As a member of the Liberal Democrat policy working group looking at issues related to crime in the community, I would be interested to hear the views of others on related issues such as restorative and community justice, the rights of victims and programmes aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour. Our challenge is to keep our liberal instincts intact yet still be shown to take cime seriously. Examples of good practise would be of particular interest.
Thank you.
Saturday, June 10, 2006
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Fighting Poverty at home and abroad
Liberal Democrat Christian Forum commits to challenging poverty in England The Liberal Democrat Christian Forum (LDCF) have today welcomed the launch of the Church of England based urban regeneration charity as part of a new public campaign to tackle poverty in England, in the aftermath of a new churches’ report on urban life which said that Britain is divided society.‘Challenging Poverty’ is an initiative of the Church Urban Fund (CUF), which was established after the original 1985 ‘Faith in the City’ report. It will raise awareness of the plight of the 11.4 million people living below the poverty line in this country and encourage action in local communities. The extent of inequality and deprivations has been highlighted by the latest churches’ investigation ‘Faithful Cities’, published last month, which involved Methodists, Catholics and other faith communities in a two-year Anglican-led research process.The ‘Challenging Poverty’ campaign will enable CUF to continue its work with the top 10 per cent of the poorest communities in England, after intense discussions about its future. On behalf of LDCF, Rev’d Simon Wilson comments,
“We welcome this new dynamic and broad-based campaign aimed at supporting some of the poorest communities in our increasingly divided nation. We pray that through grassroots schemes, individual lives and whole communities will be transformed for good. The Liberal Democrats have a proud record of striving to bring hope to all those oppressed by poverty and powerlessness.”
The main church-based campaign group on inequality and deprivation across the UK is the ecumenical Church Action on Poverty. Fran Beckett, chief executive officer of the Church Urban Fund, said yesterday: “We live in the fifth richest country in the world and yet 20 percent of people live below the poverty line with 3.4 million of them being children. It is staggering that this level of poverty still exists in the 21st century and it is a scandal so many people believe impoverishment is invisible, when it is happening right on our doorstep.” The campaign will take place in two stages. The launch yesterday started the process of raising public awareness about poverty and the role of the Church Urban Fund. It aims to garner support from the community and attract a network of supporters. The second stage commences in October 2006 with the launch of fundraising initiatives targeted at individuals and businesses.People can support and find out more about the ‘Challenging Poverty’ campaign by going online at http://www.challengingpoverty.org
“We welcome this new dynamic and broad-based campaign aimed at supporting some of the poorest communities in our increasingly divided nation. We pray that through grassroots schemes, individual lives and whole communities will be transformed for good. The Liberal Democrats have a proud record of striving to bring hope to all those oppressed by poverty and powerlessness.”
The main church-based campaign group on inequality and deprivation across the UK is the ecumenical Church Action on Poverty. Fran Beckett, chief executive officer of the Church Urban Fund, said yesterday: “We live in the fifth richest country in the world and yet 20 percent of people live below the poverty line with 3.4 million of them being children. It is staggering that this level of poverty still exists in the 21st century and it is a scandal so many people believe impoverishment is invisible, when it is happening right on our doorstep.” The campaign will take place in two stages. The launch yesterday started the process of raising public awareness about poverty and the role of the Church Urban Fund. It aims to garner support from the community and attract a network of supporters. The second stage commences in October 2006 with the launch of fundraising initiatives targeted at individuals and businesses.People can support and find out more about the ‘Challenging Poverty’ campaign by going online at http://www.challengingpoverty.org
criminal justice foum
Last week saw the launch of an ecumenical criminal justice forum for Norfolk at a well-attended meeting hosted by the Bishop of Norwich. A group of local judges, magistrates, senior police and probation officers, prison and police chaplains, lawyers and voluntary agencies such as Victim Support and denominational representatives have come together to form a network to engage with criminal justice issues from a Christian perspective and seek ways of reducing crime and anti-social behaviour in the community by tackling their root causes and suggesting imaginative and effective deterrents.
The forum will be chaired by Norfolk Magistrate, Paddy Seligman under the episcopal oversight of the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Rev’d James Langstaff, with Rev Simon Wilson, chaplain to Norfolk Police, acting as convenor. Various working groups will be formed to look at a variety of specific issues with Community Chaplaincy and Restorative Justice having been agreed as early priorities.
Last week’s meeting was an encouraging start to the work of this ecumenical forum. It was heartening to see so many people working in the criminal justice field come together to explore a Christian perspective to their work and committed to engaging with local churches and communities and making a real difference in an area of such topical concern to so many.
The forum will be chaired by Norfolk Magistrate, Paddy Seligman under the episcopal oversight of the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Rev’d James Langstaff, with Rev Simon Wilson, chaplain to Norfolk Police, acting as convenor. Various working groups will be formed to look at a variety of specific issues with Community Chaplaincy and Restorative Justice having been agreed as early priorities.
Last week’s meeting was an encouraging start to the work of this ecumenical forum. It was heartening to see so many people working in the criminal justice field come together to explore a Christian perspective to their work and committed to engaging with local churches and communities and making a real difference in an area of such topical concern to so many.
Wednesday, April 12, 2006
BBC Radio Norfolk
Today was my regular spot as sofa-guest on Radio Norfolk's breakfast programme with Stephen Bumphrey. Stimulating and enjoyable as always, a range of subjects were discussed including "a good death", disability and Doctor Who. I was pleased to also be able to talk about my chaplaincy role and touch upon the comercialisation of Easter.
The Forum, in the centre of the city, currently has an exhibition of images of Christ from around the world which is very interesting and an appropriate reflection for Holy Week as we ask ourselves who Jesus is to us an what his death and resurection means for us today. There is more to Easter than chocolate eggs and bunnies.
The Forum, in the centre of the city, currently has an exhibition of images of Christ from around the world which is very interesting and an appropriate reflection for Holy Week as we ask ourselves who Jesus is to us an what his death and resurection means for us today. There is more to Easter than chocolate eggs and bunnies.
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
Visiting Garboldisham
An interesting trip out today to speak at Thetford and Rockland Deanery Chapter about my book, the ministry of healing and RoadPeace-good discussion with some valuable points raised. There's always something new to hear.
Norwich City 2 Leicester City 1
Saturday proved not to be the most exciting atmosphere for this end of season run out at Carrow Road. Norwich fans turning to irony after a disappointing season. This was fifth home win in a row but the play-offs remain a distant mathematical possibility. We live in hope. There's always next year...
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
Power Report
The publication of the Power Report this week will have passed most people by. This is a shame, as the report is the most detailed examination yet of the reasons why people are becoming less and less interested in politics, to the point where more than one in three did not even bother to vote at last year’s general election.
And what does the independent report say? That the way to re-engage people is by giving them more influence and power - through a voting system that offers them greater choice, giving more powers to local communities to exercise for themselves, and a host of other reforms to increase the accountability and responsiveness of government. Amongst other things, it also calls for reform of the House of Lords, lowering the voting age to 16 and a new concordat between local, national and European political institutions.
As a Liberal Democrat, who has been campaigning for reform of our political structures as a means of revitalising the democratic for decades, the report is a breath of fresh air. I hope people will join us and the report’s authors in pushing the Government to listen to the people.
And what does the independent report say? That the way to re-engage people is by giving them more influence and power - through a voting system that offers them greater choice, giving more powers to local communities to exercise for themselves, and a host of other reforms to increase the accountability and responsiveness of government. Amongst other things, it also calls for reform of the House of Lords, lowering the voting age to 16 and a new concordat between local, national and European political institutions.
As a Liberal Democrat, who has been campaigning for reform of our political structures as a means of revitalising the democratic for decades, the report is a breath of fresh air. I hope people will join us and the report’s authors in pushing the Government to listen to the people.
ASH WEDNESDAY
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent-that time for prayer and penitence; for self-denial and recommitment and for mutual preparation for the marking of Passiontide and Easter. It is not just about giving up the bad but about doing good in our own lives and our communities.
It was a privilege to worship this morning at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Norwich where the traditional ashing ceremony carried an addded poignancy. Each November, RoadPeace in East Anglia holds a serivce of Remembrance and Hope for Road Crash victims and as part of the service people present personalised oak leaves in memory their loved ones. These leaves signifying much love, pain and prayer were burnt (with traditional palm leaves) and the ash used in today's liturgy.
It was a privilege to worship this morning at St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral in Norwich where the traditional ashing ceremony carried an addded poignancy. Each November, RoadPeace in East Anglia holds a serivce of Remembrance and Hope for Road Crash victims and as part of the service people present personalised oak leaves in memory their loved ones. These leaves signifying much love, pain and prayer were burnt (with traditional palm leaves) and the ash used in today's liturgy.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Liberal Democrat Leadership Elections
Tomorrow, the Liberal Democrat Leadership campaign comes to an end. Having known Simon Hughes for nearly 20 years and over that time been impressed by his energy, vision and insight alongside a personal integrity embodying a vibrant faith with compassion and active commitment to the underdog and the impoverished, he is my choice for Leader as the Liberal Democrats enter a time of both challenge and opportunity.
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Simon's blog space
Greetings from Hellesdon. Today is Sunday 26th February 2006. It is 0955 and this is the first post of my blog-a chance to share my musings with the wider world.
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