‘Be not afraid’ is a phrase Jesus used many times. Human life is complex and we need food, warmth, shelter and the security provided by who we see as 'our tribe'. In the UK most of us live in cities and 'our tribe' lives alongside other tribes who may believe different things, have different cultural practices, or look different.
The advent of social media means that many young people have virtual, worldwide ‘tribes’. This can lead to a feeling of ‘apartness’ in the real world. In our minds we have a picture of ‘us’ and a picture of ‘them’. I think my ‘us’ does vary dependent on who I am with: other retired women, friends of other faiths or no faith, my family, friends of different ages. This reflects my liberal parents’ teaching that we are all made in the image of God and must welcome all other people non-judgementally.
Across the world it seems that the media and public discourse often speak in a binary way, using language that promotes the differences between ‘us’ and ’them’. Since the Second World War sociologists and historians have reported on how divisive language can empower those with Power to demonise those they consider to be ’them’ and make it easy to enact laws that discriminate and disadvantage whoever is perceived to be ’them’. I remember watching the film Hotel Rwanda and feeling a sense of horror as government rhetoric amplified hatred that eventually turned neighbour against neighbour and the eventual genocide.
We naturally fear anything that we see as threatening to fulfilling our basic needs for food and shelter as physical violence. We have evolved to cope with these, motivation theories reflect this. I am pleased that our Government is emphasising the use of armaments for defensive purposes only and supporting those resisting aggression. As with governments some Religious leaders also promote reconciliation and long term peaceful co-existence. Sadly some religious leaders don’t.
As our societies have become more complex and diverse we have developed psychological fears such as shame, loss of status, embarrassment, failure, rejection, loss of power, loss of health.
When we look at the ministry of Jesus we see that he always reached out to those who were different and challenged the cultural norms of the day whilst recognising the Romans when he said ‘render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s”. In the words of Alan Hull ‘he got busted just for talking and befriending the wrong sorts’ ("Winter Song" Lindisfarne).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yg_dsk7u26A
It is so important that we physically listen to the young people we know, who are growing up with so many unhealthy messages and experience so much pressure to follow and agree with influencers motivated solely by the clicks that bring them more money. The more we listen to their real fears and explore who their ‘us’ is and who their ‘them’ is, the more we can help them build their resilience and maturity to make healthy choices in a complex world.
So, Be not afraid of asking questions and listening to the answers of children and young people. We all have a Christian responsibility to help young people to grow in the love of God and to understand what it takes to live as God intended in a tolerant and inclusive society.
Understanding, acceptance and learning come from listening. The self-esteem of each one of us flourishes from a feeling of being heard and being accepted for who we really are. There are many on-line resources that can provide advice if in your listening you feel out of your depth to help in specific circumstances, the BBC Action line is a good start place. Sharing the search for advice and balanced information shows love.
And pray that our Church will accelerate the structural changes that will remove the marginalisation of all the groups that the Synodal Listening process identified to follow the lead of other Christian and other Religious groups who are further along the route of recognising the God that is in all of us.
My personal Pilgrimage of Hope last Lent involved visiting other faith services who welcomed people who are marginalised in Catholic faith. I now know that when I am feeling that my Church ‘doesn’t understand me' I can attend services where I am welcomed as a Child of God and gain the strength to work towards an inclusive, Catholic Missionary Church. This year I will again celebrate the Triduum with ‘my tribe’.
This was inspired by some feedback from the SPARK group.
This was a regular cry when my sisters and I were growing up. However life did not develop to be fair. Any wildlife programme shows that predators, at the top of the food chain, have the advantage. I learnt that as I grew up and matured.
Humans have evolved and are very diverse. That enabled us to become the earth’s apex predator. However over the millennia we have evolved and developed ‘Rules of Law’ to protect the weaker, more vulnerable people and constrain the power of the strongest. This rule is country specific and the UN and specific Treaties govern international relationships. Those Rules are so important.
Sadly the growth in popularity of right leaning influencers and the gaps between 'the super powers’ and other states, including the UK, is now wide enough for the USA, Russia and China to act with impunity to the detriment of the whole world. Their vetoes in the UN Security Council enable them to transgress against what most people across the world consider to be lawful, ethical behaviour.
I am so grateful for the European leaders who are restricting their engagement in the Iran war in favour of maintaining their ability to supporting Ukraine. And for their support of the established ‘Rule of Law’.
A friend who attended a conference session on Women’s Rights in Dublin 3 years ago told me how shocked she was that women from every continent and country were increasingly angry about the growth of the right and the increase in anti women sentiment in their countries. This being in spite of the fact that women everywhere are more likely live in poverty, poor health and to be subject to violence and force. They tend to be less powerful than men.
Recent programmes on BBC have shown how Big Tech choses algorithms that promote engagement ,clicks and profit. Their systems amplify negative messages and spread hate and mis-information quickly. Iran has shut down their internet to reduce the risk of an uprising. Think of recent riots protesting about asylum seekers which were based on factually incorrect posts.
Court cases in America are challenging the design of social media platforms for this reason. But the Big Tech firms have greater resources to fight and appeal than the claimants. In the States the companies are not liable for the third party content they carry which is why our On-Line Safety Laws have also been the cause of diatribes and economic threats against our democratically elected Government. I pray that Big Tech can be held to account in the same way as other publishers.
I am also praying that countries who share the similar principles can work together and improve the power of the UN to censor the hate - filled State behaviours that we see all too often in the News. And take action to deter such behaviours through effective sanctions.
🙏 That aggressors can be held to account for the environmental damage Wars do - how much extra carbon producing concrete will need to be manufactured to rebuild the millions of homes smashed? Or the less efficient heating that has to be used when power infrastructure is deliberately targeted? I suspect that money is a stronger motivator for them than human rights.
🙏 That the voices everywhere saying ‘enough is enough’ and ‘that’s not right’ are heard more loudly.
🙏 That Religious leaders will advocate for the women, children and other vulnerable groups who bear the brunt of the damage of War and injustice.
At Easter we celebrate that Jesus loved us and died for us. Let us pray that the ‘Men of War’ will recognise the wishes of the majority of men and women across the world, who want to live in peaceful co-existence in which dialogue resolves conflict before it escalates.
from 24 to 26 April 2026 in Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Church and Peace are organising this conference together with Fellowship of Reconciliation UK, Anglican Pacifist Fellowship, Pax Christi UK and Christian International Peace Service (CHIPS).
How can people and communities truly heal after conflict?
This conference invites speakers and participants to explore this important question together in a variety of ways during a weekend full of learning opportunities, reflection, and encounters. We will draw on experience, wisdom, and imagination to encourage each other on the path to healing and a new community life.
The programme includes keynote speeches, practical workshops and creative sessions, as well as the opportunity and space to network with other participants who are also committed to peace work.
Jane Kinninmont – Chief Executive Officer at the United Nations Association, UK, and Siniša Klem – Baptist theologian, board member of Church and Peace, Croatia will give the keynote speeches on Saturday.
The topics of our 12 workshops include:
‘Courage for peace in times of war readiness’ ‘Role play about discussing nuclear disarmament with Christians’ ‘The arts and reconciliation’ ‘Trinity and Trauma: Faith that Heals’ ‘The role of the Body in Individual & Collective Healing Processes’
Live interpreting between French, English and German will be provided for the main events. Interpreting during the workshops will be organised as required.
More information about registration, the program and travel can be found on our website.
The direct link to the registration form can be found here. Please register by 31 March 2026.
We would also like to inform you about a conference organised by the Community of the Cross of Nails, which will take place immediately before our conference and complements it thematically: Reconciliation: What is the nature of peace? How do we live it? https://www.coventrycathedral.org.uk/events/practical-peacemaking
You may be interested in attending both conferences. The conference language is English. Accommodation can be booked separately. Links to this can be found on the website.
SPARK are offering full or part bursaries to people under 30 living in the Catholic Diocese of Leeds, with a closing date of 30 April for anyone interested to have got in touch.
‘Just Talk’
In a world of disinformation, sound bites and echo chambers, our conference will explore how we promote genuine communication and encounter through areas such as the media, arts, education, diplomacy and political engagement led always by the Spirit of Truth.
Our aims
- to increase participants understanding of how language and other forms of communication are used or misused in our current context
- to help participants challenge disinformation and divisive rhetoric, change narratives, foster dialogue and encounter, and speak truth to power.
In celebrating 60 years of Nostra Aetate Pope Leo XIV said the document
“opened our eyes to a simple yet profound principle: dialogue is not a tactic or a tool, but it's a way of life – a journey of the heart that transforms everyone involved, the one who listens and the one who speaks.”
Key details
A full or part funded bursary is available, dependent on the number of applicants
24th to 26th July 2026 title “Just Talk” at The Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire
Applications for a bursary or support with travel costs must be received before the closing date of 30 April.
JUST FAIR
To open our ‘Just Fair’ on Friday evening we will be hosting a Fair Trade Wine Reception. This is a great way to get to renew old acquaintances, as well as make new ones.
There will be more than 20 stalls, with different agencies displaying resources/selling goods, as well as information and ideas about practical action throughout the weekend.
This year, there will be a choice of meat or vegetarian at all meals. We would encourage you to choose the vegetarian option if you can, following our environmental principles and in the main being better for the planet.
We do ask, though, that you make it clear when booking if you will be following a Vegetarian diet so that we can pass the information onto the Hayes. Please also advise when booking of any dietary intolerances to enable the Hayes to cater adequately for you.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
Children and young people are a vital part of the NJPN conference. There will be a programme of activities for 5 to 11 year olds. 12 to 16/18 year olds will explore the conference theme in an active and thought provoking weekend.
NJPN is committed to the protection of children, young people and vulnerable people. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to attend conference.
Earlier this month I was invited to join a meeting with the Leeds Muslim Youth Forum to talk about our work and ways to counter the divisive messages our young adults receive on social media and elsewhere. This ties into our SPARK Conversations of Hope and also continues the themes of Pilgrims of Hope 2025.
I had a lively conversation with about 15 young people, topics such as responding to racism and challenging injustice and poverty. One member of the group gave me inspiration in her explanation about the best way to engage people in our target age group.
Respectfully, she assured me that older people are happy sitting round a table and talking about social justice issues, but the best way to catch interest with the under 30s is to focus more on visual messaging.
The group gave me examples of effective TikTok reels and are in the process of completing a documentary and film project so are very tuned into this.
On Friday 13th March a group of people, brought together through a belief in inter-faith work, gathered at St Richards’s church in Seacroft hosted by Reverend Anne Russell. The evening was part of a wider community response to this being an area targeted by Reform and where there is an active campaign against people seeking asylum who are accommodated in this parish.
The wonderful Cassandra James brought a group from St Augustine’s Parish in Harehills and by the end of the evening there were nearly 60 young people and their leaders from around the local area. Group discussions focussed on current concerns and aspirations for young people and an activity around interfaith connection, what role can young people play in reducing prejudice, what helps people from different faiths build trust with each other. As the youngest member of our group wisely told us, “In all our faiths, there is love”. We could all experience that truth throughout this evening. I was grateful to be there and hear the wisdom of young people who spoke with confidence about the importance of their faith and what Ramadan and Lent means to those who share these beliefs.
A young person from a local sports group led the call to prayer (Azaan) and after prayers the Iftar, where we all shared wonderful food together. It was a memorable and inspiring evening. Connections and friendships were made and hopefully will be sustained, as we would love to do another similar event, maybe something outdoors in the summer.
Most of the time we do not realise that we live in a ‘culture of war’, as most people’s lives are not violent. However, conflict is human and there will always be conflict. This workshop was not about aiming to remove conflict in our relationships with others but to resolve conflict without resorting to violence.
Our pax Christi group had joined with Quakers in Leeds in the hope of attracting 25 people to this event. We extended the numbers to 30 (which was the maximum we thought would work for a workshop like this) and it still sold out. Just as pleasingly, the people who came were from a wide range of ages, and Christian traditions.
We gathered to explore these issues at the Quaker Meeting House on Woodhouse Lane in Leeds on Sunday 16th March.
Nicolas led us in a relaxed and humorous way through some principles of nonviolence using his background in mediation with families, in schools, with the police and even the Spanish army.
"This workshop is an experiment" he said "I am not sure where it will go." The task orientated part of me felt very nervous, but his skill, expertise and charm took me along with the flow.
He used the process of the workshop to illustrate his points - including the first decision of the group to decide when the coffee/tea break would be. This demonstrated how an initial idea might then be developed as group members added more information, gave alternative suggestions and voiced their individual needs. That decision could have taken the whole workshop, but thankfully Nicolas used the authority we had given him to make the decision more quickly!
That illustrated another of his themes, who has authority and who has it recognising that power imbalances will have an impact on dealing with conflict. The aim in any conflict resolution is for a win/win situation not lose/lose or win/lose. This shouldn’t be competitive and, at the end everyone should feel they have achieved what they need.
Some key messages for me were that resolving conflict is not about the facts but about perception and once we understand that we can move forward. He illustrated this in a concrete way by asking us to move from our seats and sit in a different place. How different does that feel? Elements of a nonviolent approach to conflict as well as perception include narrative, space and time.
Nicolas’ focused on the importance of space. Stressed that this needs to be a very concrete thing. The place where we meet, how do we use physical space in a meeting area, how to engineer informal spaces. When we are analysing the context of a conflict ask ourselves where and when does it happen.
Another key message was that dialogue comes towards the end of the process: all the other aspects need to be in place first. In other words, we need to prepare for managing conflict.
One of the most moving aspects of the workshop was when we were asked to introduce ourselves and express what our issues concerning conflict were. Participants were experiencing a wide range of conflicts some very personal and hopefully Nicolas was able to offer something to everyone.
This session was an excellent introduction to practical tools and we are now thinking of ways we can follow it up. We will be producing a brief resources leaflet for participants and this will be held on the Justice and Peace website.
We are pleased to introduce Carla Stockton-Jones who became a trustee of the Diocese in November 2025 and has taken responsibility for promoting the sustainability agenda within the diocese of Leeds.
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into this role?
My career has centred on how organisations can deliver positive change at scale, bringing together purpose, people and long-term responsibility. Alongside my role as Managing Director of Stagecoach and my time at Sky and HomeTree, I’ve seen how leadership on climate and nature can make a real difference.
I was drawn to this role because I believe faith communities have a unique and powerful part to play in responding to the climate and nature crisis. The Church is embedded in communities where environmental and social challenges are often felt most deeply.
Why did you become a diocesan trustee?
I became a diocesan trustee because I wanted to support the Church in responding faithfully and practically to the challenges of our time — particularly climate change, environmental degradation and inequality.
The Diocese of Leeds has significant influence through its buildings, land and community presence. Being a trustee is about helping ensure that our stewardship reflects care for creation, justice for our neighbours and responsibility to future generations.
What can the diocese do to become more sustainable?
Caring for creation needs to be seen as central to the Church’s mission, not an optional extra. Progress comes from practical steps. We are currently working on improving energy efficiency in parishes, investing in renewables and supporting nature-friendly spaces working alongside our Laudato Si diocesan partners, supporting parishes with clear guidance, shared learning and encouragement, so climate action feels achievable and hopeful rather than overwhelming.
What are the main barriers to achieving energy sustainability?
Historic buildings, limited capacity and access to funding or expertise can all slow progress. There can also be a perception that sustainability is mainly about cost, when in reality it’s about long term resilience, lower energy bills and healthier, more welcoming spaces for worship and community life.
Final reflection
The climate crisis is one of the defining issues of our age. The Diocese of Leeds has a real opportunity to lead with hope — showing that faith, justice and care for creation belong together.
This was the theme of Todd Walatka’s talk given earlier this week hosted at the City Campus of Leeds Trinity University under the banner of SPARK Social Justice.
Using quotes from St Oscar’s homilies, interspersed with a few from Pope Leo, Todd explored how St Oscar used his preaching as a way of promoting the key traditional themes of Lent: Prayer, fasting and Almsgiving.
Prayer was a recurring theme in his preaching and he was always exhorting people to ‘give glory to God’. This is a common enough sentiment in Church circles. It maybe conjures up pictures of being in churches with incense burning and people on their knees. However, his vision was much more concerned with seeing the Glory of God through his encounters with other people – especially the rural peasants (campesinos) and recognising that ‘the Glory of God is the human person ‘fully alive’.
Fasting is the moment to review your life ‘and judge things, to see if you value anything more than God’. Do we value money, possessions, power more than God?
Almsgiving he talks about in terms of ‘experiencing ourselves as brothers and sisters’. Time and again, St Oscar talks about deepening our understanding of what it means to be ‘fully human’. The way to do this is through reflecting on our understanding the full humanity (c/f dignity) of our brothers and sisters.
Todd related the most striking example of this, given by St Oscar during the homily at the funeral of his assassinated friend Rutilio Grande SJ. In that homily, Romero directly addressed the killers with the striking phrase “queridos asesinos” — literally “dear murderers” — as part of a call to conversion, reconciliation, and justice.
He then goes on to speak about forgiveness, the need for conversion, and the Church’s refusal to respond with hatred. The ability to do that must give all of us pause for thought.
A painting of St. Oscar Romero and Fr. Rutilio Grande, SJ, in the rectory of San Jose Church in Aguilares, El Salvador.
Todd’s talk covered many other points in a thoughtful and reflective way. There were about 20 people there, and it was a shame there were not more, as this really was a talk that made you sit up and think more about some of the things that St Oscar said – and how we, ourselves think, about other people.
It was an inter-generational event with university students as well as retired people coming along. One SPARK community member commented
“I thought it would be more academic, but it was inspirational.”
Another said
“I came along but didn’t think I would meet people who are saying out loud what I have been thinking in my head.”
If you are interested to read more (and I would encourage you in this) then we will be making Todd’s talk available in a few weeks as a pamphlet. SPARK are grateful to Leeds Trinity University for making their premises available to hold this event.
Equally, we are grateful to the Romero Trust and the indefatigable Julian Filochowski for once again bringing the Romero Lecture to Leeds.
This collection of reflections and short stories by Michael Morpurgo is thought provoking, warm hearted and uplifting. His passion for child centred education and development shines through. His reflection on War Horse moved me to tears. An ideal gift for any adult.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uOhksK7jK8
The Finest Hotel in Kabul
My copy of Lyse Doucet’s book is now circulating among my friends. Charting the recent history of Afghanistan through the lives of those who work in the Intercontinental Hotel it is a triumph of reassurance that even through two invasions, and Taliban assumption of power many ordinary people carries on going to work and providing for their families. The resilience of the people is inspiring.
I bought it because I enjoyed Rory Stewart’s book about his walk across Afghanistan after the first Taliban Government fell. That gave a picture of the traditional warmth of the hospitality he received at every village he stopped in and the contrast between the several cultural groups whose territory he passed through. He didn’t carry maps because he would have been arrested as a spy. At the end he commented on how he had learnt so much from the men of Afghanistan but only saw the women when they brought him food.
Joy Chose You
I bought Donna Ashworth’s book Wild Hope after I heard her read a short prose piece called You on the radio. It is the book I most frequently gift to friends who are having a hard time.
Joy Chose You is a ‘best of’ collection and was well received when I gave it as a birthday present. Her writing covers loss, grief, friendship and hope.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YhFCBCjEBvA
I wrote these while drinking coffee out of my I am So Many Things mug. As the level of the coffee goes down I read statements such as ‘I’m full of hope’ ‘I am trusting in God’. Uplifting affirmations for every morning. A friend gives their mugs as confirmation gifts but I think they work at Easter too. There are books and prints on this Christian website too.
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More information about registration, the program and travel can be found on our 
The wonderful Cassandra James brought a group from St Augustine’s Parish in Harehills and by the end of the evening there were nearly 60 young people and their leaders from around the local area. Group discussions focussed on current concerns and aspirations for young people and an activity around interfaith connection, what role can young people play in reducing prejudice, what helps people from different faiths build trust with each other. As the youngest member of our group wisely told us, “In all our faiths, there is love”. We could all experience that truth throughout this evening. I was grateful to be there and hear the wisdom of young people who spoke with confidence about the importance of their faith and what Ramadan and Lent means to those who share these beliefs.
Nicolas led us in a relaxed and humorous way through some principles of nonviolence using his background in mediation with families, in schools, with the police and even the Spanish army.
Fasting is the moment to review your life ‘and judge things, to see if you value anything more than God’. Do we value money, possessions, power more than God?
If you are interested to read more (and I would encourage you in this) then we will be making Todd’s talk available in a few weeks as a pamphlet. SPARK are grateful to Leeds Trinity University for making their premises available to hold this event.
