More Than Gold – London 2012
More Than Gold was formally launched at a series of nationwide events in November. This initiative aims to deliver a Games and Paralympics which goes far beyond the sports events we will see in the stadium and elsewhere. A disturbing fact is that, underneath the razzmatazz, such events often see human exploitation, homelessness, unfairly traded goods, adverse effects on the climate and a lack of peace.
More Than Gold aims to address these very issues and working ecumenically aims to deliver a games that all can be justly proud to be part of. You can download pdf files with more information from the right hand column of this page. Have a look and Get Ready to Run!! Or alternatively simply contact cjsr@dioceseofbrentwood.org
100 Days of Peace
In ancient times the Olympic Games were seen as a sacred time. As part of this it was the custom to declare a period of peace both before and after the games to ensure that athletes could travel safely both to and from the events. Working in conjunction with our colleagues in both the Archdiocese of Westminster and Southwark, we are aiming to revive this ancient tradition and declare a Hundred Days of Peace – that is 50 days before the start of the Games and 50 days after the close of the Paralympic Games. This is known as the ‘Hundred Days of Peace’.
Working with our colleagues and friends in education, we have already got this item firmly on the agenda with our schools. Similarly, we are hoping that parishes and local communities will take up the challenge to do what they can to work towards peace in our hearts, homes and communities.
Over the coming months and in the lead up to the games in 2012, we will be providing practical advice as to how you can get involved in working in a tangible and visible way towards a more peaceful and understanding society. In this we hope that not only will London be seen as the City of Peace but also that we can pass this peace on to the next host country, Brazil, for 2016!
How pure is your gold?
CAFOD has continued with its campaign to seek retailers to sign up to the "12 Golden Rules" setting out basic standards for gold mining.
These are aimed at protecting the rights and safety of individuals working in this industry along with protecting and preserving the environment both during and after mining operations.
Over 27 retail chains have signed up to this but still more need to be persuaded.
Add your voice to the Unearth Justice Campaign.
Have you made your promise yet?
Do you want to make the world a better place for everyone? Then start here by making a livesimply promise.
Make a simple change in your life and get others to do the same!
Over 1,700 people have made livesimply promises - from practical pledges to use less energy or recycle more, to spiritual commitments to pray more or spread the livesimply message.
Visit the livesimply website and start to make a difference.
livesimply is supported by many agencies including CAFOD and Pax Christi.
'For I was a stranger and you made me welcome.'
ESOL classes
We are currently working with a number of schools and parishes to provide English classes for speakers of other languages.
For more information call +44 (0) 1277 265290 or e-mail us.
Tools with a Mission
Your unwanted tools are another’s lifeline
Tools with a Mission enables people to earn a living and to support themselves.
In many countries of the world people have few skills, little education and no means of earning a living. A switch from aid dependency to self sufficiency is impossible without help.
TWAM started 23 years ago and has since then given this help by collecting and refurbishing tools and equipment no longer required in the UK and sending them overseas.
Among others, the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, supports TWAM; he says: “Sending good quality tools into Uganda, Nigeria and India provides an opportunity for those receiving them to earn a living and make the first step to change their world. Please join me in supporting Tools with a Mission in this important work.”
Current projects include Faith Orphanage, Zambia, Mechanics for Africa, Zambia, Desliz Primary School, Kenya and Ugandan Society for Disabled Children. These projects are an example of the people TWAM serves with the provision of tool kits to enable them to become self sufficient. From simple carpentry tools to full workshop kits, from hand sewing machines to light industrial machines, all the equipment provided is refurbished to a high standard ready to be used in vocational and training centres to enable people to learn a skill. On completion of their training, the students are presented with a complete tailoring or tradesman’s kit.
For information on how you can donate items please ring 01245223183 or 01245 222793 or you can email us at cjsr@dioceseofbrentwood.org