Season Of Creation 2024


Christian communities all over the world will come together to celebrate the Season of Creation and to care for our common home next month.

The Bishops’ Conference of Scotland’s Care For Creation Office is hosting two events across the season, which runs from 1st September to 4th October which are open to all.

Archbishop Nolan Visits Glasgow Mosque Alongside Faith Leaders

Archbishop Nolan Visits Glasgow Mosque Alongside Faith Leaders

Archbishop Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland, recently visited Glasgow Central Mosque to meet with other Christian and Muslim leaders in a show of unity and solidarity amidst the recent violence and hatred that unfolded in the UK. Read the full story in the Scottish Association of Mosques press release.

Justice and Peace Scotland - If you want peace, work for justice


Justice and Peace Scotland advocates, campaigns, and facilitates action in the areas of peacebuilding, non-violence, social justice, care for creation, and human rights. We support Scotland’s Catholic community to live out the values of the gospel by responding to situations of injustice at local, national, and international levels. All our work is guided by Catholic Social Teaching and its associated principles such as upholding human dignity, solidarity, striving for the common good, and the preferential option for the poor and vulnerable.

Contact us for advice or support with any justice and peace activity in your parish, diocese, or school or to learn more about what we do, how you can get involved, and to find out more about our actions and campaigns. Justice and Peace Scotland can facilitate talks and workshops on a range of justice and peace topics for parish and community groups, schools, youth groups, or student societies.

Stay informed about events and campaigns by following us on social media.

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From Glasgow to Gaza: A Cry For Peace in The Holy Land – A declaration to mark the visit of Fr Gabriel Romanelli to Scotland

From Glasgow to Gaza: A Cry For Peace in The Holy Land – A Declaration to Mark the visit of Fr Gabriel Romanelli to Scotland

Archbishop William Nolan, Archbishop of Glasgow, and Rev. Sally-Foster Fulton, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, have signed a declaration prepared by Justice & Peace Scotland, SCIAF, and the Church of Scotland to mark the occasion of Fr Gabriel Romanelli’s visit to Glasgow. Fr Gabriel is the parish priest of the only Catholic church in Gaza, the parish of the Holy Family, and he visited Scotland on Friday April 26th to share his testimony and wishes for peace amidst the ongoing violence in The Holy Land.

On the occasion of Fr Gabriel Romanelli’s visit to Glasgow on 26th April 2024, we, the undersigned, express our solidarity with the people of the Holy Family Parish in Gaza, the Christian community of the Holy Land and people of all faiths and none across the region tormented by war.

In recent months, millions of innocent people have suffered the consequences of violence and war. Families and communities have been devastated. Many have lost hope for a peaceful future. Men, women and children have been robbed of their innate human dignity and their right to survive and thrive. Our cry is “Enough is enough”.

  • We stand shoulder to shoulder with our brothers and sisters in Christ in Gaza and across the Holy Land. May they feel our solidarity and Jesus’ loving embrace.
  • We stand in solidarity with all the sons and daughters of Abraham, the peoples of Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths in the Holy Land, that all may know deep peace and reconciliation in their lifetimes.
  • We stand in support of agencies and individuals who are serving those suffering at their time of greatest need. May they be rewarded for their courage and compassion.
  • We stand united with all people of good will who are campaigning for an end to this violence. May we never lose hope and may our resolve not falter.
  • We stand together as disciples of Jesus Christ, who, in the very lands that are lacerated by hostility and violence today, called on his followers to be peacemakers. In the name of God, we call for an end to war, closure of heart and hatred to be replaced with dialogue, reconciliation, and peace.

Today we cry out to all people in positions of power to end this senseless violence. We pray to Almighty God that their hearts may be turned towards compassion, and that they may have the courage and wisdom to pursue the path of justice and peace for all who call the Holy Land home.

Most Rev. Archbishop William Nolan
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Archbishop of Glasgow

Right Rev. Sally Foster-Fulton

Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland

Justice & Peace Scotland Statement on the passage of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) bill – April 24th 2024

Statement on the passing of the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, April 2024

The Safety of Rwanda bill is cruel and immoral. Justice & Peace Scotland firmly oppose its approach. Read our statement in full below and share to encourage others to continue to advocate for more humane approaches to asylum and immigration.

Justice & Peace Scotland are dismayed at the passing of the Safety of Rwanda Bill. This marks a terrible day for the upholding of international law, respect for human rights, and the progression of UK politics. Refugees and all who come to our shores are made in the image and likeness of God and should be treated with the dignity they deserve, not cruelty and inhumanity.

The Rwanda scheme would enable the Government to forcibly expel people seeking asylum - including children, torture survivors, and victims of war – putting them at grave risk of further harm and human rights abuses. People will be removed to a country they have no connection to, despite the ruling of our own country's Supreme Court that it is unsafe for them.

It is a human right to seek asylum and those who come to the decision to leave their homes behind do not make the choice lightly. Human beings seeking asylum or migrating for a better life do so because of problems that other human beings create: they move because of violence, war, torture, oppression, persecution, political instability, poverty, hunger, and ultimately because they have no alternative. The passing of this morally questionable act, that serves to only further traumatise some of the most vulnerable members of society, betrays who we are as a nation that has historically provided refuge to those in need, and undermines long-standing UK values of hospitality, welcome, friendship, and compassion.

The Rwanda scheme evidences a blatant disregard for international law as it violates the UK’s international legal obligations as a state party to the Refugee Convention. Protecting refugees requires cooperation and responsibility sharing from all countries, not just those adjacent to crisis zones, as clearly defined in the Convention and its associated legal instruments. The UK government, instead of continuing to sow seeds of division and hostility, should be pursuing practical measures to address irregular flows of refugees and migrants, based on international cooperation and respect for international human rights law.

In place of this inhumane and cruel policy, we echo calls for a new plan for supporting refugees and an approach to asylum in the UK that is fair, kind, and gets the system working again for everyone. Specifically, we call for hospitable alternatives to the Rwanda plan that will safeguard refugees and their rights such as provision of a humanitarian visa scheme, allowing people to travel easily and access protection quickly; the expansion and better management of country resettlement schemes, such as those implemented for Syrians and Ukrainians; and the opportunity for those in need to apply for asylum before arriving in the UK, all of which would eliminate the need for people to travel here via irregular means.

Continuing Conflicts that Create Refugees - March 2011

Categories: Articles:Asylum & Refugees | Published: 01/04/2011 | Views: 3027
10 actual or potential conflict situations around the world deteriorated in March 2011, according to the latest issue of the International Crisis Group's monthly bulletin CrisisWatch.

Deteriorated Situations: Bahrain, Benin, Bosnia, Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Libya,  Nigeria,  Syria, Yemen

Download the full report: cw92.pdf
http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/CrisisWatch/2011/cw92.ashx

Bahrain: Violence flared mid-month in new security crackdown on ongoing anti-govt protests, despite govt late-Feb, early- March commitments to dialogue, reform. 2 killed, hundreds injured 15 March during clashes with security forces; at least 3 killed 16 March as troops, tanks cleared protesters' camp in Pearl Square in capital Manama. Hundreds of cyber activists arrested late month. King Hamad 15 March declared 3-month state of emergency; 1,500 Saudi, UAE troops, police 14 March entered Bahrain to help maintain order. Iran, opposition denounced moves by Sunni govt against mainly Shia protesters. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) 21 March said Iranian interference would not be tolerated.

Benin: ECOWAS expressed "deep concern" over escalating tensions following 13 March presidential election. Opposition candidate Adrien Houngbedji rejected preliminary results announced 18 March, claiming fraud; 21 March declared himself winner of poll. Police 24 March forcibly dispersed opposition protestors in economic capital Cotonou who were rejecting preliminary results. Constitutional Court 30 March declared incumbent Thomas Boni Yayi winner of election with 53% of vote, despite attempts by opposition groups to prevent announcement of results.

Bosnia: Struggle for control of state and entity govts continued. After over 5 months of failed coalition-building talks, and boycott of Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH) upper house by 2 largest Croat parties HDZ and rival HDZ 1990, parliament finally met 17 March. Amid accusations of illegality of process, 2 largest FBiH parties, predominantly Bosniak Social Democrat (SDP) and Party for Democratic Action (SDA), joined by small Croat parties, elected Croat Party of Right (HSP) leader ?ivko Budimir as FBiH President, and SDP general secretary Nermin Nik?i? PM. Election commission 24 March ruled election of FBiH president, VP illegal.

Burkina: Faso Army unrest, dissatisfaction emerged 23 March as soldiers in capital Ougadougou protested arrest of 5 colleagues; some 12 people injured during 3 hour gun-fire. In separate incident soldiers 28 March blockaded eastern town Fada N'Gourma with tanks, 29 March fired rocket at courthouse. Head of armed forces 30 March imposed nationwide curfew; President Compaore same day offered to meet army officers to discuss grievances.

Côte d'Ivoire: Month saw slide into civil war as fighting intensified in Abidjan between forces loyal to incumbent President Gbagbo and those allied to president-elect Alassane Ouattara; also reports of sexual violence, summary executions, individuals burnt alive and heavy fighting across country. Gbagbo spokesman 29 March called for immediate ceasefire after pro-Ouattara rebels made rapid gains same day in east and west; rebels 30 March seized official capital Yamoussoukro, major cocoa port San Pedro. Gbagbo army chief defected same day. Pro-Ouattara rebels 31 March reached Abidjan, attacked Gbagbo's presidential residence, seized state-owned television station. Heavy fighting also spread to at least 5 Abidjan districts over month. Gbagbo forces 3 March gunned down 7 women protesters, 17 March shelled market area in Abobo district, killing 25 civilians.

Libya: Clashes between rebel movement and security forces escalated into civil war, prompting international military action. Early month counter-offensive by pro-Qaddafi forces reversed previous rebel gains; govt forces 10-14 March recaptured several key towns, including Ras Lanuf, Zawiya, Brega. Qaddafi's son Saif al-Islam 10 March pledged to crush rebellion. Following 12 March call for intervention by Arab League, UNSC 17 March approved no-fly zone, authorised use of "all necessary measures" to protect civilians, whilst prohibiting foreign occupation. International coalition led by UK, U.S., France 19 March began missile, air strikes against military installations, aircraft; also targeted govt forces attacking Benghazi and other rebel-held towns.

Nigeria: Preparations for April general elections continued amid rise in politically-motivated communal and sectarian violence threatening peaceful and credible poll. At least 7 feared dead after 28 March clashes between rival supporters of ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party (LP) in Nembe, Bayelsa state. Authorities said more than 12 killed, 50 injured 22 March in fight between PDP and opposition Action Congress supporters during political rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibon state in South. Dozens injured, at least 5 reportedly killed during 21 March political rally of General Buhari's Congress for Progressive Change in Jos, Plateau state. Boko Haram 13 March killed Maiduguri cleric famous in Borno state for anti-radicalisation sermons, also suspected of killing All Nigerian People's Party youth leader in Maiduguri 26 March. 2 unidentified men killed 20 March in Jos when bomb they were transporting detonated prematurely.

Syria: Fears of further unrest after anti-regime protests spread across country over month, including to Damascus, from southern city Daraa, where at least 55 reported killed by security forces since 18 March. Dozens reported killed in other cities in violent crackdown by security forces; army deployed 27 March after 12 reportedly killed in northwestern port Latakia. In first public address since beginning of unrest, President Assad 30 March blamed foreign conspiracy; remarks seen as inflammatory. Assad 26 March reportedly released political prisoners, including lawyer Diana Jawabra; 31 March ordered study on replacing emergency laws, probe into civilian deaths. Cabinet resigned 29 March in face of protests. UNSG Ban 26 March phoned Assad to urge "maximum restraint", U.S. condemned govt "repression".

Yemen: Over 90 protesters killed as nationwide anti-regime protests continued for seventh week; fears of possible outbreak of civil war, but hopes remain for possible reconciliation and formation of national unity govt. Direct talks between president and opposition over govt transition stalled 27 March, but indirect talks continue. Opposition demanded immediate resignation of President Saleh and ban on govt positions for Saleh and family; Saleh vowed to make no more concessions. Security forces 17 March killed 52 protesters in capital Sanaa; series of defections to protestors by ambassadors, lawmakers, provincial governors, tribal leaders followed. Saleh 20 March fired cabinet, though retained as caretaker in interim. 11 military commanders including senior general Ali Moshen 21 March joined protest, promised to protect demonstrators; pro- and anti-govt tanks deployed in Sanaa.

Unchanged Situations
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Basque Country (Spain), Belarus, Bolivia, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Cyprus, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Guatemala, Guinea, Haiti, India (non-Kashmir), Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel/Occupied Palestinian Territories, Jordan, Kashmir, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuril Islands/Northern Territories (Russia/Japan), Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mauritania, Mexico, Morocco, Myanmar/Burma, Nagorno-Karabakh (Azerbaijan), Nepal, Nicaragua, North Caucasus (Russia), North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan (Northern), Sudan (South), Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ugan da, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Western Sahara, Zimbabwe

Improved Situations: Niger

Conflict Risk Alert for April: Côte d'Ivoire, Libya, Nigeria, Syria, Yemen

Conflict Resolution Opportunity for April: Yemen

CrisisWatch N°92 (01 Apr 2011)

http://www.crisisgroup.org/~/media/Files/CrisisWatch/2011/cw92.ashx 

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Download the 'Prayer For Our Earth' Service booklet here.   

Now that COP26 is over, we hope you will think about using this booklet in schools, groups and parishes to pray for our collective ecological conversion, that we will no longer see ourselves as "consumers" - here to exploit the earth's resources, but as stewards of God's creation with the aim of passing on a healthy planet to the next generation.

 
Last updated: 19 September 2024

Important Resources


Image: Scottish Bishops Statement on Nicaragua
15/02/2023
Scottish Bishops Statement on Nicaragua

The Scottish Bishops' Conference have released a statement urging a 'sincere search for peace' following the recent imprisonment and expulsion of clergy and citizens by the government in Nicaragua.  



Image: Holy Land Coordination Group Statement
19/01/2023
Holy Land Coordination Group Statement

Bishops, including Archbishop Nolan, from across Europe and North America who make up the Holy Land Coordination Group  have released this statement following their recent visit to Jordan to support the Christian population there. image Mazur/cbcew.org.uk.



Image: Justice & Peace Sunday 2023 - video
07/01/2023
Justice & Peace Sunday 2023 - video

Archbishop Nolan, President of Justice & Peace Scotland, delivers his yearly message to be read at all services in Scotland across the weekend of 7th/8th January 2023, the Feast of the Epiphany.  



Image: The Letter - Premiere
12/10/2022
The Letter - Premiere

From 5.30pm on Tuesday 4th October, The Feast of St Francis, The Letter - A Message From Our Earth will be available to watch here.



Image: Archbishop Nolan's message at the close of Challenge Poverty Week
10/10/2022
Archbishop Nolan's message at the close of Challenge Poverty Week

Archbishop Nolan has called for the UK Government to end the delay that is causing so many people so much anxiety and stress, and give an assurance that benefits will go up in line with inflation.