Newsletter 127 April 2021
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Dear Friends
Spring has approached this year with as much unpredictability as lockdowns and new Covid-19 measures! In the midst of everything going on, I hope you are beginning to see signs of new life breaking through around you.
There have been a great deal of emerging public issues, social justice-focussed conversations and causes for action over the last few months. We are grateful for those of you who continue to prompt us, and get in touch to let us know how you are engaging with the issues on your heart. I hope that today’s newsletter encourages you to continue to engage with wider conversation and prayer around some of these issues.
Every Blessing
Hannah & the JPIT team
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The New Plan for Immigration
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The Government’s recently published New Plan for Immigration gives details about a long-promised overhaul of the asylum system. The proposals are described as aiming to increase the fairness of the asylum system and deter illegal entry into the UK. However, many of the measures risk creating more injustices in the system which will increase the trauma and pain experienced by asylum seekers attempting to reach safety in the UK.
As a Church which seeks to offer sanctuary, witness to God’s love and stand for justice, we must speak up for human dignity and flourishing. We’re engaging with the proposals, and encouraging you to do the same.
What can you do?
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Read our response to the ideas proposed, exploring why they put asylum seekers at risk and how we, as Christians, might respond.
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We’re encouraging as many people as possible to respond to the Government’s consultation on these proposals.
We’ve provided some guidance on how to do so.
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UK Government announces increase in warhead numbers
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In March, the UK government announced its intention to increase the number of nuclear warheads in the UK’s stockpile. Many of our Church Leaders spoke out collectively to say that this policy ‘takes us in a worrying and wholly wrong direction.’
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After a short Easter break, Politics in the Pulpit? is back next week with guest Selina Stone, a lecturer in Political Theology at St Mellitus College.
Politics in the Pulpit? is JPIT’s new lectionary-based preaching resource. Every week, host Beth Allison-Glenny chats to a different guest, discussing the political dimensions present in the Scriptures and reflecting on how they connect with the week’s current news and our role in the Kingdom of God.
We release a podcast version and a video version so you can catch up however you prefer.
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There’s still time to apply to vote in the elections taking place across the UK on 6 May. The deadline is 11:59pm on Monday 19 April. If you’ve moved house or changed your name, make sure you’re registered. You can do so here.
There are lots of issues at play in these elections. We’ve put together resources for Scotland, Wales and England, unpacking some of the key issues.
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Pray with us
Gracious God,
In an economic system which has winners and losers,
give to our leaders the grace to work together for good:
especially the good of the poorest and most marginalised,
the hungry and the homeless,
the vulnerable and oppressed,
the hurting and the exploited.
We pray for encouragement for those who are worried for the future,
and for compassion amongst those who can transform the present.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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EU Settled Status: Deadline Approaching
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The Home Office has recently shared more detail on what ‘reasonable grounds’ will apply for those who are unable to apply for EU Settled Status before the deadline on 30 June.
We have produced guidance for church leaders supporting applications to the scheme here.
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If you need help with an applications, Settled offer free support for applicants to the scheme. Find them here.
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We’ve just closed applications for our JPIT Internship 2021-2022.
However, spaces on the JPIT – House of Commons Internships will be opening in the next few weeks!
Make sure to keep an eye out here.
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Climate Justice For All - Launch
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CJ4A is a youth-led campaign which invites the global Methodist family to take climate action and declare ‘we believe in climate justice for all’ together in the run-up to the UN’s COP26 later this year. The campaign is asking Methodist communities to do three things as we approach COP26: listen, call and commit.
CJ4A is releasing monthly short films and worship resources which help tell the stories of Methodist communities all over the world who are taking action for the planet.
Check out this month’s short film and worship resources and find out more about CJ4A.
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Edwards Rogers Scholarship
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Wesley House Cambridge is currently taking applications for the new Edward Rogers Scholarship, a three-year residential PhD scholarship in Christian Social Ethics.
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Events you might be interested in
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Trussell Trust Big Church Leaders' Breakfasts
The Trussell Trust is inviting all church leaders to join a free an online event.
Across the UK, food banks offer vital support to people in crisis. Churches are at the heart of that work. Whether your church is already involved, or you just want to know more about the vision of th Trussell Trust, this event is for you!
You’ll hear from Emma Revie, Chief Executive of the Trussell Trust, about our work to build a hunger-free future. There’ll be time for prayer and reflection, networking, a live Q&A and input from church leaders and food bank teams.
Register now to secure your free place.
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National Justice and Peace Networking Day
8 May 2021 11-3pm, Online
The National Justice and Peace network will be holding a networking day. Join them on Zoom for discussion, seminars and networking.
Find out more here.
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Life on the Breadline End of Project Conference
24-25th June 2021, 10am to 4.15pm UK-time, Online
The Life on the Breadline team are hosting a conference to mark the culmination of three years of research into Christian responses to UK poverty in the context of austerity. Join them for presentations with Q&A and interactive workshops.
Find out more and book a space here.
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