Young climate campaigners bring message to London on way to COP26

YCCN relay walkers at Buckingham Palace .. Image: ICN/JS

Around 100 Young Christian Climate Network relay walkers arrived in London last Wednesday on their way from Cornwall to Glasgow for COP26. They were welcomed by faith communities - and accompanied on their trek - as they stopped for ecumenical services and actions across the capital.

Their first service of prayer for climate justice was held at the Silver Eco Church St Paul's Clapham, and included a talk from a local YCCN member; followed by a meal and celebration in the churchyard.

Next morning they walked to Lambeth Palace where they stopped for refreshments and a tour of the gardens. From there they went on to St Pauls Cathedral, where they were welcomed by Archbishop John Sentamu and took part in a vigil and photo call with Christian Aid.

On Friday they gathered in Arrupe Hall in Farm Street Church for lunch and then prayers and a blessing from parish priest Fr Dominican Robinson in the church, before they set off through the parks for a picture op with CAFOD partners outside Buckingham Palace.

From here they walked to Westminster Cathedral where they were welcomed and joined by more supporters, for an Ecumenical service in the Lady Chapel. Among the congregation, were Pax Christi members who had been holding a Hiroshima Day vigil in the Piazza earlier in the day.

That evening the YCCN walkers went to St Andrew's Church Short Street London SE1 where they from Hannah Eves about YCCN's plans for COP26 and their work on climate justice, and from Canon Giles Goddard.

On Saturday morning the group attended Morning Prayer in Wesley's Chapel and Leysian Mission in City Road followed by tea and cakes - Watch the service here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1J5sqrtTK

On Sunday morning the walkers attended a climate-themed service at St Martin-in-the-Fields, in Trafalgar Square. Lunch was a picnic at St James' Church Piccadilly.

The new week begins on Monday with 9am prayers at All Hallows by the Tower Church, Byward Street. All are welcome to joined the walkers as they pray for a good outcome to the talks in Glasgow, and for urgent action to combat climate change and safeguard the earth.

St James, Muswell Hill will be the last stop in London for the YCCN team before they set off for Oxford. All are welcome to join them for a climate themed service at 6pm with Wave Church. Wave Church is an inclusive space where people with and without learning disabilities can worship together. It will be inclusive informal and creative. Expect singing with Makaton signing and Bible teaching using pictures and games.

Hundreds of young people are joining the YCCN relay walk to Glasgow - either for a single leg or for a few days. If you'd like to get involved or follow them as they continue their trek to Glasgow for COP26, visit their website here: www.yccn.uk