PRAYERS FOR THE CLIMATE AT ST PAUL’S CATHEDRAL
CHRISTIAN ECOLOGY LINK PRESS RELEASE 1 DECEMBER 2011
for immediate release
contact: R Jarman 07970 907784
ruthj@christian-ecology.org.uk
Prayers for the success of the United Nations Climate Change
negotiations in Durban will be said during choral evensong at St
Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday 3 December starting at 5.00 pm,
following the end of the annual Climate Justice March in Central
London
Canon Michael Hampel, Precentor of St Paul’s Cathedral Chapter
confirmed today (1 Dec) that the prayers would be said at St Paul’s
during the 5pm evensong and said “Reverence for God’s creation is not
only something to sing about in church. It demands proper debate and
action if we are to be good stewards of the riches with which God has
entrusted us.”
Ruth Jarman of Christian Ecology Link said “I am delighted that St
Paul’s has confirmed today that the prayers will be said. It is vital
for our children’s sake that we curb greenhouse gas emissions.” and
added “I can’t think of a better way to end a lively day of protest
than to go to cathedral evensong at St Paul’s.”
Other events during the day include
A Climate Vigil beside the Thames the midnight before (Fri)
A Service at 11.30am at St Mary le Bow organised by CEL
The Climate March 1pm and Rally outside Parliament at 2.30pm
PROGRAMME OF DAY:-
Throughout the day, representatives of the faith communities will be
taking part in a range of events in London to mark the global talks.
Members of the Christian community will end their Climate Justice
March day as they started it – in worshipful prayer.
The night before the march, a Climate Refugee Vigil will be held on
the Thames foreshore near the Millennium Bridge between 11.30 pm on
Friday 2nd December 2011 and 1.00 am on Saturday 3rd December 2011, to
which all faith community members are welcome.
Christian Ecology Link is holding a time of prayer and meditation at
11.30 am on Saturday 3rd December 2011 at St Mary-le-Bow church in
Cheapside, London EC2V 6AU to pray for the success of the United
Nations climate conference in Durban, South Africa, which is happening
during the two weeks either side of that weekend. Revd. Steve Paynter,
member of the Operation Noah board, will lead the service. All are
welcome.
At 12.00 midday on Saturday 3rd December 2011, the faith communities
will leave the church to join the Climate Justice March and Rally
organised by the Campaign against Climate Change. The march will start
from the north end of Blackfriars Bridge at around 1.00 pm. People are
asked to march in support of the tens of thousands mobilising in South
Africa, demanding climate justice at the Durban climate talks.
The London march will culminate at 2.30 pm with a Climate Justice
Rally outside Parliament. Attendees will physically form a photo
opportunity by splitting into two groups to represent the 7 percent
global privileged versus the 50 percent suffering climate injustice,
and demand urgent action to achieve a Zero Carbon Britain by 2030.
Christian Ecology Link members and supporters will continue on to St
Paul’s Cathedral for the commencement of choral evensong at 5.00 pm.
QUOTES:-
Bishop David Atkinson, member of the Board of Operation Noah which is
supporting the St. Mary-le-Bow service, said, “Care for God’s creation
is a crucial dimension of Christian discipleship and a central part of
Christian mission. Responding to the threat of climate change by
reducing our dependence on fossil fuels is a Christian responsibility
and one which we share with all people, especially on behalf of the
poorest parts of the world, future generations and the wellbeing of
all creatures. Our prayers are for all those involved in the United
Nations talks in Durban, that they may be given wisdom and courage to
act with justice for the good of all people and all God’s creation.”
In November the World Council of Churches general secretary, Revd Dr
Olav Fykse Tveit, called the United Nations UNFCCC COP 17 meeting a
“last opportunity for the international community to be responsible in
addressing climate change”, and called on the meeting to “act now for
climate justice.”
For further details on the role of the faith communities in these
events, contact Ruth Jarman, Climate Change campaigner for Christian
Ecology Link by email : ruthj999@gmail.com or by telephone : 01252
849904 or 07970 907784
ENDS ——————————
Next: Day of Durban Solidarity ends in Evening of Song
Previous: Minister told to fight hard for the climate at Durban
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