Lord Judd told us that we need to recognise the interdependence of all issues - economic and political; social justice and environmental degradation - all these are involved as root causes of local and international conflicts. We need to be aware of our role in affecting all of these.
First, through our life styles. Do we enquire whether all our purchases are fairly traded, sustainably produced? Do we consume more than we need? Cause more pollution than we have too? Handle relationships with respect for others as well as ourselves?
Second, in our campaigning on single issues, do we recognise how interlinked all of these are? We should seek to work together with others to achieve our goals.
He reminded us, through sharing some of his own campaigning experiences, of the need to respect and work WITH others, respecting them, seeking to enable them to help themselves, standing alongside the oppressed, honouring their courage and resilience.
He could, perhaps, have summarised his talk by saying that means are ends in the making, good results can never flow from evil means. He was calling on us to live rightly. If we think through our attitudes and actions, as members of our local community, of Bridport Peace Group, of the world community, we shall have a positive influence towards peace and justice, locally and internationally.
Audrey Urry