a spirit of collaboration and trust.”
The meeting – also attended by Bishop Marcus and Cardinal Vincent Nichols – is described in these statements: The Very Reverend Testayfe Tadesse added:
“On behalf of the Comboni Missionaries (Verona Fathers) I wish to offer my heartfelt apology to each and every individual who suffered abuse at the hands of those who were entrusted with their welfare, safe keeping and schooling at St. Peter Claver College. I extend this apology to family members and loved one who have suffered too. We regret that mistakes were made over the years, and we make the words of our Holy Father our own in asking for forgiveness from those who have suffered so much. I hope this apology demonstrates our sincere wish to bear witness to the plea of the Holy Father to acknowledge the terrible hurt caused by the sexual abuse of minors and to facilitate the journey towards healing and reconciliation.”
He continues to engage with the Survivors Group and has invited them to a further meeting in Rome in the spring, so that their experience can be used in strengthening safeguarding for the Comboni Order. Bede Mullen, spokesman for the group expresses his thanks to all who supported them in their long and difficult struggle.
For many years members of the Achille Ratti Climbing club have shared donations raised from their activities and CAFOD is very privileged to be a beneficiary. During this year’s annual Mass of Remembrance, the names of deceased members were read out, and prayers were offered in thanksgiving for their lives and contributions to the legacy of the club. In his homily, Fr Philip O’Conner from Workington preached the significance of mountains as ways in which God has manifested to humanity. The Bible tells of people being called to the holy mountain to learn the ways of peace and justice. Experiences in the mountains can both encourage and challenge us to go forward, to climb upwards, in the right balance of hope and fear.
During Mass, I was reflecting on the context of CAFOD’s work. We are entrusted by the bishops to lead on the Catholic Church’s response to poverty and relief of suffering internationally. Currently operating in the context of a post-COVID world. There is increased hunger and more people than ever are displaced because they have been forced to leave their homes due to environmental disasters and human conflict. Faced with what can sometimes seem like insurmountable challenges, we could easily lose hope and become fearful, and then I thought about how the Achille Ratti club started. It began as a boys’ club in Blackpool operating in the context of two world wars. The founding Bishop wanted to respond to a need to give formative experiences and practical skill training to young men from the diocese of Lancaster and the club took its name from the mountaineer who became Pope Pius XI, also known as the fearless Pope. Despite the external challenges, it was the spirit of courage and friendship, coupled with a love and respect for mountains that sustained the club. Since the opening of the club’s first hut in 1942, it has been able to carry out its activities thanks to the generosity of time, funds and skill-sharing gifted by members. The club continues to offer friendship and refuge in the majesty of the mountains of the Lake District and Snowdonia, it is open to people of all faiths, encouraging communion of friendship and sustenance both in spirit and practice.
It is the same spirit of courage and friendship from which CAFOD draws hope. We are encouraged by courageous partners and communities overseas, those who experience and face up to adversity, by proposing alternative ways to sustain their communities and livelihoods in some of the most challenging circumstances of our time. We give thanks for the friendship of CAFOD supporters who gift their time to organise fundraising and awareness-raising events and inspire others to participate in bringing about a better world for all. To hear more about Achille Ratti, listen to the radio interview with club member Angela Soper and David Jackson, both members of Leeds parishes, on the subject of sport and faith. Or find out more about CAFOD’s work.
This year, the Commission sponsored the final film of the Leeds Palestinian Film Festival. It took place in Wheeler Hall, Leeds Cathedral, on 9th December and was watched by over 60 people. In addition, Ben Jamal (Director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign) led a post-film discussion.
The film concerned efforts within state legislatures in the US to pass laws that meant anyone wanting to do business with state agencies (or, indeed, employees) had to sign a declaration that they would not boycott any goods from Israel. It also highlighted the role of various organisations in developing standard wording for such laws and the promotion of such ‘boilerplate’ legislation.
It was disturbing to watch evangelical Christians saying that Jews would only reclaim Israel in the ‘end times’ so it was important to support Israel in every way possible.
Ben Jamal answers questions after the film presentation
The film was very well constructed. However, if you just watched the film, it would have been easy to go away thinking that it was just Americans being a bit bonkers and aren’t we glad to be living in the UK. Thank goodness that the festival committee had obtained Ben Jamal to provide some input after the film. He detailed how similar legislation is finding its way into the UK.
In February of this year the Government banned boycotts of Israeli companies by public pension funds. PSC took legal action on this, with the support of the unions representing public sector workers. It has very recently been declared unlawful by the Supreme Court.
However, the current Conservative Government still has such anti-boycott legislation waiting to be introduced in Parliament.
Kamel Hawwash, Chair of PSC, has commented, “The drive to implement an anti-boycott policy suggests that Britain will never hold Israel to account for its crimes, for fear it could upset the Jewish community in the UK. It is worth noting here that members of the Jewish community hold different views on Israel, and many have strong objections to Israel’s apartheid policies and oppression of Palestinians.”
The wording of proposed legislation should ring alarm bells far wider than justice for the Palestinian people. It would basically give the Government power to ban boycotts against any country or industry. There is now a growing coalition in the UK to fight this proposed legislation. This coalition includes PSC and other supporters of justice for Palestinians but also includes faith leaders, environmental organisations such as Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth as well as many trade unions. It is only too probable that such legislation would be used to ban boycotts of fossil fuel companies.
Perhaps we should all be a bit more concerned about it???
On the 14th of November, several Catholic climate activists – held a five-hour prayer vigil outside Hinsley Hall during the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales (CBCEW) Autumn Plenary Meeting. The meeting took place at Hinsley Hall, Leeds. The Animators held their vigil from 12noon until 5pm. The group consisted of activists from Dioceses across England and Wales. Among them were members of the Justice and Peace Commission’s Climate Action Group, Laudato Si Animators, Christian Climate Action, Green Christian, CAFOD, and ACTA. In the lead up to the conference the activists had sent each of the Bishops a letter, signed by around 50 Laudato Si Animators and Christian Climate Action members. In the letter they asked that the Bishops speak out to the UK Government about compensation and reparation owed to those countries who are already suffering at the hands of the climate crisis, a crisis that we, not they, are not responsible for. They appealed to the Conference to ask the UK Prime Minister to sign up to the ‘Damage and Loss’ proposals at COP27 The activists displayed a banner reading “Loss and Damage is a Pro-Life Issue”, referencing the catastrophic effects that the climate crisis is already beginning to cause. As the impacts of the climate crisis will not be equally felt across the world, the group prayed for vital global financial assistance for MAPA – the most affected people and areas. The group also displayed a banner of Mary Mother of Mercy, painted by Helen Elwes which depicts Mary sheltering people and animals from a burning rainforest. Their letter to the Bishops also asked that the Bishops raise awareness of the intersectionality between the ‘cries of the earth’ and the ‘cries of the poor’ through releasing a pastoral letter and encouraging screenings of the film ‘The Letter’. ‘The Letter’ is a film released recently by the Laudato Si Movement and The Vatican Dicasteries of Communications of Integral Human Development. As the Bishops walked to the bus that took them to Mass for Cardinal Roche at the Cathedral at 5pm, they walked past the activists and their banners. The group was joined in prayer by several Bishops at the Conference – including Bp John of Salford, spokesperson for the environment for the CBCEW. It is thought that our own Bishop, Bishop Marcus, travelled to the mass by car and so did not walk past group or have the opportunity to join. The statement following the CBCEW meeting encourages Catholics to take up Friday abstinence from meat, Diocesan carbon reduction monitoring, and encourages parishes and schools to adopt the CAFOD LIVESIMPLY scheme. One of the activists, David Jackson, said: “Not quite what the letter sent to each Bishop asked for – but steps in the right direction”.
This Advent, join SPARK Social Justice for an act of kindness in the community. We will be meeting men and women seeking asylum at one of the Conversation Clubs in the city. We are also going to St Vincent’s Centre to join in their organised Christmas Kindness volunteering on Mon 12 Dec and Mon 19 Dec. Christmas Kindness Volunteering | Facebook There is also the opportunity to join in with the good work of Homeless Street Angels. Following on from this, 18-30s have the chance to reflect on their experiences and take up any appropriate campaigning activity such as writing letters to their MPs and using Twitter to draw attention to the issues raised. Those who don’t want their SPARK journey to end there can apply for the paid opportunity to become an ‘animator’.
What is an animator? Well, animators gather peers around them to make others aware of instances of injustice and exclusion in Leeds and Bradford initially. They will be trained in Catholic Social Teaching and Citizens’ ‘Broad Based Organising’ techniques. Citizens’ approach to bringing about social change is:
Step 1: Organising for Power,
Step 2: Listening for issues,
Step 3: Strategizing for Impact,
Step 4: Taking Action to get a reaction,
Step 5: Negotiating for Change.
Their community organising focuses on institutions rather than individuals although works with individuals using ‘relational power’ rather than the ‘dominant power’ of those in positions of authority. Animators will work with Citizens’ organisers to campaign on more than one issue over time. They will receive training on techniques such as ‘power mapping’ as a way of understanding who has power in the community and who needs to be involved to create change. They will also learn effective negotiating and the value of one-to-one meetings in person which in these days of social media are a ‘radical act’!
SPARK NEEDS AN OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT MANAGER
Closing Date 30 November 2022
Katherine will not be continuing in her role after Christmas 2022 and we want to recruit an Outreach and Engagement Manager to take over as soon into 2023 as is practicable.
Use the button for more information and to download some detailed Terms of Reference: