The 21st century is now a few years old but all the problems that beset the world in the last century are still with us. The "cold war" may long be over, but wars still rage in many parts of the world and there is a profound concern about a whole range of related issues - the continual widening gulf between the rich North and the suffering two-thirds world of the South; Britain's continuing reliance on nuclear weapons; our lack of commitment as part of the G8 nations to overseas aid; the destruction of the environment wrought by modern life-styles and social and economic priorities; the Palestinian-Israeli conflict; and so much more besides.
As a Community we believe that, if we are to be true to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we must say "no" to the arms race and be prepared to give up nuclear weapons unilaterally. We must also work for peace, by prayer, protest, study, non-violent demonstration, education, reconciliation, and political action towards a more just world. This means a redistribution of the world's resources in favour of the poor and hungry.
The working group has a four-fold focus on security, non-violence, the environment, and alternative approaches to economics (the "new economics"). This working group links with the focus of the Community as a whole by reason of the Community's themes: Poverty, Place and Peace.
