Newsletter 135 December 2021 |
 Dear Friends
This is the
last JPIT newsletter of 2021. It’s been a big year, with lots of highs and
lows. We’ve seen circumstances arose and new policies introduced which are at odds with our hopes
for society. We’ve not always seen the progress that we need on key issues,
such as the climate crisis. But we have seen people come together in their
thousands to show that they support climate justice, welcoming refugees and a fairer
welfare system. You have been amongst them, and our hope has been strengthened
by seeing you all there.
As 2021 comes to an end, we’re facing the new year with as much clarity as the last. However, we do know that God remains with us in the challenges, and
continues to be our source of hope for justice and peace. We hope that you all
have a peaceful, safe and joyful Christmas.
Every
Blessing Hannah & the JPIT staff |
Nationality and Borders Bill |
Last week,
the Nationality and Borders Bill passed through the House of Commons. We were
grateful that so many of you took the time to #ShowYourHeart by sending us your
selfies on social media.
There’s
still so much in the bill that opposes our hope of a society which
welcomes the stranger. This week, Hannah and Simeon sat down to chat for 10
minutes about the bill, and how we can be working for change whilst it’s in the
House of Lords. |
The last
month has been overshadowed by the death of 27 people crossing the channel to seek
asylum in the UK. Like many others we were devastated. Steve and Dave recorded
their responses in another episode of '10 minutes on...' Click here to listen. |
Last week,
the government reached a conclusion in their review of the call to Lift The Ban
on the right of asylum seekers to work. Unfortunately, they have made no
changes, ignoring the benefits and social consensus about granting asylum
seekers the right to work. We are saddened by this decision, but will continue
to call for change. |
One month on from COP26 ... what happened? |
It’s been
one month since COP26 took place in Glasgow. How successful was it? Whilst there
was some progress at the conference, there’s still much more to be done.
Read Steve’s
blog to find out what happened, and where we go from here. |
Take Action
We still
need to ensure that the hope of limiting global warming to 1.5° is kept alive. Could you send a Christmas card to Boris Johnson, to
tell him that when it comes to climate change, the proof is in the pudding? |
Did you take part in a Climate Sunday?
Join the
webinar on 20 January to find out what’s next after COP26, and the next steps
you could take to keep up your commitments to creation. |
2021 has been a year of up and downs - so what have been our sparks of joy? The JPIT staff have written up some of their favourites from this year. We hope you have some fun reading about our favourite books, podcast, places, headlines and campaigns! |
Is politics inevitable? - Faith in Politics with Gareth McNab |
 |  | In
the December episode, Ryan and Beth talk to Gareth from Christians Against Poverty.
Hear their reflections on why we should care about eradicating poverty, the
reality of life on a low income and why structural change is crucial to seeing
an end to UK poverty.
|
 | | “Christians should be very clear – even from
our own history – that popularity is no justification for harmful policy.”
In his
latest blog, Paul explores 'performative cruelty' in policy creation, and how
it has played a role in immigration and welfare policy.
Click here to read Paul's blog on performative cruelty. |
“But for
millions of families with low incomes, the cost of presents, Christmas food and
heating the house over winter are going to be a significant expense on top of
normal daily living costs”
In the face
of this widespread need, what are the challenges faced by people on low
incomes, how does the system needs to change, and how might we best measure
poverty?
Click here to read Beth's blog on measures of poverty. | |  |
Politics in the Pulpit will return in the New Year! |
Our weekly
podcast Politics in the Pulpit is on a festive break at the moment. We’re
really excited to return in January with our new host, Revd Raj Patta! Raj
current serves as a minister of the Methodist Church, in the United Stockport
Circuit.
Want to get
to know Raj? Listen to the last episode of the season, for 28 November, where outgoing host David Mayne chats with Raj about refugees, Advent, hope and more. |
Public Issues Calendar 2022 |
Don’t
forget that our Public Issues Calendar is now available for 2022. This is a
great tool for church newsletters, notice boards and preaching plans. |
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