London: Faith groups stand up for God's creation
Source: WCC, CCA
Faith groups around the world marked the start of the Season of Creation, with prayers, vigils and peaceful demonstrations calling for climate justice.
In London yesterday, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rt Rev Dr Rowan Williams, with Bishop Paul Hendricks of Southwark Diocese took part in a march through central London and then sat with Christians and Buddhists in prayer and meditation in Parliament Square.
Clergy and laity from the Church of England, Methodist Church and Roman Catholic Church were among those who took part in the march and vigil, organised by Christian Climate Action alongside Extinction Rebellion.
Rev. Aaron Kennedy from St Mary's, Battersea, told WCC: "Christians ought to be standing up for God's creation and for the welfare of future generations of human beings and other creatures."
Later, more than 160 people were arrested in London and Manchester as they took part in symbolic acts of civil disobedience urging the government to address the climate crisis now.
Among those arrested was Passionist priest Fr Martin Newell. During the opening ceremony Fr Martin said: "It is heartbreaking what we are letting happen to God's creation. I can't quite believe it. Covid-19 has shown us how quickly we can respond to an emergency. we need to do the same with the climate crisis."
The demonstrations are continuing today. Further reports to follow.
LINKS
Christian Climate Action - https://christianclimateaction.org/