The MCW’s two delegates have recently returned from the International Conversations and General Assembly of the World Movement of Christian Workers. These meetings were held in Nantes, France in October 2009 and were attended by
delegates from 43 affiliated movements from every continent around the world.

The success of this world event highlights the fact that despite difficult times in terms of funding and other resources the movement is still vibrant as emonstrated by the enthusiasm and commitment of thousands of leaders and activists throughout the world.

In many ways, the Pope’s recent encyclical ‘Caritas in Veritate’ echoes this reality. His insistence on people before profit and the primacy of the common good in economic affairs is at one with the views of Christian Worker activists. It is just a pity that the document will not be read or understood by many ordinary Catholics because of its complicated and complex language. It is also tragic that the majority of the leaders of the Church do not feel able to assist in the process of interpreting the encyclical to that it can be understood by many more people and acted upon.

Also included in this newsletter is an appreciation of the life of Don Swan, an activist throughout his life, who died earlier this year. Don was a faithful servant of YCW, FSA and MCW and was always an enthusiastic supporter of the Cardijn method. Our sympathy goes to Mary and family. May he rest in peace.

In addition we are advertising our National Day Conference and AGM which we hope many of you will attend. It is being held at HQ in London which may be more convenient for some than our usual venue. It is an important meeting as not only will a report be given on the WMCW’s General Assembly but there will also be a discussion about the future of the MCW in England and Wales in the light of the current economic crisis and the General Election which will be held in the next six months. The
National Executive Committee feel that the time is opportune to invite views about the future direction of the organisation. In line with the experience of similar voluntary organisations the average age of our members is older than we would like and if this trend continues our very future is under threat. We know only too well that the movement has no divine right to exist and rather that let things drift it is felt that we should take stock and consult on the way forward. Let’s hope that we can mirror the
success experienced in Nantes and rebuild an Adult Christian Worker Movement in England and Wales.