Martin Newell
HMP Wandsworth
PO Box 757
Heathfield Road
London SW18 3HS
PEACE PRIEST IMPRISONED
Catholic Priest Fr. Martin Newell , was today sentenced to 28 days in prison for non-payment of fines arising from numerous nonviolent peace protests against war and war preparations. Appearing at Westminster Magistrates Court this morning (15 March) Fr. Martin told the court that for “for reasons of faith and conscience” he would not pay fines of £565 that had been imposed following protests against the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as the UK’s use of armed drones and Trident nuclear weapons system.
Fr. Newell said,
“Jesus taught us to love not just our neighbours but also our enemies. He showed us by his life and example how to resist evil not with violence but with loving, persistent, firm, active non-violence. It was this revolutionary patience on behalf of the poor and oppressed that, humanly speaking, led to him being arrested, tried, tortured and executed by the powers that be. The acts of witness that resulted in the fines I have refused to pay were a form of conscientious objection. Refusing to pay them is a continuation of that objection. It is a privilege to be able to follow on the path that led Jesus to the way of the cross and resurrection.”
Fr. Newell is a member of the Passionist Order. He currently works with homeless refugees at the London Catholic Worker, and is planning to move soon to start a new project in Birmingham. He was born in Walthamstow, London, and is 46.
See websites:
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Letters/cards and messages of support can be sent:
Martin Newell
HMP Wandsworth
PO Box 757
Heathfield Road
London SW18 3HS
Comments
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Martin's prison number: A5201CJ
16.03.2014 13:19
Write the above number after Martin's name when addressing letters, cards, etc.
dv
Vigils for Fr Martin - 18 & 22 March
18.03.2014 09:02
Fr Martin Newell is currently serving a 28 day prison sentence in HMP Wandsworth for non payment of fines resulting from acts of peaceful protest.
Members of the London Catholic Worker will be holding a vigil outside Wandsworth prison at the following times:
Tuesday 18th March at 1400
Saturday 22nd March at 1300
I do hope you can join us. The emphasis of the vigil will be opposition to Trident nuclear weapons system, since that is what Martin was protesting against when he was arrested on Friday. We will be standing outside the main entrance. The address is:
HMP Wandsworth
17 Heathfield Road,
London SW18 3HS.
The nearest station is Clapham Junction, then take bus 77 or 219 from outside Debenhams. It is also near Earlsfield and Wandsworth Common stations
If you are not able to come to a vigil do please send a message of support to Martin
Martin Newell
A5201CJ
HMP Wandsworth
PO Box 757
Heathfield Road
London SW18 3HS
London Catholic Worker
49 Mattison Road
Harringay
London N4 1BG
tel: 020 8 348 8212
London Catholic Worker website:
posted by dv
e-mail:
londoncatholicworker [at] yahoo.co.uk
Homepage:
http://www.londoncatholicworker.org