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31 Oct – The Nonviolence of Jesus in a Violent World

By Carol Burns, Leeds Diocese Pax Christi group

We made a decision for our Autumn Day of Shared Reflection (held on 28 October 2023) that we would focus on personal reflection. The decision to focus on nonviolence was all the more significant because of the unfolding conflict in Israel Palestine.

As Thomas Merton, the American Trappist monk and peace activist has put it:

“There is a pervasive form of contemporary violence to which the idealist most easily succumbs: activism and overwork. The rush and pressure of modern life era form, perhaps the most common form, of its innate violence. To allow oneself to be carried away by a multitude of conflicting concerns, to surrender to too many demands, to commit oneself to too many projects, to want to help everyone in everything, is to succumb to violence. The frenzy of our activism neutralizes our work for peace. It destroys our inner capacity for peace. It destroys the fruitfulness of our own work, because it kills the root of inner wisdom which makes the work fruitful”.

The day was led by Sister Bernie Roche, from the Sisters of Mercy and the venue at the Good Shepherd parish in Mytholmroyd was a wonderful setting for our day.

A short introduction about what we mean by nonviolence was followed by personal reflection and sharing in groups. Our sharing focused on Ephesians 3v 16-19:

“Out of his infinite glory, may he give you the power through his Spirit for your hidden self to grow strong, so that Christ may live in your hearts through faith, and then, planted in love and built on love, you will with all the saints have the strength to grasp the breadth and the length, the height and the depth; until, knowing the love of Christ, which is beyond all knowledge, you are filled with the utter fullness of God.”

For such a short reading, it evoked a surprising number of different reactions. A whole range of resources supported our reflections, including poetry, scripture readings and images. Two of these images are shown below

The image of Christ with barbed wire is known as the ‘Maryknoll Christ’. It is deliberately ambiguous. Is Jesus imprisoned behind the barbed wire – or is he looking at us through barbed wire?

The second picture is of a crucifix made by a craftsman in the north of Peru. If you look closely at it you will see that this ‘campesino Christ’ has a cross made up of a shovel and the crosspiece is a machete.

Our day ended with prayers based on our experiences and this Franciscan prayer – which summed up our hopes for the Day:-

May God bless you with discomfort,
at easy answers, half-truths,
and superficial relationships
so that you may live
deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger
at injustice, oppression,
and exploitation of people and animals,
so that you may work for
justice, freedom and peace.
And may God bless you
with enough foolishness
to believe that you can
make a difference in the world,
so that you can do
what others claim cannot be done
to bring justice and kindness
to all our children, God’s creatures and the poor.

2nd November 2023 |

15 Oct – Faith & Creativity: A Tool for Social Justice

By Bronagh Daly, Faith and Creativity Lead LCI

Faith and creativity are interconnected in helping us to discuss and convey hard to explain messages. Whether it is the banner on the protest march, or the font type we choose to promote a retreat, we would be hard pushed to find a faith or justice movement where creativity isn’t utilised to lead people towards change. Before we were literate, we communicated the gospels through illustrations of the saintly and heavenly in stained glass windows, crosses and icons. Bringing the ‘Good News’ to a wider audience can take courage. Creativity takes courage.

Young people who attended the SPARK Social Justice and Leadership event at Leeds Trinity University explored the values and traits needed to lead through conversations with activists, theologians and justice practitioners, set to the backdrop of a pop-up art exhibition curated by myself as the Faith and Creativity Lead at Leeds Church Institute.

Artwork included ‘Journey to the Manger’, an illustration by graphic artist, Luke Walwyn, depicting the many obstacles Mary had to overcome on her 90 mile journey to Bethlehem most likely by foot set in a modern context here in the busy Kirkgate Market. The artwork was created as a reflection on the reality of young women who arrive in Leeds, with no accommodation and are confused and isolated. The artwork helps us to explore themes of asylum, migration and maternity streams of sanctuary here in Leeds.

Also featured in the exhibition, young people interacted with a movable felt installation by textile artist Pippa Woodhams. Her work, featuring felt making in three dimensional and geometric shape, uses natural fibres of wool, colour and layers. The felting process takes time, it is contemplative. It encourages metaphor and is deeply connected to our understanding of spirituality with the circle and sphere. Pippa’s work is tactile and beautiful, and encourages the onlooker to play around with perspective and allows us to pick things up, and view them from a different perspective, spatial skills crucial to strategic planning, management and leadership.

Freda Shafi’s two pieces included a sketch of her mother’s allotment where she grew coriander, scarce when she arrived in Yorkshire from Pakistan in the 1960s, when migrants were encouraged to assimilate. Her mother grew a bounty of coriander, enough to share with her Sikh, Christian and Jewish neighbours, inspiring Freda’s work on ‘Food, Faith and Unity’. Accompanying the sketch of the allotment where the coriander grew, a photograph of her mother’s elderly hands are seen holding a plate of coriander dahl, a dish which was shared with friends and family over the decades. Freda’s work helped the young people at the leadership and justice session to explore the myth of scarcity and offer an opportunity to reflect on the concept of a liturgy of abundance. The art exhibition allowed conversation on poverty, food banks and racial justice. Difficult social justice issues, discussed with art as the conduit.

Human beings are visual learners, and in listening to the young people at the LTU session, I was able to sketch in graphic note taking form, three A2 posters during the event, acting as a legacy image for the session, which can easily be re-used at further listening sessions as a dynamic record of what was spoken by the young people present. (click here to see one of the images in the main post about this event)

Faith and creativity in action helped us to learn as a faithful city and allowed the young people at the event to see how powerful photography, drawing, graphic design, textiles and illustration can be as a leadership tool to challenge the status quo.

Leeds Church Institute is a faith based charity with a mission of resourcing Christians, churches and faith organisations to learn as a faithful city for the benefit of all.

Grants are available for Christians, churches and faith organisations to host art exhibitions, contact me at creativity@leedschurchinstitute.org for more information about bursaries and support available.

15th October 2023 |

12 Oct – SPARK: Empower, Lead, Change

This was an inter-generational conversation about where faith might fit into how we view leadership. It was set up as an informal event where students could have conversations with a number of invited guests with different leadership experiences who acted as discussion facilitators.

We almost cancelled the event as not only was there a train strike that day but also a lecturer’s strike! In the end we decided to carry on and it turned out to be an inspiring event for students and invited guests alike.

AN INSPIRING OPPORTUNITY

By Iesha Heads, student at Leeds Trinity University

The inter-generational leadership training event was an inspiring opportunity for us as students, to learn from the past and pave the way for future generations. The event occurred at Leeds Trinity University, in partnership with the social justice group SPARK and focused on social justice issues such as racial injustice, climate change, education from a wise couple and a former member of parliament who read a lovely story to us. The speakers helped us as students gain a better understanding of how values, faith, wisdom, and leadership can help to positively shape our engagement in the workplace and in the future.

The inter-generational conversations empowered us, by discussing change and the speakers talked to us about their own experiences within leadership, which helped us to develop so that we can become leaders of the future. The event provided us with hope for a better future for everyone, as the stories told by the leadership guest speakers inspired us to set a vision for the future.

By learning what leadership was like from older generations, we gained a better understanding of the changes we can make today. It was great to have the opportunity to listen to like-minded people, also to connect with them was really empowering and valuable. There was a lot of hard work that went into putting the event together, which we are thankful for.

The leadership event helped me to critically think about what changes I would like to see in the world, by providing all of us with key messages about the core values of a leader, how leaders can learn and grow from other leaders and how people lead in different ways.

As I embark on a new leadership journey, one of my main goals is to contribute towards finding solutions to destitution and poverty. I believe that by actively listening to the local community, this can be a crucial key to achieving this, which is why I plan to create an event alongside SPARK, to gain the views of residents on destitution and what we can do as individuals to put an end to poverty, through social action projects. My aim is to help make changes that leave a lasting impact in the community, working towards one of the UN’s main Global Goals, the “No Poverty” approach that can be sustainable for generations to come.

Photos from the event

Small Group Discussions

Small group discussions

Group Photo Time!

Kathy Shaw, the SPARK Project manager, commented:

“We had some challenges to overcome in the planning of the event that were outside our control, but the feedback from everyone attending was outstanding. Kathy went on to say:

The success of the event was down to the skills and experience of all the guest facilitators (who were a mixture of ages). They were very generous with their time and expertise. This format came from an idea formulated by Ann Marie Mealey (Director of Catholic Mission at the university) and Teresa Jackson (from St.Walburga’s church community in Shipley), who came up with the idea for an Inter-generational Lunch. Without exception the students and attendees found the event inspiring and motivational. We were grateful that Tom Allan managed to make it.

LEADERSHIP EVENT REFLECTION

By Tom Allen, Member of the SPARK Steering Group & student at Sheffield University

I was lucky enough to attend the ‘Empower, Lead, Change’ event at Leeds Trinity last month as a facilitator. As a member of the steering group for the project since it began, I have been overjoyed by the response that came from the event.

It was great to meet so many new and some familiar faces and be able to discuss some of the key issues that young people are facing. The afternoon, led by Ann-Marie provoked thoughtful and deep conversations between young people and facilitators. I was particularly empowered by the results of the artwork produced by Bronagh Daly which depicted the conversations which were had amongst the group.

I’m excited for the future of SPARK social justice, especially with Kathy at the helm and being joined by so many inspired young people as a result of this event. I’m eager to see what comes next as a result of this event.”

At the event, Ifat read out a poem she had written(with a little encouragement) and we are delighted to be able to publish it here.

Red.

By Ifat Saghir, Leeds Trinity University

The boldest colour to exist.

A shade so bright and strong,

Full of potential and power.

Its strength flowing through the human heart,

Pumping potent shades of blood to keep you whole and alive.

Constant.

But to what extent?

The very same crimson,

Snatched away from you.

Blood pouring out endlessly.

Constant.

So much control,

Yet no sense of control.

A colour to keep you alive,

But also a colour to take your life.

12th October 2023 |

09 Oct – Season of Creation Events at Mary, Mother of God parish, Bradford

“Let Justice and Peace Flow” was the chosen theme for the Season of Creation 2023; from the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation on September 1st to October 4th, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi. This year’s theme was drawn from the cry of the prophet Amos: “But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” (Amos 5: 24)

A person standing by a Frieze — Lucy with the finished artwork

Lucy is a student, just starting her second year of Primary school teacher training in Liverpool. She led a series of events during September in her local parish when she was home for the summer. Her focus was on climate action, inspired by the Season of Creation. Lucy picked out the image of a mighty river as the creative focus for her display and led a series of events at the youth group, primary school and the local parish hall. The hands you can see on the photo below were completed by members of the youth group who created a Tree of Life alongside the river with their hopes about climate change.

The sessions were all planned and delivered by Lucy and she enjoyed the opportunities to lead and develop her skills. She created the flyer to advertise the event in the parish hall of St Winefride’s and arranged a number of promotional events to invite people on the day.

Young people working on a Frieze — constructing the river!

Her message to others who are thinking about getting involved with a SPARK event, was to try something new like this. She enjoyed it, and she had learnt “to know her views are important, and that she is listened to”. This was great to hear as this is exactly what the SPARK project is all about.

9th October 2023 |

19 Sep – new premises for the Bradford Peace Museum

By Liz Firth, Commission member & Peace Museum Trustee

The Peace Museum, currently based in Bradford City Centre, has announced it is to relocate to new premises at Salts Mill in Saltaire. The move is made possible due to a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant of
£245,651 for an exciting heritage project, ‘IMAGINE: Creating The Peace Museum of the Future’. The project will create brand new public exhibition and engagement spaces at Salts Mill in Saltaire.

The museum is aiming to reopen to the public in summer 2024. Supported through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project will focus on creating engaging and accessible exhibitions and developing a dedicated learning space in its new home. Opening in these new premises will create many more opportunities for visitors, researchers, and community groups to explore the diverse range of stories told by the museum’s collection.

The Peace Museum is the only museum in the UK dedicated to peace and holds a unique collection of international importance. With Salts Mill being a key Bradford landmark and located in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saltaire, The Peace Museum team is confident that opening at this venue will allow a larger number of people to freely access peace history for the foreseeable future.

Commenting on the award, Clive Barrett, Chair of Trustees at The Peace Museum, said: “This project will be transformational for The Peace Museum. We’re delighted to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players, and so excited to have the opportunity to make the history of peace accessible to everybody. This is particularly exciting in light of Bradford receiving City of Culture for 2025, as we’ll be able to welcome visitors from all over the world to our brand-new museum in the heart of the district.”

Shanaz Gulzar, Creative Director of Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, said: “It’s a joy to see Bradford’s cultural sector preparing for our landmark year as UK City of Culture. Bradford is a city of peace and we’re so excited that The Peace Museum is opening again, increasing access to their incredible collection. This is a huge opportunity to celebrate and share our district’s diverse history of social reform – with our communities and with visitors from around the world, in the year 2025 and beyond.”

The Peace Museum explores the history and the often-untold stories of peace, peacemakers, social reform, and peace movements. The museum opened to the public in 1998 and is celebrating its 25th birthday in 2023. It is unique in that it is the only accredited museum of its kind in the UK, and it is a member of the International Network of Museums for Peace, which connections across the globe.

For more information visit https://thepeacemuseum.org.uk/

19th September 2023 |

05 Sep – Peacejam Slam in Leeds in November

By Matty Maslen, Newsletter editor

PeaceJam is an international organisation led by 14 Nobel Peace Laureates working to support a generation of future Nobel Peace Laureates. Their vision is “To Make Peace a Verb”.

So far, over 1.3 million young people in more than 40 countries have taken part in the PeaceJam programme.

On the 11th of November 2023, Leeds will be home to PeaceJam’s one-day event with the theme ‘Your World, Your Way’.

During the day, youth will take part in workshops, near-peer mentoring groups and a social action planning session to empower them to be the change they want to see in the world.

To facilitate sustainable change, schools and youth groups will also have access to a six-week programme that compliments the Citizen GCSE curriculum.

The day’s inspirational keynote speaker is David Owumi.

“David envisions a world without waste bins, where everything is reused and has taken steps towards this future with the creation of ‘Qinq’.’Qinq’ is an app that works with various community groups to reuse materials and supports the circular economy! His personal journey embodies what it means to be resilient, and his community actions show how everyone can be empowered to change the world for the better. Learn more about David here.” [quoted from PeaceJam email].

Registration for the Leeds Slam opens on the 25th of September ⏰ Inquire for more at: unitedkingdom@peacejam.org

A few years ago, I had the pleasure at volunteering at a PeaceJam UK event, and I would highly recommend PeaceJam as an organisation to get involved with! They are about to open applications to join their Youth Team:

5th September 2023 |

15 Aug – Laudato Si in Action: Good Shepherd church community visit Salford’s Laudato Si centre

By Sean Morris, Good Shepherd Church Community, Mytholmroyd & Commission member

The Church, like so many parts of society, is acutely aware of the damage humans have made to our planet, and the real risks climate change has for all of us. It is important to encourage the Leeds Diocese to follow in the footsteps of other dioceses in tackling these issues.

Parish members of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Mytholmroyd have set up a ‘Laudato Si’ group and held a fact-finding tour of the Salford Diocese’s climate change garden and centre, based at Wardley Hall. The parish has been engaged on Laudato Si since it was launched by the Pope, with house groups and education events.

Members of the group had attended a Zoom meeting of the Commission with Bishop John Arnold, who leads on climate change matters for the Bishops Conference. Bishop John highlighted in his talk the positive work the Salford Diocese had taken to tackle climate change, including the Laudato Si garden at Wardley Hall. The Greater Manchester ‘Our Faith, Our Planet’ partnership recently met Pope Francis to discuss its work and direct future action – https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/news/delegation-off-to-the-vatican-to-tell-pope-this-is-how-we-are-tackling-climate-change-in-manchester/

Keen to learn more, our group met the Diocese’s Head of Environment, Dr Emma Gardner, who explained the importance of the Salford Laudato Si Centre and its wider work in developing a climate change plan for the Diocese. The Diocese seeks to be zero carbon by 2038.

The Laudato Si Centre includes educational and wellbeing spaces in the walled gardens, greenhouses, an orchard, an outdoor classroom and more recently connections to adjoining woodland. As well as a partnership to create a memorial woodland, it has a bee colony living across the hives in the walled garden producing award winning honey. It also includes thriving polytunnels and greenhouses. The outdoor classroom is made up of eco-bricks in the walls which has been made by parishioners, and it is surrounded by an accessible surface to provide equal access for all.

The visit inspired our group to look at developing our own smaller Laudato Si garden, start drafting a local climate change plan and promote this work through the Commission. We want to connect with our local councils to understand more about wider sustainability projects. We were pleased to hear the Leeds Diocese is moving in the same direction and will be appointing its own Environment Officer shortly. We encourage other parishes to visit Wardley Hall and be equally inspired to work on the values of Laudato Si in saving our planet for our future generations.

To arrange a visit to the Laudato Si Centre:

Email an enquiry to: laudatosi@dioceseofsalford.org.uk

They will respond to you with the necessary form to fill out to make your visit possible!

15th August 2023 |

01 Aug – Reflections from the 2023 NJPN Conference

By Chuks Nwachukwu, sponsored to attend by SPARK Social Justice

The 45^th Annual conference of the National Justice and Peace Network was held on 21 – 23 July 2023 at the Hayes conference centre in Swanwick, Alfreton Derby. With the Theme ‘Sustainability? Survival or Shutdown’. It was a very great weekend filled with interesting and interactive sessions. This is my second time at the conference, and it was worthwhile. The conference speakers were very resourceful and really inspired everyone. Brian O’Toole who is the director of the Presentation sisters Justice Desk for Ireland and England spoke on the importance of embracing the sustainable development goals. He furthered reiterated on the need to heed to the cry of the earth and to the people kept poor.

Christine Allen, who is the Director of CAFOD, in her contribution said, “Work for justice is part of preaching the Gospel.” Speaking about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) she opined that Catholic Social Teaching went further by addressing the sin of structural injustice. Adding that some people are rich because some people are poor and such injustice is clearly seen in our economics.

Sir John Battle, who is currently chair of Leeds Diocesan Justice and Peace Commission, urged the Catholic church to shift towards action on climate and poverty. He suggested that it was not enough for the bishops to ask people to support the common good. “We need consistent and sustained advocacy action” if the Church is to be a catalyst for change. He told delegates “Advocacy attempts to understand the causes of poverty and injustice, and to work on behalf of the poor to change the structures of injustice.” He furthermore said, “a Church that takes risks” is needed rather than “softly whispered backroom lobbying”. He suggested that Catholics should use Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti to combat those seeking to create a division between care for the earth and care for the poor.

I am grateful to SPARK and the Leeds Justice and Peace Commission for the opportunity to be at this year’s conference. I urge young people to join me as advocates for our common home.

1st August 2023 |