Over 160 participants from across the UK gathered in Derbyshire from 25–27 July for the 47th annual National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN) Conference, held under the theme “Towards a Just Peace – Challenging the Inevitability of Violence.”
The event brought together Justice and Peace activists, religious communities, and peace organisations for a weekend of deep reflection, spiritual grounding, and active commitment to peace and nonviolence.
Among the 160 participants, who shared this view of prophetic peacemaking, were Justice and Peace representatives from 17 dioceses in England and Wales, Justice and Peace Scotland, and religious orders, including Faithful Companions of Jesus (FCJ), Srs of St Joseph of Peace (CSJP), Presentation Sisters, and Mary Ward Loreto UK. Organisations running stalls included CAFOD, Catholic Social Action Network, Laudato Si Movement, Archbishop Romero Trust, Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology and Christians Aware. Peace groups included Pax Christi, Christian CND, and Peace Pledge Union.
Keynote speaker Dr Joanna Frew of Rethinking Security urged a reimagining of global security rooted in justice, climate sustainability, and Gospel values. The weekend featured powerful panels, workshops, and witness actions, from calling for a Just Peace in Gaza to exploring the link between violence and environmental injustice.
Sr Katrina Alton CSJP and Andrew Jackson of Pax Christi England and Wales contributed reflections on reclaiming Gospel nonviolence in the Church today, while organisations such as CAFOD, CSAN, and Operation Noah hosted workshops on climate justice, disarmament, and economic inequality.
During the conference Mass, Ann Farr, member of Pax Christi International’s Working Group on Just Peace in the Holy Land, shared a reflection on Gospel nonviolence, the resilience of the Palestinian people, and the concept of Sumud, steadfastness rooted in hope. She reminded participants that working for peace means facing uncomfortable truths, standing alongside those suffering injustice, and acting with courage, prayer, and persistence.
A special call was made to all participants to journey as “pilgrims of hope” during the Jubilee Year 2025, committing to peacebuilding for future generations in a world marked by war, displacement, and ecological breakdown.
Read more on Independent Catholic News
Videos from the conference are available here.
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