War is a defeat for everyone” – Words of Pope Francis, quoted by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re at His Holiness’ Requiem Mass on the 26th April 2025.
“Peace be with all of you!” – The first words of Pope Leo XIV as he appeared on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome having been just elected by the Conclave on the 8th May 2025.
This year, the National Justice and Peace Network Conference which is being held between the 25th-27th July in Derbyshire, takes the theme: ‘Towards a Just Peace – Challenging the Inevitability of Violence.’ Members of the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team will be there, including our Justice and Peace Co-ordinator James Trewby. All are welcome and places are still available.
The 47th annual conference is not just about revealing the mounting horror of war in our times. It is about highlighting ongoing challenges in various communities, conflict resolution, and environmental care – and the aim is that everyone will leave with a commitment to work actively for peace in the future.
Keynote Speakers are Dr. Rowan Williams, former Archbishop of Canterbury, who will address the theme, and Dr. Joanna Frew of Rethinking Security, who will explore what real security looks like today.
The conference, which draws Justice and Peace activists from the dioceses of England and Wales, will also hear from Andrew Jackson and Sr. Katrina Alton of Pax Christi England and Wales about work of the Catholic Church to reclaim nonviolence. Workshop contributors include Richard Solly of Jesuit Missions and Ellen Teague of the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology Team who will explore links between violence and environmental problems. Other contributors, who will also be running stalls, include CAFOD and CSAN.
The NJPN Conference is an important annual gathering for the Columbans in Britain because it brings together people of faith who are committed to justice, peace and care for creation, core values that lie at the heart of Columban mission. This year’s theme closely aligns with our long-standing commitment to nonviolence, solidarity with the poor, and ecological justice.
“As missionaries, we witness first-hand the devastating impacts of conflict, inequality, and environmental degradation in communities around the world.” Explains James Trewby. “By participating in this conference, including through the involvement of our Justice, Peace and Ecology team, we stand alongside others in the Church who are working for a more just and peaceful world, and we deepen our own formation and action as ‘pilgrims of hope’ in this Jubilee Year.”
The NJPN invites all to join them as ‘pilgrims of hope’ in their year-long programme. NJPN says: “Journey with us this jubilee year as we open the doors to a just peace for current and future generations. Join us as we commit to taking restorative action to bring about peace and justice for migrants, or people living in poverty and inequality and for a world in climate crisis. We owe it to future generations to make this Jubilee permanent.”
For further details and to book a place, please contact Sharon Chambers: admin@justice-and-peace.org.uk or call: 020 7901 4864. There are some bursaries available, especially for any young people who have a keen interest in social action.