Justice and Peace Group

The Parish of The Sacred Heart Waterlooville has an active and committed Justice and Peace Group which aims to promote the Christian message of Justice and Peace to all.

We work to raise awareness of issues of social injustice both at home in the U.K. and abroad.

The Group also encourages parishioners to become aware of environmental issues such as recycling and protection of the world's resources.

Here are just some of the activities and campaigns of whom we are currently raising awareness:

Livesimply

The livesimply project is based on a radical idea: that God calls us to live simply. We are asked to look hard at our lifestyles, and to choose to live simply, sustainably and in solidarity with the poor. It's not just about money. It's a challenge to reflect, celebrate and take action in order to work for justice, and to be happier in ourselves as a result. It's about seeking what we need rather than grasping for more, sharing not hoarding. "You are not making a gift of what is yours to the poor, but you are giving them back what is theirs...The earth belongs to everyone, not to the rich."(St Ambrose). The idea for livesimply comes from a prophetic document, written by Pope Paul V1 in 1967 - "On the Development of Peoples" (Populorum Progressio). It explains what the Church was saying about the growing poverty and injustice in the developing world. www.livesimply.org.uk

Pax Christi

The work of Pax Christi - the peace of Christ - is based on the gospel and inspired by faith. Its vision is of a world where people can live in peace, without fear of violence in any form. The three core values which Pax Christi members place at the centre of their lives are Peace, Reconciliation and Non-violence. Pax Christi is rooted in Catholic Christianity but is open to all who share its values and work. Founded in 1945 in France to pray for reconciliation between the peoples of France and Germany, Today Pax Christi is an international movement of Christians active in more than 50 countries and works to - Support teachers, chaplains and youth workers in promoting a culture of peace in schools and amongst young people - Offer solidarity to groups working non-violently for peace in Israel/Palestine and raise awareness here of the daily reality of life in the region and helpful responses - Promote an understanding of security based on human need and not weapons. Pax Christi campaigns against the arms trade and nuclear weapons. www.paxchristi.org.uk.

One World Week

In 1978, One World Week (OWW) was founded by the World Development Movement out of a desire that, for one week in every year, the churches should draw the attention to their communities to the fact that the world consists of one human race which shares one planet in which all may enjoy the fulness of life. The main priority of OWW is raising awareness and taking action, rather than raising money. OWW brings together local people to act on global issues. It aims to - Build a movement of globally aware and active citizens - Make an impact on decision makers locally, nationally and internationally. There are events all year round but the main focus is still one week in October - the week including 24 October (United Nations Day). www.oneworldweek.org.

Traidcraft

Since 1978 traidcraft has been dedicated to fighting poverty through trade. They are both a trading company, buying from small, disadvantaged producers in the developing world, and a charity, helping poor producers to engage in trade, and campaigning against injustice. There are many ways to get involved - buying Traidcraft fair trade products - selling Traidcraft products to others - using Traidcraft products at your workplace, school, church or local group - get your school or youth organisation involved - make a donation - join in Traidcraft campaigns - invite a Traidcraft speaker to your events - become a speaker yourself - take aprt in a sponsored event - leave a legacy.www.traidcraft.co.uk

Jubilee Debt Campaign

Jubilee Debt Campaign is the UK coalition of national organisations and local groups working to alleviate extreme poverty through the cancellation of unjust and unpayable poor country debt. 2008 is a milestone year for the debt campaign, marking ten years since the 70,000 strong human chain circled the G8 in Birmingham in 1998. There are still huge unpayable and unjust debts destroying people's lives. Although the debt campaign has achieved much, there is more to be done. The momentum must be kept up as we enter the next stage of our journey to justice. www.jubileedebtcampaign.org.uk

Get Fair: The UK poverty campaign

It's become clear that we won't secure further progress in tackling UK poverty without significantly higher levels of public and political support. Get Fair has emerged from discussions between a number of national agencies over the past two and a half years, and it aims to generate that support. Get Fair will mobilise public opinion and ensure that UK poverty is an important issue for politicians in the run-up to the next general election. Over 45 organisations have already signed up, including Oxfam, Shelter, Save the Children, Help the Aged and the Refugee Council, as well as many faith groups. We need your help and support as we move towards the public launch of the campaign in September 2008.www.getfair.org.uk

World Development Movement

Trade has the potential to lift millions out of poverty. The current rules of trade are biased in favour of big business at the expense of the world's poor. WDM is calling on the EU to adopt trade policies that put people before profits. the European Union is currently negotiating trade deals with half the countries around the world - countries where more than 920 million people live in poverty. But history shows that these kinds of trade deals make companies richer without benefiting the poor. For example, in Mexico, a trade deal led to two million people leaving their land as the price for maize collapsed - whist corporate companies reaped the profits. WDM is calling for these trade agreements to be stopped and is campaigning for Europe to adopt a trade agenda that puts people before profits. It is possible to trade in away that benefits the poor.www.wdm.org.uk

Other groups that the parish Justice and Peace Group would like to promote are:

CAFOD  www.cafod.org.uk                  Christian Aid  www.christianaid.org.uk

Oxfam  www.oxfam.org.uk                    Climate Change www.campaigncc.org

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