Lancaster Faith & Justice Commission Parish News Bulletin February 2021

Lancaster Faith & Justice Commission Parish News Bulletin February 2021 Email: [email protected] Website:www.lancasterfaithandjustice.co.uk St Bernadette’s Parish House, Bowerham Road, Lancaster LA1 4HT

Romero Anniversary Week 2021 Services live if possible and zoomed Saturday March 13th 11.00am National Ecumenical Service St. Martin in the Fields, London Wednesday March 24th 6.00pm Ecumenical Service Metropolitan Cathedral, Liverpool with Archbishop Malcom McMahon Saturday March 27th 12.30pm Romero Anniversary Mass St. George’s Cathedral, Southwark with Archbishop John Wilson

Download Romero News here

This issue includes : P.2 Cumbria Coal Mine –blog from Bishop Paul P.3 Round One Completed of Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission P.4 Myanmar: Cardinal appeals for peace National Justice and Peace Network th after military coup Meeting February 27 2021, 11am-3pm P.5 Nuclear Ban: what’s next? via Zoom, P.6 Fair Tax Now report from church Inter-Faith issues for Justice & Peace action for Tax Justice speakers include P.7 Launch of “Guardians of Creation” ecological project Dr Harriett Crabtree, Director of the UK Inter-Faith Network P.8 GoodLands: how a young activist is Jon Dal Dim, Deacon of the Southwark Diocese, and the helping battle climate change inter-faith representative of the Focolare Zone of Western P.8 Advert for Faith & Justice Worker Europe. Book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ P.9 Catholic Climate and Ecological Emergence Network working for njpn-networking-day-tickets-130096872247 Engagement by the church Annual Justice & Peace Conference 2021 P.10 Ways to engage and learn more 23rd –25th July 2021 during Lent at The Hayes Swanwick, Derbyshire P.11 Fairtrade Fortnight and excellent For more information: on-line events Plus more information , resources , www.justice-and-peace.org.uk/conference events and opportunities to respond

1 Bishop Paul’s Blog on Cumbria Coal Mine 2021 https://bishopswarbricks.blog/2021/02/15/cumbria-coal-2021/ The proposal to open a new coal mine in Whitehaven, Cumbria, has understandably sparked a massive national out-cry and met with serious opposition. The proposal flies in the face of the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For a society and a government set on achieving zero net emissions by 2050 the opening of this new mine makes the goal harder to reach. Even if it were possible to offset emissions through adopting cleaner energy sources and uses, it is a move in the wrong direction. It contradicts a policy of‘ going green’. It’s a ‘no-brainer;’; it shouldn’t go ahead. I know West Cumbria a little, and love it a lot. My first parish as a newly ordained priest was St. Mary’s, Kells. I was there for just one year and found it an area of severe contrasts. On a clear day you could look south towards the glorious sandstone cliffs of St. Bees Head. To the west is the Irish Sea, with the Isle of Man less than 30 miles away, and the Scottish Lowlands just across the Solway Firth. To the east rise the ridges and peaks of Cumbria’s Mountains, the finest in the whole District. Much closer, the Haig Colliery, Kells, was still active at that time. Immediately adjacent to the parish church, house and primary school was Marchon chemical works run by Albright and Wilson. Woodhouse estate was daily contaminated by toxic emissions falling from the works chimneys. I saw the damage done to property, peeling paintwork and contaminated gardens. Parishioners had to be mindful of not hanging out washing if the wind was blowing in off the sea, which it was on most days. The same wind carried clouds of bubbles and suds frothed up from factory waste discharged into the sea. When the works and mine eventually closed jobs were lost, but health and environment gained. In 2010 I had the good fortune to be sent to Workington, calling it home for the next eight years, some of the happiest of my life. West Cumbria was built on heavy industry, nearly all gone now. Coal and iron ore mining, ship-building and steel-making forged the identity and closeness of the community. They are a people justifiably proud of their history, with strong family ties, their own language, rich sporting and social traditions including unique events such as the Egremont Crab Fair and Workington’s ‘Uppies and Downies’. I found it a much cleaner environment, symbolised perhaps by the off-shore wind-farms filling the Firth. South of the small harbour at Workington is a modest, grassy hill. New-comers call it Shore Hill; locals remember its origins and still call it‘ the Slag Bank’. Sellafield and the controversial nuclear industry is the only remaining life-line for West Cumbria’s economy. If that goes there’ll be nothing to sustain people’s livelihoods. Even with Sellafield, social depravation is horrendous. Job opportunities for the young are few. Hospitals and schools largely fail to attract the specialists and leaders they desperately need. Even tourism struggles: many people who know the Lakes rarely if ever get round to the west. The jobs and investment that a new mine would bring could only fire local enthusiasm, bringing hope and purpose to young and old alike. Knowing the area and the people, I can understand why there is such strong opinion in favour of the massive benefits on offer. ’It s no surprise so many believe the mine is justified. I can understand their outrage when faced with opposition voiced by protesters mostly from outside the area. They don’t realise what it means for West Cumbrians. Saving the planet, making the right decision, will have hard consequences for the lives of others. It will be hard to look them in the eye, and hard to explain why it is for the best. Some will suffer more than others. If you deny someone what was giving them hope it’s only fair to find them something that will give them greater hope. The decision may be a ‘no-brainer’ at one level, but it’s a hard call on another. As ever in Christ our Lord, +Paul Swarbrick Bishop of Lancaster http://www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk/ https://www.lancasterdiocese.org.uk/bishops-blog-cumbria-coal-

2 Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission http://www.morecambebaypovertytruthcommission.org.uk/ NOTHING ABOUT US, WITHOUT US, IS FOR US…

• What if people with lived experience of poverty could take the lead on challenging those with influence to work with them on tackling poverty? What is a Poverty Truth Commission? A short video from the Leeds Poverty • Would it make a difference to the decisions that are being Truth Commission sums it up beautifully made and the way in which they are implemented? at: https://www.youtube.com/watch? • Would new solutions to poverty become evident? v=sq0sryZvNX4 • Would people listen and, if they did, would they better understand the many and varied challenges that poverty brings with it?

Our experience as Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission (MBPTC) since our formal launch in July 2018 is a huge and resounding YES to these questions!

The Community Commissioners delivered an amazing launch event on 6th July 2018. 150 people joined us for lunch and to hear the community commissioners share some very moving stories of how they experience poverty under four headings: dehumanisation; hidden poverty; things that can help; and poverty can happen to anyone. Filmed highlights from the launch are on YouTube here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6Itr0NlNyY Around 20 Civic Commissioners invited from sectors including local city councils, faith communities, education, the NHS, police, fire service, the university, utilities and transport, DWP and support organisations agreed to form the first round of the Morecambe Bay Poverty Truth Commission together.

Round One finished in 2020 and the working groups shared their experiences and success, https://youtu.be/oWneaC70XZ8 Introductory discussion https://youtu.be/bWbCa_flIqA discussion with the Health and Mental Health Working Group https://youtu.be/ufZ3B9opkcY discussion with the Travellers Group https://youtu.be/BXcpY_gaYlI discussion on Community Working Group https://youtu.be/S6TeK6MtDag discussion with Facilitation Team Facilitators Sue Mitchell and Ally Mackenzie have now completed MORECAMBE BAY POVERTY TRUTH COMMISSION Reflections and Learning Report on the whole of Round One of the Commission. It has, of course not been an easy journey, but it has outstripped most of our expectations. You can read more about the story at: http://www.morecambebaypovertytruthcommission.org.uk/history/ Please check out our News and Working Group Pages too. We are currently working hard to update this website ready for Round Two in Morecambe and Lancaster and in hope of encouraging initial rounds in other localities around Morecambe Bay. If you have communication skills that you are happy to volunteer to help with this please contact us http://www.morecambebaypovertytruthcommission.org.uk/

3 Myanmar: Cardinal appeals for peace after military coup

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar/Burma has issued a statement urging non-violence and a quest for peace following the military coup. His full message, addressed to the People of Myanmar And our International communities, follows:

My dear Friends, I write these lines as a spiritual leader, empathizing with the sentiments of millions of people at this moment. I write to my dear people, the civilian leaders, the Tatmadaw (Myanmar army) and the international community. I have watched with sadness the moments of darkness in our history and watched with hope the resilience of our people in their struggle for dignity. We are journeying through most challenging times of our history. I write with love towards all, seeking a durable solution, praying for an end forever to the periodic darkness that envelops our dear nation.

1. To My Dearest People of Myanmar I share deep fellowship with all of you in this moment as you grapple with the unexpected, shocking events that are unfolding in our country. I appeal to each one of you, stay calm, never fall victim to violence. We have shed enough blood. Let not any more blood be shed in this land. Even at this most challenging moment, I believe that peace is the only way, peace is possible. There are always nonviolent ways for expressing our protests. The unfolding events are the result of a sad lack of dialogue and communication and disputing of diverse views. Let us not continue hatred at this moment when we struggle for dignity and truth. Let all community leaders and religious leaders pray and animate communities for a peaceful response to these events. Pray for all, pray for everything, avoiding occasions of provocation. We are living through a time of pandemic. Our courageous health workers have saved many lives. We understand your pain.

Some have resigned as protest, but I plead with you, do not abandon your people in need at this time.

2. To our Tatmadaw General and the Tatmadaw Family : The world has reacted with shock and agony to what has happened. When, in 2015, a peaceful transition to the elected government was effected by the Army, that won the admiration of the world. Today the world tries to understand what went wrong in the following years. Was there a lack of dialogue between the elected civilian authorities and the Tatmadaw? We have seen so much pain in conflicts. Seven decades of shedding blood and the use of violence brought no results. You all promised peace and genuine democracy. Democracy was the streak of hope for solving the problems of this once rich country. This time millions voted for democracy. Our people believe in peaceful transfer of power. Now the Tatmadaw has unilaterally taken over. This has shocked the world and the people of Myanmar. Allegations of voting irregularities could have been solved by dialogue, in presence of neutral observers. A great opportunity was lost. Many leaders of the world have condemned and will condemn this shocking move. Now you promise greater democracy - after investigation and another election. Myanmar people are tired of empty promises. They will never accept any fake protestation. You also promise to hold multiparty elections after one year. How will you gain the trust of our people? They will trust only when words are matched by sincere actions. Their anguish and disappointment must be understood. Your actions need to prove that you love them, care for them. Once again I plead with you, treat them with great dignity and peace. Let there be no violence against our dear people of Myanmar. Sadly, the elected representatives of our people belonging to NLD are under arrest. So are many writers, activists and youth. I urge you, respect their rights and release them at the earliest. They are not prisoners of war; they are prisoners of a democratic process. You promise democracy; start with releasing them. World will understand you.

3. To Daw ASSK and President U Win Myint and all our beloved leaders. Dear NLD leaders: You are in this plight in your unending struggle to bring democracy to this nation. The unexpected turn of events has made you prisoners. We pray for you and urge all concerned to release you at the earliest. Dear Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, you have lived for our people, sacrificed your life for our people. You will be always the voice of our people. These are painful days. You have known darkness, you have known light in this nation. You are not only the favourite daughter of the father of the nation, General Aung San. You are Amay Suu to the nation. Truth will prevail. God is the ultimate arbiter of truth. But God waits. At this moment I offer my personal sympathies with your plight and pray that you may once again walk amidst your people, raising their spirits. At the same time I wish to confirm that this incident takes place due to lack of DIALOGUE and communication and lack of ac- ceptance of one another. Please listen to others.

4. To the International Community: We are grateful for your concern and appreciate your sense of shock. We are grateful for your compassionate accompaniment at this moment. It matters a lot. Continue on page 5

4 The government is refusing to even consider this crucial agreement, which has already been signed by 86 countries worldwide. What can I do? Put pressure on your MP arrange a meeting with your MP to discuss the importance of this treaty. Get your area to support the campaign Towns and cities around the world – including Washington, Paris and Manchester – are bypassing their governments’ opposition and becoming Nuclear Ban Communities as they sign up to the The Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons Why not get your town, village or city involved?

Sign petition: put pressure on the government the and

please share our petition with your friends and networks .

This historic agreement will generate international momentum towards global nuclear abolition, but we need you to join us to make sure the UK plays its part. Vigeo Eiris (V.E.) report on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and its affect on investment practices, has come out recently and concludes that the entry into force of the TPNW raises new risks for investors with ties to the nuclear weapons industry. It states that although the nine nuclear states haven’t yet signed, it still has the potential to create‘ compliance and reputational risks for investors’ who continue to involve themselves with nuclear weapons. Banks and pension providers care about what their customers think. And this is a crucial moment: with the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons coming into force, we can campaign to get our money out of nuclear weapons. Help create a world without nuclear weapons by contacting your bank or pension provider and asking them to take action on the findings of the report, and get your money out of nuclear weapons.

Links to banks and pension providers at: https://investinginchange.uk/action/

Continued from Page 4 But history has painfully shown that abrupt conclusions and judgements ultimately do not benefit our people. Sanctions and condemnations brought few results, rather they closed doors and shut out dialogue. These hard measures have proved a great blessing to those super powers that eye our resources. We beg you do not force concerned people into bartering our sovereignty. The international community needs to deal with the reality, understanding well Myanmar's history and political economy. Sanctions risk collapsing the economy, throwing millions into poverty. Engaging the actors in reconciliation is the only path. What has happened is painful. It has shattered our people. I write this with a desire to console them. I write not as a politician. I believe all the stakeholders in this country wish the best for our people. I write with prayers and hope that this great nation, this golden land of a graceful people will enter into the global stage as a reconciled community of hope and peace. Let us solve all disputes through dialogue. Peace is possible. Peace is the only way. Democracy is the only light to that path.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo Archbishop of Yangon Myanmar; President of the Catholic Bishops, Conference of Myanmar President of Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences

Patron of Religions for Peace Myanmar and Pro-President for RfP International

https://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/41479

5 FAIR TAX NOW Report January 2021 https://www.catj.org.uk/

Our tax systems are unfair. This is both because they are designed as unfair and because individuals and corporations exploit the weaknesses in the systems in order to dodge the taxes that they owe. This report is designed to accompany our ‘Fair Tax Now’ campaign. That campaign draws attention to a number of ways in which our current national and global tax systems are unfair. It highlights Jo, a nurse in the NHS, who along with her colleagues is struggling with the impact of covid. While nurses like Jo put themselves on the line for the rest of us it seems unfair that they are taxed at a higher rate than the average person earning £10 million per year. That is one of the stark conclusions that emerges from research undertaken in the Summer of 2020 by Advani and Summers. They show that when you include earnings and taxation associated with capital gains that on average those earning £10 million per year pay a lower rate of tax (Income Tax, Capital Gains Tax plus National Insurance Contributions) than a typical nurse in the NHS. The campaign tells the story of Andy and Sarah who while earning just above minimum wage paid almost 10% of their income on Council Tax. One day, a bailiff appeared at their door and began to take an inventory of their goods. It made Andy feel like a failure. Their experience contrasts starkly with those who earn over £1 million and who pay approximately 1% of their income in Council Tax. This is just one of the injustices of the current Council Tax system that, according to Citizens Advice, creates the most frequent debt problem in the UK. We also draw attention to the copper rich nation of Zambia who in 2013 lost $1 billion of tax revenue that should have been paid by a collection of multinational corporations. If that revenue had been received, it could have addressed almost a quarter of Zambia’s debt or been used to double its spending on healthcare or education, and in the process saved thousands of lives. We discuss the ethics of all this drawing attention to how the values of equity, justice and compassion undergird our shared notion of fairness. In response, we propose a change in the in the public narrative so that paying taxes is considered as socially responsible as seeking to reduce your carbon footprint. It should be just as unacceptable to dodge taxes as it is to pollute the atmosphere. More specifically, we propose the following policy measures to be enacted: • Tax Income Equally – combine Income Tax, National Insurance and Capital Gains Tax into a single progressive tax with a single allowance. • Reform Council Tax – we suggest it should be replaced either with a proportionate property tax or a land value tax. • Tax Wealth Effectively –such a tax could exclude pensions and people’s main homes, but tax net wealth (possibly on an annual basis above a threshold of £1 million) at an appropriate rate. • Stop The Dodging – tighten the legislation to close the loopholes and in particular properly resource HMRC and Companies House so they are able to enforce those rules • Ensure fairer Global Tax Rules - prioritise the needs of lower income countries in the global tax negotiations that are currently taking place

Read full report at: https://www.catj.org.uk/uploads/1/1/8/6/118613197/ftn_report_pdf_standard.pdf There is help with writing to your MP on • Tax justice in light of the coronavirus: • Global tax justice

At : https://www.catj.org.uk/lobbying.html

Petition to end tax dodging by multinational corporations in poorer countries At : https://www.catj.org.uk/petition.html

6 Bishop John Arnold spearheads Catholic efforts to go carbon neutral: launches “Guardians of Creation” ecological project The Diocese of Salford has launched a new research project that Bishop John Arnold hopes will spearhead the efforts of the Catholic community in England and Wales to tackle the current ecological crisis by paving the way to a sustainable, carbon neutral future. The research team will collaborate with other dioceses, parish communities, industry experts, theologians and other groups to develop carbon accounting and environmental management tools that will lead to an implementation framework for use in other dioceses. The two year pilot project aims to involve over 100 parishes and over 200 schools, alongside religious communities and other parts of the diocese. The study is part of the church’s response to what Pope Francis has described as the ‘cry of the earth and the cry of the poor.’ It will reduce the diocese’s carbon footprint, improve energy efficiency and generation, and facilitate greater involvement from parishioners and local communities. Dr Emma Gardner, Head of Environment at Salford Diocese, said: “We need to take urgent action today to ‘protect our common home’. This project will help provide ways to address the ecological crisis through practical solutions and positive change. The Diocese of Salford is looking forward to working with other dioceses and organisations so we can play our part together.” In 2019, the Catholic Bishops of England and Wales set out their commitment to engage in this urgent issue in their statement “Guardians of God’s Creation”. In the document, they pledged to avoid the worst consequences of this ecological crisis by engaging now and over the next decade on what they described as the ‘long path to renewal.’ Bishop John Arnold has responsibility for environmental matters at the Bishops' Conference, making his own Diocese of Salford the perfect place to begin. The Right Reverend John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, said: “The Catholic Church recognizes the ecological crisis we are living through and is keen to play its part in delivering the UK net-zero strategy. We are looking to deepen our understanding of how to put a Catholic diocese on the path to carbon neutrality, and this collaborative research will tell us what needs to be done and what structures must be put in place to support this. I hope that the findings will assist organisations and institutions beyond the Church both here and abroad.” Salford Diocese is collaborating on the project with St Mary’s University, Twickenham, and the Laudato Si’ Research Institute, Oxford, and is supported by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Other partners including the Tyndall Centre at the University of Manchester will be involved as the project progresses. In December, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, vowed to cut the UK’s carbon emissions by at least 68% from what they were in 1990 by the end of 2030. Dr Roland Daw, the project’s lead researcher at St Mary’s University, Twickenham, said: “This work is about collective action that empowers the whole Church with the understanding, technologies and financing mechanisms it needs to speak to this urgent crisis. Statistics and doomsday predictions have not been enough to change behaviours in the face of this urgent crisis, so faith groups have as important a part to play in educating their communities as any others in society.” The Vatican has been promoting awareness of the Pope’s ecological message contained in his encyclical Laudato Si’ and has called for communities around the world to become environmentally sustainable. Pope Francis has called for an ‘ecological conversion,’ whereby the “effects of encounter with Jesus Christ become evident in our relationship with the world around us.” The project will take an ‘integral ecology’ approach at all levels, meaning that it will not just be limited to questions of carbon, but will consider wider social and environmental sustainability objectives. Integral ecology is a way of looking at the world that connects at depth our human life with God, each other and the natural world. By doing so it affirms human dignity and the special worth of each and every creature that God has made. It therefore informs our action at different levels, the individual, the family and society. Read full article

The Diocese of Salford is the first Catholic diocese to appoint a full time environmental lead, responsible for environmental strategy and coordination of the ‘Laudato Si’ Centre’ at Wardley Hall, as well as other projects and initiatives around the Diocese and further afield. Further information contact Edward de Quay [email protected] Diocese of Salford Communications Team: 0161 817 2201 7 How a Young Activist Is Helping Pope Francis Battle Climate Change

Molly Burhans wants the Catholic Church to put its assets— which include farms, forests, oil wells, and millions of acres of land—to better use. But, first, she has to map them. The role of the cartographer, according to Molly Burhans, is not just data analytics.“ It’s also storytelling,” she said.

I would recommend an extremely interesting long read at:

In the Office of the Secretariat of State that day, (in Vatican) Burhans met with two priests. She showed them the prototype map that she had been working on, and explained what she was looking for. “I asked them where their maps were kept,” she said. The priests pointed to the frescoes on the walls. “Then I asked if I could speak to someone in their cartography department.” The priests said they didn’t have one. Centuries ago, monks were among the world’s most assiduous geographers—hence the frescoes. But, at some point after the publication of “Atlas Hierarchicus,” (1913) the Church began to lose track of its own possessions.

One of the aspects of her work is GoodLands which is mobilizing the Catholic Church to use her land for good. They provide the information and tools to help the Church use her property wisely to enhance all her existing ministries and missions — to care for creation, to end homelessness, to welcome the stranger, to deliver programs and services to the right places and at the right times, and to support her own fiscal sustainability. https://good-lands.org/ “There are 1.2 billion Catholics,” she told me. “If the Church were a country, it would be the third most populous, after China and India.” The Church, furthermore, is probably the world’s largest non-state land- owner. The assets of the Holy See, combined with those of parishes, dioceses, and religious orders, include not just cathedrals, convents, and Michelangelo’s Pietà but also farms, forests, and, by some estimates, nearly two hundred million acres of land.

ADVERT FOR Lancaster Diocese FAITH AND JUSTICE WORKER

Lancaster Diocese is looking for a part-time Faith and Justice worker and co-ordinator with the Commission Team to work throughout the Diocese to engage with parishes, schools and other institutions in order to advance the understanding of, and active engagement in Catholic Social Teaching and issues arising from it. An informed and enthusiastic person is needed with good communication skills who is able to form positive relationships with groups at all levels and facilitate their growth. You will need a good sense of humour, be able to manage your own time and have some administrative ability. Computer skills and the ability to drive are essential. Salary approximately £8300 per annum. The closing date for applications is 22nd March 2021 Further details can be downloaded here or by contacting Margaret McSherry Administrator Lancaster Diocesan Faith & Justice Commission Email: [email protected] Tel:07864012385

Catholic Climate and Ecological Emergency Network (CCLEEN) Since the middle of last year an informal group of Catholic organisations, networks, and individuals, has been meeting together to explore ways of highlighting concerns over the climate emergency and the need for Catholic hierarchy to speak out more forcibly in the public arena, and encourage Catholics to engage politically, in the broadest sense, on this issue. To this end a letter was sent to Cardinal Nicholls and all Bishops of England and Wales asking that they meet with concerned representatives from their own diocese to discuss the specific issues raised in the letter. Positive responses have been received from a number of Bishops. It is hoped that people from each diocese arrange to meet with their own Bishop to discuss the three asks in the letterRead the letter here • Diocesan Divestment from fossil fuels, (Lancaster, Middlesborough and Arundel and Brighton Dioceses have already committed to this) • Aim for net zero carbon emissions in its own operations by 2030, (the Church of England have already committed to this aim) • Educate Catholics and the public, and engage with the UK government on the need for the UK to aim for net zero carbon emissions be 2030 at the latest. It is important to consider ways in which work in partnership can be done within the diocese to enable urgent action in addressing what is a climate and ecological emergency. a helpful sheet on information on the climate emergency and suggestions for meeting on the three asks

“The urgent challenge to protect our common home includes a concern to bring the whole human family together to seek a sustainable and integral development, for we know that things can change… It is my hope that this Encyclical Letter… can help us to acknowledge the appeal, immensity and urgency of the challenge we face”.

Pope Francis, Laudato Si’, 13, 15

Journey Towards Care for Our Common Home Five Years After Laudato Si

THE TIME IS NOW Use your voice to tell politicians that you want a cleaner, greener, fairer future at the heart of plans to rebuild a strong economy.

The Time is Now Declaration asks the Prime Minister to lead the UK towards a healthier, greener, fairer future. Ahead of hosting the United Nations climate summit in Glasgow in 2021, we can build back better together if we: • Unleash a clean energy revolution that boosts jobs across the UK, making our transport, power and housing fit for the future • Protect, restore and expand our green and wild spaces; allowing nature to thrive, taking carbon from the air and boosting the nation’s health Leave no one behind by increasing support to those most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change at home and abroad The UK must lead the world by ensuring our recovery gets us on track to net-zero emissions and limits the rise in global temperature to 1.5 degrees C. Our best chance of building a resilient economy goes hand in hand with tackling climate change. We are ready to play our part, and we call on you to join us.

Sign the Time is Now Declaration at https://thetimeisnow.uk/declaration

On 18 February, Bishop John Arnold of Salford, lead bishop for the environment in England and Wales, will launch an online series of speakers, prayers and discussions based on the film-based resource, 'Global Healing'. The talks will take place each week throughout Lent, with Salford Diocese’s Head of Environment Dr Emma Gardner sharing her own knowledge and experiences with us on 4 March.

The films will take place over six Thursdays, from 18th February- 25th March 2021, 7.30pm - 8.30pm and are hosted by the Global Catholic Climate Movement Laudato Si' Animators in the UK. to register email: [email protected] Speakers for Global Healing Lenten Series: Thursday 18 February 2021 Global Healing Episode 1: Bishop John Arnold, Salford Diocese and Bishop for the Environment. Thursday 25 Feb 2021 Global Healing Episode 2: Jane Mellett (Global Catholic Climate Movement). Thursday 4 March 2021 Global Healing Episode 3: Dr. Emma Gardner (Head of Environment, Salford Diocese) Thursday 11 March Global Caring Episode 4: Sr. Shirley Aeria, (FMDM). Sr. Shirley has lived and worked in Australia, Ireland, Malaysia, Nigeria and UK both as educator in schools and leadership roles in the congregation at various times. Since embracing the message of Pope Francis’ encyclical, ‘Laudato Si’, she is now more involved in conservation ministry. Thursday 18 March Global Caring Episode 5: Graham Gordon, Head of Public Policy, CAFOD. Thursday 25 March Global Caring Episode 6. Live Simply Parish Speaker. For more information about this area of Catholic life and faith have a look at www.catholicclimatemovement.global If you are unable to attend or would like to use these resources after the meetings download the resources at: https://www.cbcew.org.uk/home/our-work/environment/global-healing/global-healing-films/

Lenten talks: What would Pope Francis do?

To mark the eighth anniversary of Pope Francis' election, the Edinburgh Jesuit Centre will be hosting a series of talks each Tuesday in Lent, by prominent Catholic voices exploring the teaching of Pope Francis. Tuesday 23 February 7.30pm: Austen Ivereigh on Social Justice Tuesday 2 March 7.30pm: Sr Imelda Poole MBE on Refugees and Migration Tuesday 9 March 7.30pm: James Martin SJ on LGBTQ+ Ministry Tuesday 16 March 7.30pm: Christopher Lamb on Church Hierarchy Tuesday 23 March 7.30pm: Dr Lorna Gold on Pope Francis on the Environment Tuesday 30 March 7.30pm: Gemma Simmonds CJ on Women in the Church

Zoom Login Information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/2365092814 or Meeting ID: 236 509 2814 Talks will also be streaming to Facebook Live. View by typing Edinburgh Jesuit Centre into Facebook For more information contact [email protected]

10 https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/choose- the-world-you-want/ festival website

https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/choose- the-world-you-want/lineup/

An amazing selection on on-line events and resources available to link into and download

For two weeks each year at the end of February and start of March, thousands of individuals, companies and groups across the UK come together to share the stories of the people who grow our food and drinks, mine our gold and who grow the cotton in our clothes, people who are often exploited and underpaid.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us more than ever how interconnected we are globally.

This interconnection is at the very heart of the Fairtrade message and is where your role begins. You are part of the Fairtrade movement and you have the power to drive long-term change, not only with your shopping choices but with your support in spreading the message. We just have to do this a little differently in 2021! Lots of Resources to use anytime in your parishes and schoolshttps://www.fairtrade.org.uk/resources -library/

Some of the free online events – book through Eventbrite and you will be sent the Zoom link before the event.

The Climate Crisis and Our Food Supply Monday 22nd February 7pm A panel of environmental experts discuss how the climate crisis will affect our global food supply and the people behind it. A Guardian Live event. https://membership.theguardian.com/event/how-is-the-climate-crisis -impacting-the-global-food-supply-139662477229

Shared Interest’s Work with Fairtrade Farmers in Africa Friday, 26th February, 2021 at 7pm

Live link with Kodzo Korkortsi, programme manager for Shared Interest Foundationwww.shared -interest.com based in Ghana. Hear about the Fairtrade producers working against adversity in an environment of climate change and Covid. Kodzo will give an overview of the Foundation's recent projects including Bees for Business which is working with women beekeepers in Burkina Faso and talk about the Livelihood Security Fund which has been helping producers affected by Covid. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/shared-interests-work-with-fairtrade-farmers-in-africa-tickets-141858529681

Fairtrade and Climate Change Saturday, 27th February, 2021 at 1pm Stefan Donnelly from the Campaigns Team at the Fairtrade Foundation will highlight the growing challenges that climate change brings to farmers and workers in the communities Fairtrade works with. The facts are straightforward. Farmers and workers in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia and Honduras, who have done the least to contribute to climate change, are disproportionately affected by it. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/climate-fairtrade-and-you-tickets-141947156767

United by Fairtrade Wednesday, 3rd March, 2021 at 7pm The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us more than ever how interconnected we are globally. This interconnection is at the very heart of the Fairtrade message, bringing people of all faiths, and none, together. Adam Gardner, Head of Campaigns at the Fairtrade Foundation, will talk about the challenges currently faced by farmers and workers in the global south – the ‘key workers beyond our borders’ and what we can do. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/united-by-fairtrade-tickets-141951722423 Fairtrade is about better prices, decent working conditions, local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for farmers and workers in the developing world. With Fairtrade you have power to change the world every day. With simple shopping choices you can get farmers a better deal. That means they can make their own decisions, control their future & lead the dignified life everyone deserves

11 Family Fast Day is on Friday 26 February 2021. This Lent in lockdown, you and your parish can help transform lives!

Donate to the Lent Appeal 2021 Sign up now Walk for Water Lent challenge: 10,000 steps a day - done your way. Every day. For 40 days. Go the distance this Lent and help to end water poverty.

Abdella has to walk ten hours a day to find water to keep his family alive. Your Lenten gift could transform the lives of people like Abdella and his family https://cafod.org.uk/Fundraise/Family-Fast-Day Resources from CAFOD’s online Lent calendar 2021 offers you the chance to reflect, pray and take justice actions. Join us as we journey through Lent with our global family. Download our Lent calendar for children or our calendar for young people, or follow our Lent calendar for families too. To receive weekly Gospel reflections via email please sign up to our e-newsletter for weekly reflections Prayer Resources at: https://cafod.org.uk/Pray/Prayer-resources

The new Lent Course from The Clewer Initiative, is fresh, hard-hitting and empowering. At the heart of the course are five mini-films which include haunting survivor stories, dramatised by actresses, and expert interviews. The Women in the Shadows course will contain everything a church needs to run a successful online course and will require no extra preparation. The mini-films will kick off each session and be followed by a guided Bible study, reflection and prayer in an accompanying devotional booklet. For more information : https://www.theclewerinitiative.org/ To sign up to receive the course click here

Events and Opportunities to Raise Awareness 8th February Feast Day of St Bahita and day of prayer and awareness against human trafficking 17th February Ash Wednesday 21st February Church Action on Poverty Get your Resource Pack here... 22nd-7th March Fairtrade Fortnight fairtrade.org.uk 26th February Family Fast Day cafod.org.uk 27th February NJPN Networking Meeting via Zoom. 11am – 3pm Book your free place via Eventbrite. 5th March Women’s World Day of Prayer wwwdp.org.uk 8th March International Women’s Day internationalwomensday.com 13th March Romero National Ecumenical Service St Martins in the Fields 11 am or zoom 22nd March World Water Day worldwaterday.org 22nd March Final date for applications for F&J worker see page 8 24th March Romero Ecumenical Service Metropolitan Cathedral Liverpool 6pm Arch Bishop McMahon 27th March Romero Anniversary Mass St George’s Cathedral 12:30pm live or zoom Archbishop Wilson 27th March Earth Hour earthhour.org 4th April Easter Sunday 8th May NJPN AGM both zoom and in London 9th –15th May Christian Aid Week christianaid.org.uk 15th May International Conscientous Objectors Day paxchristi.org.uk 17th-30th May UN Biodiversity Summit (COP15) 1st Sept -4th Oct Season of Creation 1st -12th Nov - UN Climate Summit COP26 For daily Justice and Peace stories at: Independent Catholic News http://www.indcatholicnews.com/news/justice-peace-environment Lancaster Diocesan Faith & Justice Commission Email:[email protected] 12