Catholic groups to broadcast '24 Hours for the Climate' during COP26

A coalition of Catholic organisations will host '24 Hours for the Climate', a global vigil for Catholics and people of faith to pray and advocate for the success of COP26. It will be broadcast live from St Aloysius Church in Glasgow, starting 5 November at 11am GMT until 6 November at 11am GMT.

"We're organising this vigil because we know that vaccine inequity prevents everyone's voice from being heard at COP26," said James Trewby, Justice and Peace Education Worker for the Missionary Society of St Columban in Britain and coalition coordinator. "If we want to care for our common home, we have to listen to and take the lead from the cry of the earth and its most marginalised peoples. This vigil is bringing voices from around the world to Glasgow in prayer and protest."

The vigil will call on COP26 negotiators to agree to end all fossil fuel extraction by 2040, protect and restore ecosystems, and financially support developing countries as they adapt to climate change.

"The impact of the climate crisis on the Global South is a moral failure," said Malka Doshi, Communications Manager for Don Bosco Green Alliance and coalition member. "It's a form of injustice we have foisted upon the countries who have not contributed to the problem to the same degree that developed countries have. And yet they are poised to bear the worst brunt of the escalating crisis. It's our moral responsibility to take every step we can to protect these nations."

The vigil will broadcast prayer experiences themed around ecological spirituality as well as stories from communities impacted by climate change. Testimony and prayer intentions will come from communities around the world, including in the Philippines, Myanmar, Mexico, Chile, Tanzania, Ghana, the United States, and Scotland. Participants will also have several opportunities to share how climate change is impacting their life and their community. These stories will then be delivered to COP26 negotiators.

"COP26 gathers in Glasgow with the need to deliver on the promises made in Paris six years ago," said Daniel Sweeny, Social Justice Coordinator for Justice and Peace Scotland (advisors to the Scottish Bishops' Conference of the Catholic Church) and coalition member. "Communities across Scotland will be heard around the world, and more importantly we'll have the chance to hear from and join in prayer with those who aren't able to be with us in person. Both online and the pilgrim groups travelling to Glasgow are our most welcome guests; Tha Alba a 'cur fàilte air an t-saoghal!"

'24 Hours for the Climate' coalition members include Justice and Peace Scotland, the Missionary Society of St Columban, CAFOD, Don Bosco Green Alliance, Faithful Companions of Jesus, Laudato Si' Movement, and the London Jesuit Centre.

Link with full schedule at:

www.24hoursfortheclimate.org/