Catholic groups were among faith organisations who joined last Saturday’s street protest in London to demand action from the government on the cost of living crisis. It was organised by the Trade Union Congress and tens of thousands from around the UK marched through the capital.
Representatives of Westminster Justice and Peace and Caritas Westminster joined Care 4 Calais and Stand up to Racism on the march.
Colette Joyce of Westminster Justice and Peace said: “After many statements of concern it seemed important for us to be there, walking with our Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace banner, putting our feet where our mouths are, so-to-speak.” She added: “It was a visible affirmation, and reassurance to fellow marchers, that we really do share the urgent quest for a different and better post-Covid society.”
She welcomed the presence of many banners welcoming refugees such as “Refugees Welcome Here" and “No to Rwanda Deportations’’. She added said: “Even as the difficulties pile up for British workers in the face of soaring price rises and stagnant wages, we can still show compassion and concern to asylum seekers arriving on our shores. Solidarity is stronger than a politics which seeks division and rejection.”
Julian Filochowski, chair of the Archbishop Romero Trust and a former director of Cafod, said: “It was important to be there.” He told The Tablet: “So many poorer families, our neighbours and fellow-parishioners, are at their wits’ end in this cost-of-living crisis trying to make ends meet.” He said that Catholic social teaching “would surely recognise we are living in the midst of unresponsive ‘institutionalised injustice’ which is creating ever greater inequality and generating suffering and destitution.”
He acknowledged the “wonderful support” churches across the country are giving wonderful support to foodbanks, which are a lifeline to so many living on a knife edge, but added: “It is simply not enough. We need to become serious advocates for justice for the marginalised, just as Pope Francis continually exhorts us, if we would only listen to him.”
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