Joint Public Issues Team

Churches working for peace and justice

Justice Weekly

Home » Justice Weekly

Justice Weekly: 8 October 2026

Responding to current affairs

Three years on: Continued suffering in the Holy Land

The Hamas-led attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023 killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 people being taken hostage. Three years on, Israelis continue to grieve, while Palestinians in Gaza continue to suffer death, injury, displacement and destruction. Despite the ceasefire announced in October 2025, military activity and casualties have continued.

Pray:

  • For Israelis and Palestinians who are grieving and living in fear
  • For peace and peacemaking in the Holy Land

Stanlow oil refinery pollution

An oil refinery at Stanlow in Cheshire exceeded permitted levels for chemical releases hundreds of times in 2023 and 2024. The Environment Agency found 58 breaches of the operator’s environmental permit and is investigating. Pollutants have entered local waterways and the wider Mersey Estuary, an environmentally important area.

Pray:

  • That corporations would care responsibly for our environment and seek to repair damage caused
  • That polluters would be held accountable.

Conservative Party promises 

In her closing speech at the party conference in Birmingham, the Conservative leader outlined her priorities should she become Prime Minister. These include tax cuts and increased defence spending, funded through reductions in public spending, particularly on social security.

Pray:

  • That our politicians are attentive to all in society, particularly the poorest and most marginalised.
  • That UK politics would be characterised by listening, kindness and truthfulness.

Racism

A recently published report from the Community Security Trust highlights ongoing concerns about antisemitism in the UK. Alongside other data on race hate incidents, it provides a reminder that prejudice and discrimination continue to affect many communities.

Pray:

  • For an end to discrimination, racism, antisemitism and Islamophobia
  • For peacemaking and building strong diverse communities to be at the core of UK politics.

Supported housing residents to keep more of what they earn

New Government rules will help people in supported housing and temporary accommodation retain more of their earnings when they move into work or increase their hours.

Praise God:

  • For a policy change which may restore dignity for vulnerable people
  • For the gifts and graces of people living in supported housing and temporary accommodation.

In Parliament this week

The House of Commons and House of Lords remain in conference recess until 12 October.

Prayer

God, our shepherd and source of peace,
guide all your people in truth.

We give thanks for the gifts and graces
of people seeking to contribute to society
without a home of their own.
May they know purpose and dignity.

Where we have sown division,
teach us to repair justice.
When we have harmed your creation,
teach us responsibility and care.

Where we have ignored or neglected others
help us listen, teach us humility
and lead us in right paths.

For your name’s sake.

Amen.