Christians urge government to face climate change crisis

Christians of all denominations will be among the thousands expected to march in London on Saturday 4 November on the eve of critical international climate change talks in Nairobi. They will join the march leading to the I Count rally at 1pm in Trafalgar Square organized by the Stop Climate Chaos coalition, which includes a wide range of environment, development and faith organizations. The gathering point for Christians who care about climate justice will be a service at 11.15am Grosvenor Chapel, 24 Audley Street, London. The service is organized by Operation Noah which was set up by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and Christian Ecology Link. The Anglican Bishop of Liverpool, the Rt Revd James Jones is encouraging Christians to stand up and be counted. He said: "Climate change is already having an impact in many parts of our world. The people with the power to act are the most protected from feeling its impact: while the most vulnerable often feel powerless to do anything about it. Working with developing countries on trade and aid is undermined if we change the climate and ruin their harvests. Today the Churches, together with Operation Noah, are calling on governments to acknowledge the urgency of the crisis and agree bold measures to limit carbon emissions." Operation Noah is the UK Churches' campaign on climate change. A special prayer will be on www.operationnoah.org for churches throughout Britain and Ireland to use to show their commitment on 5 November. Written by the Revd David Pickering, Moderator of the Operation Noah Executive Committee, it reads: For the Earth's sake, for our children's sake, for God's sake Oceans warming Ice caps melting Calming, caring God Help us act to still the storm For now, for ever Storms destroying Chaos reigning Calming, caring God Help us act to still the storm For now, for ever Planet shaping Hope rising Calming, caring God Help us act to still the storm For now, for ever Source: CTBI