“We belong to a community rooted in social justice, coming out of the Old Testament prophets, like Amos and Isaiah, and then Jesus. Justice for everybody is a keynote of our identity as a people. So, we do it because of who we are, not because we think it is going to succeed or fail… It defines who we are as Christians.”
( ― Lois Wilson, former United Church Moderator )
Friends in Justice,
There is a lot happening in the justice work of the Pacific Mountain Regional Council these days. As we turn the corner into a new month let us celebrate the good work that is happening, remembering that we can always do more together than we can do alone.
Blessings,
Jane
NEWS
INTRODUCING ALEXANDRA BARR
Alexandra Barr (she/her pronouns) has recently joined the PMRC staff team as Administrator and Receptionist. Alexandra and I will be working – and learning! – together to put out this Justice Network Newsletter. I am delighted to have Alexandra on board and look forward to working together.
— Jane
EVENTS
IPAC Floor Map
November 8th – 24th
From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, with the exception of the 12th & 19th, where it will be available from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
In the Hall at Shaughnessy Heights United Church
This 11 x 8 metre map – the cornerstone of the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada – was created by the Royal Canadian Geographic Society in collaboration with The Assembly of First Nations, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, The Métis National Council, and the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. The map is intended to explore the past, present and future of Indigenous Peoples in Canada through the use of Indigenous languages, symbols and datasets. It can be walked on and is accompanied by educational resources and activities. A giant floor map designed to help foster understanding of Indigenous history and perspectives. Please come and explore, spend time with the resources, walk on the map and gain an appreciation for seeing the land in a new way. All are welcome.
Call the office and let them know of your arrival at 604-261-6377. Covid safety protocols are strictly adhered to as part of the agreement with Geographic Canada. Masks and Vaccine Passports will be required.
Workshop on Lobbying Your MP
November 5th, 2021
From 1:00 to 2:00 pm Pacific Time
Online
Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territories live under a military occupation. This means that Palestinian children are subjected to night raids, detentions, interrogation and imprisonment in contravention of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The Canada, Stand Up for Palestinian Children’s Rights Campaign is asking the Canadian government to appoint a special envoy to investigate the treatment of Palestinian children by Israeli military authorities.
This workshop will give you hands on tools about how to lobby your federal Member of Parliament to advocate for this appointment.
Register in advance for this meeting at this link.
The Church in Mission Unit of the United Church of Canada is hosting a national online conference about the many justice ministries happening across the country.
The event will be held from Nov. 3-7, from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm PT (1:00 pm – 8:00 pm EST). To register and for more details click here.
Two workshops on the agenda that may be of particular interest to folks in PMRC:
- COP26 – Climate Action Now — Janet Gray, Tony Snow, & Kerri Munn-Venn. On November 4th, 10:00-10:45 am PT (1:00-1:45 p.m. ET)
- Workshop: Kamloops United Church in Solidarity — Michael Caveney. On November 5th, 1:30-2:30 pm PT (4:30-5:30 pm ET)
REGIONAL FOLLOW-UP CONVERSATION
An online gathering for anyone from PMRC who attended the Love and Justice gathering to share what they learned, and for anyone who was not able to attend to hear from the attendees and find out about other justice initiatives happening around PMRC. All are welcome!
Tuesday, November 16th, from 12:00-1:00 pm PT.
Held online, register at this link.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
VIRTUAL ECUMENICAL DELGATION TO COP26
As noted above, Janet Gray and Tony Snow are among the delegates who will be virtually attending COP26, the UN Conference on Climate Change being held October 31 – November 12, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland. In addition to the opportunity to hear from them at the Love and Justice Gathering, you can also follow the delegation’s activities at COP26 by following #FLCCOP26, #UCCanCOP26 on Facebook and Instagram. Updates and stories and calls to action from the delegation will be posted as they share their virtual experience of this international gathering.
Janet is sending out daily updates via email, with quotes and ‘seeds’ from the day’s meetings and presentations, and can be contacted to be added to this list via email.
Each day from Tuesday, October 12 to Friday, November 26 (with the exception of Sundays) there will be a new reflection on anti-racism, as well as activities suitable for adults and children. These activities can be done alone, as a family, or in groups. It’s not too late to join in!
Click here to find out more.
OPPORTUNITIES IN JUSTICE
Social Justice Advisory Circle – The Justice Ministry is looking for a small group of people who can serve as an informal advising circle for the Minister for Justice position to help shape priorities and planning. The commitment is a two-hour online conversation every month except July and August (sharing the tasks of agenda-setting, facilitation, and note-taking among participants).
(Up)Rising Hope Social Justice Conference Planning Team – One of the landmark events in the social justice work of the Pacific Mountain Region (then BC Conference) was the Rising Hope Conference that took place in Chilliwack in 2015. Let’s begin planning a similar event for 2022. The planning team will work together to help develop an overarching theme for the event, identify possible speakers and venues within the scope of the available budget (the meeting schedule to be determined by members of the planning team).
If you’re interested in becoming a part of either group, contact Jane at her email.
CONTACT US
If you’re interested in the work of the Justice Ministries, we would love to hear from you.Have you come across articles and events in our community that you’d love to share? Please get your suggestions in by Thursday at noon to ensure they make it in the newsletter.
Want to subscribe? Click here, and check off the box labeled ‘JUSTICE NETWORK’.