It is within the remit of Churches Together in Otley ( previously The Otley Council on Churches) that it should concern itself with issues of Justice. Over the years, it have endeavoured to make its voice heard on a number of issues such as the current wars, helped where it can with international aid through Christian Aid and worked locally to improve the quality of life for people. Over the years, the Lent Lunches have explored issues of Justice.

It is proposed that we start an Ecumenical Justice and Peace Group in Otley.

This group would be open to all and function with the intention of being welcoming to all ages. Initially, it would be a forum where people of all ages could meet to discuss issues of concern and share varying viewpoints with the intention of developing a greater understanding of those issues and be able to put them in perspective through prayer. If action is to be taken, then it will be in the light of that prayer.

Although the term Justice and Peace is associated with the Roman Catholic

Church, it is now usual for new local groups to be Ecumenical and action taken by working with others; Leeds Justice and Peace is working with other Churches and where relevant other Faiths for example the recently formed "Leeds Asylum Seekers’ Support Network".

War and Peace

Armaments

Refugees and immigration

Poverty, locally and in the UK

Concern over people on the margins of society

International Aid and Debt

Climate Change and Ecological issues

Cheap goods and exploitation

And more

The list is daunting and the challenge is that through sharing and learning more about the issues, we, as individuals and as people of God can in the first instance, keep up hope, and then see possible ways of helping in specific situations as the spirit moves.

It is especially hoped that the energy of youth, the experience of age and wisdom of both can blend to advantage as insights are shared.

It is felt that the group should develop contacts with other groups and agencies working in related fields.

As a suggestion, it is proposed that the group meets once a month on a given evening, perhaps early in the week. The inaugural meeting should be held early in September 2009.