Join the Dots Together is a multi-faith network that began with a shared concern: how could faith communities in Northern Ireland respond more boldly and practically to the climate crisis? In 2023, sparked by the desire to highlight the Season of Creation—a time in the global Christian calendar dedicated to prayer and action for our common home—a group of faith-based climate advocates came together. Their aim was simple yet urgent: to “join the dots” between faith, climate justice, and the way our economic choices shape the world around us.

Rooted in a context still living with the legacies of conflict and division, the network recognised early on that addressing climate change isn’t only about carbon—it’s about people: local livelihoods, community cohesion, and a shared vision for a just and sustainable future.

One of our core convictions is that climate change begins at our wallets: how we spend, save and invest. In September 2024, as part of our Season of Creation activities, we invited Martin Palmer of FaithInvest to explore how faith groups in Northern Ireland could align their financial resources with their deepest values—caring for creation and promoting fairness. This conversation sparked wider interest in ethical investing and the practical steps communities can take, even on a small scale. During his stay in Northern Ireland, Martin joined other speakers including Rick Battarbee, John Barry and faith representatives to spark dialogue and inspire action at several events. Highlights included the “Peace, Justice, and Care for the Earth” conference; the “Our Voices Matter” youth and politicians forum amplifying young people’s perspectives; the “Land and Lough” discussion connecting agriculture, investment and sustainability; and a multi-faith conference on climate justice and peace. The conclusion was “A Celebration of Difference” at St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast—an event blending faith, music and storytelling to honour diversity and shared commitment to the common good.

Join the Dots Together aims to provide a platform: to raise awareness, share stories of grassroots action and highlight the creative energy already at work in local initiatives—from repair cafés and community gardens to youth-led climate projects and faith-based environmental programmes. We are working for Season of Creation 2025, the theme of which is “Peace with Creation” and the advocacy action is debt cancellation.

Find out more at jointhedotstogether.org

In the spirit of the Economy of Francesco, we believe change grows from dialogue, collaboration, and hope. As Dr Lorna Gold reminded us during London Climate Action Week 2025:

“We need courage, creativity and collaboration. These are the times to lean in.”

By bringing faith, climate justice and economic renewal into one conversation, Join the Dots Together seeks to spark fresh connections—and inspire others to see these as part of one shared calling to build a fairer, greener economy.

Juanita Majury

Juanita Majury from Belfast met the Focolare Movement while a student and was drawn by its spirituality and vision of building a united world. She moved to Dublin and Kildare and worked with several companies before taking on a role in the service of Focolare in Ireland (2002 to 2014). From 2014 to 2021, she was a member of the International Focolare Central Council in Rome. Since returning to Belfast, she worked for Youth Link NI and is now engaged in translation (Italian–English), social media and climate justice initiatives, such as the Join the Dots Together network.