***ACTION OF THE WEEK***
No Silent Night in Bethlehem
The above Webinar, “Oh little town of Bethlehem” – Palestinian Christians, Reality, Challenges and Prospects" by Revd Dr Munther Isaac took place on the 7th December.
If you were not able to watch it live, we would like to encourage you to watch it through The Balfour Project website.
They write: The world turns to Bethlehem during Christmas, but they have a fairytale image of the little town. However, this is a real community with real challenges. This webinar gives an insight into the reality and challenges of Palestinians and Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land.
Revd Dr Munther Isaac is a Palestinian Christian pastor and theologian. He now pastors the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. He is also the academic dean of Bethlehem Bible College, and is the director of the highly acclaimed and influential Christ at the Checkpoint conferences.
Thank you!
Articles on the same theme of Palestine/Israel
Pope Francis appeals for Israeli-Palestinian dialogue
Vatican News report that Pope Francis has expressed concern at the escalating violence in the State of Palestine and Israel and he has called on the authorities to find ways of moving the dialogue forward towards a lasting peace.
'Jerusalem is a Jewish City, a Christian City, a Muslim City'
Bishop Nicholas Hudson is quoted as saying the above, through Independent Catholic News, after attending the Holy Land Coordination in Jerusalem earlier in the year. He says that 'many of the Christian Communities that they visited are being threatened by occupation and injustice.' The full article is available here.
Watch the Silent Night Carol
Again through ICN, you can read about the group of believers from around the world who have come together in a Christmas carol music video by Sat-7 to highlight how believers in the region are silenced and unable to celebrate Jesus' birth.
You can see listen to Silent Night and read about Sat-7 here.
NEWS AND COMMENT
1. Climate/Environment (includes Actions)
A new coal mine for Cumbria (with an Action)
I thought this had all gone away, so when I heard that Michael Gove had approved the opening of a new mine at Whitehaven I couldn't quite believe it. My presumption was that it was something to do with the energy crisis, so that we could be more self-sufficient in fossil fuels (although that obviously is not a good thing). Apparently, though, it is going to be providing fuel for making steel.
The Guardian, in their Long Reads this weekend, has brought out this article by Rebecca Willis, which was published in May, which gives the history of what has been happening - 'Dig coal to save the climate': the folly of Cumbria's plans for a new coalmine.
As would be expected, our friends at Greenpeace have a petition to Rishi Sunak, asking him to stop the mine going ahead. I urge you to add your name to it here.
UN head opens COP15 with stark warning of declining biodiversity
COP15 opened in Montreal on the 6th December, and UN General Secretary, Antonio Guterres, started his opening address with the following: -
Nature is humanity's best friend.
Without nature, we have nothing.
Without nature, we are nothing.
Nature is our life-support system.
It is the source and sustainer of the air we breathe, the food we eat, the energy we use, the jobs and economic activity we count on, the species that enrich human life, and the landscapes and waterscapes we call home.
And yet humanity seems hellbent on destruction.
We are waging war on nature.
The rest of the Secretary General's words are reported through Independent Catholic News.
Take 'uncompromising stance' against iron ore mining in Ghana: Catholic Bishop to Chiefs
ACI Africa report that The Catholic Bishop of Jasikan in Ghana has called upon traditional leaders in Oti and Volta regions to take “a determined and uncompromising stance” demonstrating their opposition to the mining of iron ore and other minerals “yet to be discovered”.
Iron ore has been discovered in five districts in the Oti region and the mining of it will be very destructive to the environment. The full article is available here.
Become a Laudato Si' Animator
If you have ever thought about finding out more, you can register your interest through the Laudato Si' Movement's website. Join them in caring for our common home.
Climate Jobs: Building a workforce for the climate emergency
Campaign Against Climate Change's trade union group have produced this book which 'demonstrates that there are many more than a million good, well paid, skilled jobs that could be created if we get serious and urgently tackle the climate emergency, as the science demands.'
You can either buy or download copies through their website.
Double your bean intake to save cost and climate
You can trust Wicked Leeks to have something interesting and useful, and a bit out of the ordinary. This article talks about a new campaign 'Beans is How' which was launched at COP27 to encourage people to double their intake of beans as a sustainable food solution. Nina Pullman writes: -The group claims that beans can sustainably and affordably reduce malnutrition while helping those struggling during the cost-of-living crisis.
I won't go into details, but as someone who likes beans, but struggles with digesting them, the thought is excellent, but it is not something I will be doing anytime soon.
(for a few suggestions on swapping in beans for other food items, see their article 'Best of British Beans.'
Regret that COP27 was progress was not enough
Ellen Teague wrote this article for The Tablet, giving the opinions of various organisations on COP27.
Action - Stop Sewage Pollution
Greenpeace write the following: - Raw sewage is destroying our beaches, rivers and waterways. Swimmers have been urged to stay out of the water and our fragile ecosystems are struggling to cope. Our waters have reached crisis point after years of budget cuts and deregulation.
They have a petition for Rishi Sunak to clean up our waterways and properly fund the environmental agencies. The full details are available through their website.
Do you want an ethical chocolate industry?
Again, I am sharing an article from the Injustice Advent Calendar. Did you know that there is a website called The Chocolate Scorecard! They look at modern slavery, pesticides and environmental damage when scoring the different manufacturers. I was very disappointed to see that some of my favourites are very low down on the Scorecard.
When buying Christmas chocolates this year, have a look and see what you can do to help the producers and the planet.
I'm dreaming of a green Christmas...
Rather fortuitously, this article dropped into my inbox from CAFOD this morning! It's got some good little tips on how to have a more eco-friendly Christmas.
Last year I bought Gift bags and wrapping made of recycled Sari material. They were not overly expensive and everyone was really taken with them. Obviously they can be reused. Also, for the last couple of years, my daughter and I have cut up our old Christmas cards to make Gift tags for the following Christmas. My daughter has a set of scissors which cut with different edges (wavy, pointed etc.). They make a really good job of cutting the tags.
If you are unsure about your tree, the debate concerning Real Tree vs. Artificial Tree comes to the fore at this time of year. The Soil Association have a good article about it here.
2. Refugees/Migrants (includes an Action and Event)
Action - Demand justice for the victims and families of the 24th November 2021 tragedy in the Channel
Care4Calais (on the anniversary of the deaths in the Channel) wrote: - Along with other refugee organisations, we have co-signed a letter to Rishi Sunak, written by the bereaved relatives of those we lost.
In it, we urge him to change this Government's approach and offer safe passage for all refugees, so that nobody needs to risk their life crossing the Channel.
No one should have to risk their life to seek safety. We warned time and time again of the dangers of refugees not having safe routes to the UK, but the Government repeatedly ignored these warnings.
This tragedy must not happen again. We need a complete reset from the Government on how it welcomes and support refugees. It’s truly painful that these losses appear forgotten in this Government's approach to refugees and Channel crossings.
We urgently need safe routes so that people in dire need of protection are not forced to undertake such dangerous journeys to safety.
Please read their letter here and forward it to friends and family.
Home Office Vigil 15 months on
Barbara Kentish, for ICN, writes: - The list grows. Border names become more familiar. The deaths more shocking.
Every month for 15 months, a small group of Christians has gathered outside the Home Office in London's West End to remember and pray for those who died the year before while trying to reach the UK and mainland Europe to seek sanctuary. A dedicated group in the Netherlands, United Against Racism, scours the media for tiny incidents - a capsized boat here, an accident there, a river drowning, and compiles the shocking statistics, so that we can remember the huge price that thousands are paying for seeking safety from persecution, war or starvation. The incidents are so easily disregarded, till assembled into a terrifying list.
Every month there is an increase in the roll-call of names. Many of the migrants are leaving their homes due to the effect of climate change. Fr. Martin Newell is quoted as saying 'An injustice in one place will become an injustice elsewhere.'
Barbara finishes with: - Every month Christians meet in front of the Home Office, rain, hail or shine, to witness to the victims of that injustice. Join us, keep in touch, find out more. Contact barbarakentish@talktalk.net or johanmaertens@hotmail.com
Event - Building the future with migrants and refugees
The last two online events take place on Thursday 15th and Thursday 22nd December. You can register for them here.
3. Cost of Living/Energy Crisis
50 of the best energy saving tips
Friends of the Earth have put together 50 of the best ways to save on your energy bills. You can read it here.
Feed your Family
I came across this website through the powers of Facebook. The lady who runs it is Lorna Cooper and you can sign up for free weekly meal plans which gives you ideas of how to cook proper food on a budget. She shows you how you can feed your family for around £20 per week (and tells you the best places to buy the food in the recipes). If you are struggling, or know a family who is finding things hard, please pass the details onto them. The link is here.
4. A better kind of politics
The above was the title of the Networking meeting that NJPN held in London in November. Like a lot of people, I was unable to make it (there were lots of events taking place on that same day). Stephen, our Tech Wizard, has managed to put a recording of the day on YouTube. I will look forward to listening to it once I have sent this e-bulletin out later today.
5. London: Urgent appeal for homeless shelter volunteers
According to this article in ICN yesterday, Shelter has reported that there has been a 24% increase in the number of people sleeping on the streets of London between June and September this year.
Due to the forecasted icy weather conditions, volunteers at Farm Street Church in Mayfair are opening an emergency night shelter from Monday 12th December.
For more details on this service and how you can get involved, please see the ICN website.
6. News from Pact - Call for support for prisoners at Pact Carol Services
Theresa Alessandro, through ICN, writes about the Carol Services that Pact has hosted in London and Nottingham. Details are available here.
7. Peace
Human Rights Day took place on the 10th December, and Justice and Peace Europe took the opportunity of calling for sustainable peace in Ukraine. You can read their full statement on the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales website.
Pax Christi International hosts Non-Violence Conference
Around 75 people met in Rome last week for a Conference entitled 'Pope Francis, nonviolence, and the fullness of Pacem in Terris.'
More details are available through ICN, or through the Catholic Nonviolence Initiative website.
Hunger could be eradicated with the money spent on arms in a year
Vatican News has reported that Pope Francis, during a meeting, spoke of his 'pain for the war in Ukraine, and for other wars wounding humanity and reiterates his condemnation of the armaments race and the testing of weapons that takes place “at the expense of people who are dying.” '
8. Down's Syndrome babies can be aborted up to birth
I was very shocked when Heidi Crowter lost her legal challenge when the Court of Appeal decreed that babies with Down's Syndrome or another disability, can be aborted up to birth. Even if you are pro-choice, surely this goes beyond what is acceptable. Heidi's argument is that people with Down's Syndrome are being treated as if they are of less value than anyone else, and that it is a clear "instance of inequality".
Bishop Sherrington has commented on the case through the CBCEW website, and there is an article on it through ICN.
Newsletters/Reports
9. NW NJPN E-Bulletin December 2022
Anne leads with the 'six core conditions of conscious hope' by David Gee, and there are lots of interesting articles, including one on the World Cup and the Iranian Team's incredible courage in refusing to sing their National Anthem in solidarity with oppressed women and protesters in their country. You can read it through the NJPN website.
10. CSAN Advent Newsletter
Caritas Social Action Network have produced a newsletter, but it is not available on its website - however, all of the articles included in it are. You can have a good read of them here.
11. Refugees at Home November 2022
News about their work and how to get involved. You can read it through their website.
12. Green Christian News No. 218
News on the failure of COP27, and their Annual Meeting, plus some events coming up. Read it here.
13. Operation Noah November 2022
News about their report on Church investment in climate solutions, plus resources and opportunities to get involved. It is available on their website.
14. Journey to 2030 News
Lots of news about what they have been doing, plus events and resources. Click here to read.
15. Pax Christi Advent E-Bulletin
This doesn't appear to be on their website, but all of the articles are, including the announcement that they will have a new CEO, Andrew Jackson, from January.
16. London Mining Network
Their last mail-out of 2022, you can read it here.
17. Churches Together in Britain and Ireland
Resources and news. Available here.
18. Mouthpeace Winter 2022
Some very interesting articles and resources from the Diocese of Lancaster Faith and Justice Commission. Read it through the NJPN website.
19. The Peace Museum
No copy on their website, but again the articles can be found there nonetheless. Read what they have been doing here.
EVENTS (in chronological order where applicable)
20. 12th December- 12.45pm - Southern Dioceses Environment Network
Feedback on COP27, Advent and Planning for 2023
21. 15th December - 6.30pm - Climate Justice Coalition
We have a World to Win - Online Rally
22. 20th December - 7pm - Jesuit Refugee Service
Advent Service
23. 9th January - 12.45pm - Southern Dioceses Environment Network
Joint meeting with the Northern Dioceses Environment Group
24. NJPN Save the Dates for 2023
25. 10th February - Columban Schools Competition Deadline
Building Peaceful Futures
Actions
26. Sign the official record of support for people-centred trade
Transform Trade writes: - Trade shouldn’t be an injustice. Trade should be an opportunity. Right now trade doesn’t value people. CEOs are taking home the lifetime earnings of a worker in 4 days, businesses get away with destroying lives, and governments block climate action.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. People centred trade has the power to transform lives and protect the planet we all rely on.
Add your name and call for trade which values people and the planet over profit.
27. Stop Ocean Poison
Marine Conservation Society writes: - Chemical pollution is now found in all water on Earth, harming wildlife from the North to South Pole and everywhere in between, fuelling the biodiversity crisis.
Global chemical production is predicted to double by 2030, with an increase in chemical pollution likely to follow.
Marine Conservation are looking for a Chemical Strategy and are asking the Government to deliver on their promise to put one in place.
For the future of our ocean, please fill in the petition here.
THE LAST WORD
28. The original foster care story at the heart of Christmas
My favourite Christmas advert is that heart-warming one from John Lewis that shows a man, very badly, trying to skate board. It is only at the end of it that it is all explained, and that he is doing it ready to welcome a foster child into his family home. As someone who knows a bit about fostering and adoption, I thought how great it was that fostering was getting some Press. (ok, so John Lewis was also using it for their own ends - but I think it was an important message to put out there).
Ian Butcher, through Grace + Truth, highlights the fact that male foster carers are often seen in a negative light, and yet surely the greatest of these was Joseph, Mary's husband. Ian makes some good points, and at the end of the article there are links about how to get involved.
I know our local authority are desperate for Foster Carers right now. There are just so many children whose lives need a steadying influence and lots of love and attention. If you have a spare room and the energy, why not consider it?
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