Newsletter 154                 July 2023

Dear Friends

As summer began in the UK, parliament has been passing the Illegal Migration Bill back and forth between the Lords and Commons. Unfortunately, this week it passed into law.
As Churches we have been outspoken in our opposition to the Bill, and we’re proud to have advocated for a different way of approaching these issues that is characterised by dignity and justice. We will continue to advocate for a fair and compassionate asylum system alongside those who need it. As Parliament draws to a close for summer recess, minds are turning towards party conferences in the autumn, and the General Election on the horizon. So we’ve been asking – what would hopeful manifesto commitments look like? You can find out more and catch up on a number of ways you can take action in this month’s newsletter.

Every Blessing

Hannah & all the JPIT staff

Illegal Migration Bill passes into law

This week,
the Illegal Migration Bill passed its final parliamentary hurdles, and will be
passed into law. This marks the end of a long campaign to alter the contents of
the Bill, especially with campaigners, faith leaders and Peers seeking to
secure amendments around child detention and safe and accessible routes by
which people can claim asylum in the UK.

Church
leaders from JPIT’s denominations joined with 280+ other organisations,
charities and groups to stand in solidarity as the Bill passed into law.

Hopeful Manifestos

What would hopeful manifestos look like at the next general election? As political parties
consider their manifestos, we’ve put together some policy proposals for each of
our Six Hopes for Society. We think they start to paint a picture of the steps
we could take towards a hopeful future at the next general election.

What
would you want to see in a General Election manifesto? Our ideas are meant to
inspire you – so why not write to your MP or a political party and share your
ideas? Click here to find out more on our website.

Voter ID: the consequences

In the
local elections this year, Voter ID was introduced for the first time. What
were the consequences? In our latest blog, Hannah explores how Voter ID had an
impact, and who it impacted most.

Challenge Poverty Week
Scotland: 2 – 8 October

England and Wales: 16 – 22 October

Are you
ready for Challenge Poverty Week 2023? Challenge Poverty
week is a great way to speak up and call for change to ensure a more hopeful
future for everyone. In Scotland it’s marked from 2-8 October, and in England and Wales it will be 16-22 October. 

Could you…

• Run an
  event in your church?
• Host a bible study group?
• Speak up on social media?

Head over
the Challenge Poverty Week website to find out all the ways you can get involved.

Why the US should change course on sending
cluster munitions to Ukraine

This month,
the US announced plans to send cluster munitions to Ukraine. The UK has opposed
the move, as a signatory to an international treaty banning the use of these
weapons. Steve explores the impact cluster munitions could have in Ukraine,
including on civilians, in his latest blog.

Take 10 minutes to catch up…

Season of Creation 1 September – 4 October

Not long
now until Season of Creation begins. What are your plans to celebrate creation
throughout September? We’ve got lots of great resources signposted on our
website, including ways you can celebrate Harvest and Season of Creation
together.

Dates for your diary

1 September – 4 October – Creation Time, Creationtide or Season of Creation
– Click here for resources

10  September – Education Sunday (England and Wales) – Click
here for resources

17 September
– Disability Awareness Sunday
– Click
here for resources

16 – 23 September – World Week for Peace in Palestine and Israel – Click here for resources

21 September – UN
International Day of Peace – Click here for
resources

24 September – Peace
Sunday – Click here for resources

Throughout October – Black History Month – Click here for resources

2 – 6 October – Good
Money Week – Click here for resources

2 – 8 October – Challenge
Poverty Week (Scotland) – Click here for
resources

8 October – Homeless Sunday – Click here for
resources

8 – 14 October – Prisons Week (England & Wales) – Click here
for resources

8 – 15 October – Week
of Prayer for World Peace – Click here
for resources

10 October – World
Homeless Day – Click here for resources

16 October – Freedom
Sunday – Click here for resources

16 – 22 October – Challenge Poverty Week (England/Wales) – Click here
for resources

18 October – Anti-Slavery Day – Click here for resources

To publicise an event or project, or to follow
up on any of the issues mentioned here, contact us on enquiries@jpit.uk.

Joint Public Issues Team | Methodist Church
House | 25 Tavistock Place | London | WC1H 9SF