While many Christians are rightly committed to charitable work, fewer engage with wider social issues and the importance of the Catholic Social Teaching that underpins the Church’s response to injustice

In her first speech as Prime Minister, Theresa May talked about the importance of social justice. She talked about the “precious, precious bond” that exists between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It is a bond between all citizens – whoever they are and wherever they are from.

According to the Prime Minister, this means “fighting against the burning injustice that if you are born poor, you will die on average nine years earlier than others. If you’re black, you’re treated more harshly by the criminal justice system than if you are white. If you’re a white, working-class boy, you’re less likely than anyone else in Britain to go to university. If you’re at a state school, you’re less likely to reach the top professions than if you were educated privately. If you are a woman, you will earn less than a man. If you suffer from mental health problems, there’s not enough help to hand; and, if you’re young, you’ll find it harder than ever before to own your own home.”

The National Justice and Peace Network (NJPN) was very timely, then, in holding its annual conference just a couple of days after May spoke when it considered the challenge of how people can be empowered to take responsibility and participate in the decisions that shape our lives.