Michael (Development Officer, Caritas Brentwood) along with 3 members of our young adult network (Paula, Kacey and Ed) attended the 48th Annual National Justice and Peace Network Conference.

Hosted at The Hayes Conference Centre in Derbyshire, the theme for the Conference this year was Just Talk. Addressing how we approach our daily encounters with others, especially with people whose views we might disagree with. The keynote, by Billy Vaughan (Public Affairs Officer, Quakers in Britain), focused on peaceful protest, its fundamental role as a channel for dialogue with government, and how successive legislation has placed restrictions on peaceful protests and organised campaigning.

With further speakers across the weekend from Citizens UK and PeaceJam, and breakout groups that helped delegates continue to unravel the theme in more specific ways, the Conference proved to be a positive, faith-filled experience for our young adults. Paula from Newham Deanery explained:

Initially, I didn’t know what to expect… I planned to learn a few things, take some pictures, network and report back. However, I received so much more than I anticipated.

Paula said she was “pleasantly surprised by how Christ-centred and peaceful the atmosphere was.” And went on to say: “Everyone was kind, welcoming, and open to both deep conversations and light-hearted laughter.”

Reflecting further, Paula said:  “I genuinely believe the NJPN conference should be promoted more widely among Christian communities. It offers a practical answer to the question often asked by young people, “How do I put my faith into action? What can I do?” Although the conference was short, it made a significant contribution to my understanding of Catholic Social Teaching and showed me how faith can be lived out in everyday life. I leave feeling inspired and excited to take what I have learned, along with the powerful testimonies I heard, back to my own community.”

To learn more about the NJPN, click here<< 

To watch the talks from the weekend, click here<<