Start Page - 28^th January 2001

  A Call to Vigil in Solidarity on Feb. 12th and 28th
  Update on Vigils Taking Place
  Statement by Susan van der Hijden (Holloway Prison)
  Statement by Fr. Martin Newell (Bedford Prison)
  Contacts - Jubilee Ploughshares/Big Blockade/Ash Wednesday

1) A CALL TO VIGIL IN SOLIDARITY AND OPPOSITION TO TRIDENT

FEB. 12TH. & 28TH

Jubilee ploughshare prisoners - Fr. Martin Newell and Susan van der Hijden
will be fasting on Monday Feb 12th and Ash Wednesday Feb 28th. Their fast will be in solidarity with those folks taking nonviolent resistance action at the Trident Base in Faslane, Scotland (Feb 12th) and those taking action at the Ministry of Defence, London (Feb 28th). Martin and Susan are calling upon people to join in solidarity by publicly vigilling on Feb 12th & 28th against nuclear weapons at government and military sites or in public places.

2) VIGILS ARE TAKING PLACE IN THE FOLLOWING LOCALES

Monday Feb 12th

Molesworth Base - contact Jean Steinhardt

Liverpool- contact Maria 0151-924 1265

London - contact Maria 01727-844039

Bedford- contact David 01234-352273

Durham/Newcastle - Contact Fr. Chris 0191-373 9054 Feb 28th

Hamburg (British Consul) - contact that Hamburg Catholic Worker

Oxford - contact Clive 01865-456135

Molesworth Base - contact Jean Steinhardt

Liverpool - Maria 0151-924 1265

Bedford - contact David 01234-352273

Durham/Newcastle - Contact Fr. Chris 0191-373 9054 Please Contact us if you can organise a vigil and we will include it in the next update.

3) STATEMENT BY SUSAN VAN DER HIJDEN (HOLLOWAY PRISON)

"Blessed are Those Who Hunger and Thirst for Justice For They Will be Satisfied" Mathew 5.6

Although imprisoned for justice sake after starting the disarmament of the Trident Nuclear Weapons Convoy, our struggle has not ended. On February 12th. hundreds of people will gather to blockade the Trident nuclear submarine base at Faslane, Scotland. On Ash Wednesday a group of Catholic pacifists will be undertaking nonviolent resistance for the 19th consecutive year at the Ministry of Defence, London.

In solidarity with them and with the thousands of people that die every day of starvation - because we choose to protect our wealth with nuclear weapons - Fr. Martin Newell and I will spend the day of the Big Blockade and Ash Wednesday praying and fasting in our prison cells. My fasting is a sign of repentance for our nuclear sins against God and His people, asking for mercy and the fulfilment of His promise to "satisfy those who hunger and thirst for jsutice".

Peace of Christ. Susan van der Hijden

EN5880

HMP Holloway

Parkhurst Rd.

London N7

4)STATEMENT OF FR. MARTIN NEWELL (BEDFORD PRISON)

It’s 2001; no more arguments, the New Millenium has definitely started. Things seem to be going on pretty much as usual. But we’re in here, and you’re out there, witnessing to a hope that things can be different.

Hope is not a vague feeling. It is not optimism. The virtue of hope is an active virtue. It is a confidence that when we act out of what is best in us, we are changed and the world is changed.

As I hope our action and persistence brings you the hope and perseverence to do what you are doing on the 12th & 28th, so your actions and witness also encourages us - me and Susan.

Thank you for your active solidarity. True solidarity is so lacking today, and so necessary in our ’global village’. I also want to offer my little bit extra, so I will be fasting on February 12th and 28th, and praying for the success of the Big Blockade at Faslane, Ash Wednesday witness at the Ministry of Defence and the vigils of solidarity elsewhere.

Fasting is another small sign of non-cooperation with this nuclear state and system that protects our privileges, as well as a declaration of spiritual independence from materialism, a declaration of true freedom and dependence on God alone. It is also another small attempt to be in solidarity, with all the crucified people of today, with the Crucified One and the crucified ones, who Christians remember especially in this season of Lent.

Thank you for your support, your thoughts, prayers and actions. We are also with you in yours.

Sincerely

Fr. Martin Newell

EM6780

HMP Bedford

St. Loyes St.

Bedford

MK40 1HG

5) CONTACTS

Jubilee Ploughshares - Phone 07947 569577

Info on Feb 12 Faslane Blockade - Phone 0141 433 2859

Info on Ash Wed Feb 28 action Ministry of Defense London - Phone 0208 871 3436