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Faith groups join in worldwide climate marches


From New York to London, Mumbai to Sydney - millions of people across 161 countries took to the streets in 2,700 events on Sunday, to call for strong action at next Tuesday's historic climate summit of world leaders in New York. Prime Minister David Cameron is one of the participants. United Nations Chief Ban Ki Moon invited the leaders to help accelerate progress on climate action.

In London, organisers said 40,000 marched to the Houses of Parliament. Faith groups held prayers in Embankment Gardens before setting off. Among the celebrities who headed the London march, were Emma Thompson, Peter Gabriel and Vivienne Westwood. Christian groups taking part included CAFOD, Christian Aid, Columban J&P, Tear Fund, the Quakers and many parish groups including the latest Live Simply Award parish, Petts Wood in Southwark Diocese.

The Anglican Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, gave the first speech. He said: “We are tenants, and we must keep the Earth fit for our children. Climate change is a moral issue.”

Christine Allen from Christian Aid, told ICN: " "It is really energising to see so many people here in such a great atmosphere. It shows the depth of feeling in this country for climate justice that David Cameron will take to the UN summit this week. Christian Aid is right behind the environment and development organisations coming together, for without climate justice there will be no development."

Fr Martin Poulsom, Chair of Live Simply said: "Taking part in a globalisation of solidarity like this is really important for me as Catholic. It combines the political action that is demanded of me as a citizen of the Earth, and a response to the challenge of the Gospel to live a life of solidarity with all my fellow creatures."

Columban J&P education worker James Trewby commented: "I think marches like this are important both because of the issues that we care about, and the encouragement it gives to young people, families and those new to campaigning, to speak out and express their views, in a safe space.

Campaigner Stefan King from Ealing, west London, said: "To me this feels like day zero of the new climate revolution. I've been interested in this issue for 20 years but today it feels as though there is a new energy."

In New York, actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo linked arms with Ban Ki-Moon at the head of what is believed to be the largest demonstration ever held in the city. More than 300,000 protesters came from across the country to take part. There were even two 'Climate Trains' that traveled from California to New York, making stops along the way to pick up green riders in Denver, Chicago, Reno, and Omaha. While on board, 'concerned citizens' — which included a group of Buddhist nuns, attended climate seminars and information sessions.

The New York march featured a number of giant movable art installations, such as a 30-foot inflatable life preserver to honor Hurricane Sandy victims; a massive man-made tree adorned with thousands of ribbons; massive banners and a large recreation of Noah's Ark.

Before the march, Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York urged the city's Catholic community to take part. He said: "The world we live in, all of creation, is a gift from God and a great sign of His love for us. It would be wonderful if there were a strong Catholic presence at the march, to indicate our prayerful support of God’s creation."

 See further reports on the New York march here: www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/21/peoples-climate-march_n_5857902.html

 See ICN's Facebook page for more pictures of the London demo.

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