Newsletter 115 April 2020
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Dear friends,
I hope this finds you all well, particularly at this
challenging time. Life has changed for all of us over the last month. We’ve been particularly encouraged by the support you have offered for those who are particularly vulnerable, by raising your voice to ensure
that everyone is being cared for. We’ve seen some great
progress, but support is still needed for many.
In the midst of a changing world, at JPIT we want to
continue to hold our Six
Hopes for Society before the Church by continuing to work for peace and
justice. One of the ways we are doing this is through our Stay & Pray
initiative, which you can find out more about below.
In this issue we’ve highlighted lots of opportunities to get involved, to ensure that
the safety of all people is enabled during this crisis. We hope that you will continue to join with us in lifting up their
stories and calling for positive change.
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In the midst of the crisis, we know that God’s promise for
restoration still remains. We hope that you are able to remind yourself of this in new and creative ways during this time.
Every Blessing
Hannah
Campaigns and Church Engagement Officer
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We are regularly updating information on our website to
help you support your communities during this time. Find support for
church leaders, information about foodbanks and updates on Universal
Credit.
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JPIT’s four Churches alongside Church Action on Poverty are seeking to understand what groups of people are being affected by the lock-down and social isolation measures put in place to control the spread of COVID-19.
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Please help us by taking our short survey, in order to inform how we might respond to the challenges people are facing.
You can answer this survey as:
– An individual encountering these issues, either personally
or by supporting others
– An organisation working to support people through COVID-19
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Support a Global Ceasefire
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At the beginning of April 2020, JPIT’s four partner Churches
joined the UN Secretary General’s call for a global ceasefire, to support Governments in responding to the common threat of Coronavirus. Some of the most
vulnerable people on the planet live in conflict zones. Whilst the Government
handles the urgent priorities of responding to the effects of the virus at
home, the UK also has an important role in building, strengthening and
sustaining the global partnerships crucial to combatting this crisis.
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Will you join us in asking for refugees to be reunited with their families in the UK?
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Coronavirus is affecting communities around the world. As
the pandemic spreads to the poorest countries in the world, fewer resources and
funds will mean that the safety nets we’ve seen in the UK won’t be possible for
these communities.
That’s why we’re calling on Rishi Sunak, as Chancellor of the exchequer, to lead the way in calling for a debt jubilee.
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As we continue to stay in our houses, it is easy for our
horizons to narrow. Yet, more than ever, it is important that we lift our eyes
beyond our own immediate situations, making sure that as we retreat to our
homes, our prayer life doesn’t retreat inwardly too.
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That’s why at JPIT we want to invite you to join us in
praying for a different justice issue every day. Each day we will be pointing
you towards local, national and global issues to pray for.
You
can follow our prayer prompts on Twitter,
Facebook, or sign-up
to receive them by email.
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Faith in Politics Podcast: Shaping a Post-Pandemic Economy
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There’s a new episode of Faith in Politics! As
the world fights a global pandemic, attention is already turning to what happens
next. Join Cameron and Rosella as they interview Paul Morrison, a
leading expert on poverty in the UK and member of the JPIT team. This month’s
monthly musing asks why should Christians care about macro economics?
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…or find it on iTunes, Spotify and other podcasting
platforms.
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The UK Government, with the Italian Government and UNFCCC
have announced the postponement of COP26 to 2021. Our statement in response
explores why this is the right choice, but requires the UK government to look
afresh at their plans to develop sustainable economies and to make
unprecedented commitments to the achievement of net-zero emissions.
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Opportunities
Our friends at Housing Justice are looking to recruit energetic
trustees to join their established board and help deliver on their ambitious
plans. They are particularly interested in people who have experience in communications or in working with those experiencing homelessness but would
also be interested in hearing from you if you have other skills to offer.
You can find out more about Housing Justice here.
If you are interested please contact Kathy Mohan on 07702 802504 or by e-mail – k.mohan@housingjustice.org.uk.
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The Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on Housing, Church
and Community is working with the Cinnamon Network to look for church-based
projects supporting local people with housing needs and building community. Two
competition winners will receive a £30,000 development grant each, and there
are up to five places available on the Cinnamon Project Incubator. Find out
more here.
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