Just Stop Oil
Christians were involved in the recent Just Stop Oil protests around the country recently. Just Stop Oil is asking that the government to immediately halt all new licensing for the exploration, development and production of fossil fuels in the UK.
The need for this is clear. The Co-Chair of the IPCC Working Group on climate impacts said on 28th February 2021 “The scientific evidence is unequivocal: climate change is a threat to human wellbeing and the health of the planet. Any further delay in concerted global action will miss a brief and rapidly closing window to secure a liveable future.”
And the head of the International Energy Agency said, on 18th May 2021: “If governments are serious about the climate crisis, there can be no new investments in oil, gas and coal, from now – from this year.”
But the government is planning 40 new North Sea oil and gas fields.
Rev Mark Coleman, 63 and retired as Vicar of Rochdale in in February 2020, said:
‘Oil is killing us, it’s time to stop our dependence on it. Ordinary people in our parishes are suffering the most from this cost-of-living crisis, while tyrants are making a killing. Literally. Now is the time for the government to signal its change of direction by refusing to develop new oil fields. It’s a real no-brainer, so what are we waiting for?’
Rev’d Canon Jonathan Herbert, member of Hilfield Friary and Chaplain to Gypsies and Travellers in Salisbury Diocese, said:
‘I’m taking part in civil disobedience with Just Stop Oil as part of a long tradition of Christians engaging in non-violent direct action. In Baptism Christians are called to renounce evil; challenging this country’s foolish dependence on fossil fuels is a way of renouncing an evil that is destroying our planet and God’s people.‘
A Communion Service was held while blocking an oil tanker.
Read Rev. Hilary’s blog on what it is like in a police cell.
Next: Climate Change 2022: How to stop climate catastrophe
Previous: Shelling out for Greenwash
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