Peace and Justice Forum held in King’s Lynn

Churches Together in King’s Lynn convened a day conference on peace and justice, marking the first such event in West Norfolk in several years. The conference, held on January 13, brought together over 45 individuals interested in social justice from a Christian perspective. Joint moderators Rev June Love and Rev Kyla Sørensen were pleased with the turnout, emphasizing the forum’s importance in examining pressing issues affecting local communities. Leaders from 8 different church traditions and representatives from various local charities and groups engaged in discussions and networking activities aimed at addressing social justice concerns in King’s Lynn.

The event featured Rev Steve Tinning, the Baptist Union’s Public Issues Enabler, who is dedicated to promoting justice and compassion through practical theology and community-organizing theory. Tinning inspired participants to consider working collectively to bring about social justice and alleviate poverty in King’s Lynn, shifting the focus from serving the poor to eradicating poverty altogether. The day concluded with a conversation between Rev Steve and Andrew Frere-Smith, a frontline worker for Norfolk Together. The forum left a lasting impression on attendees, with Helen Gilbert from King’s Lynn Foodbank highlighting the informative and thought-provoking discussions on local, national, and international issues of peace and justice.

Given the success and impact of the conference, next year’s forum is scheduled to take place at Gaywood Church Rooms on January 18. Churches Together in King’s Lynn, the Joint Public Issues Team, and Norfolk Together continue to play an essential role in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and action on social justice issues. The forum provided a valuable opportunity for individuals and organizations to deepen their understanding of interconnected social justice issues and to become informed citizens as they make choices about political representation. With the upcoming election year, the need for informed and engaged individuals to advocate for peace and justice in the political arena is more crucial than ever. The success of the forum demonstrates the community’s commitment to addressing social justice issues and working together to create positive change in King’s Lynn and its surrounding areas.