COP26: Christian Churches organize “Climate Sunday” before Glasgow conference

By Lisa Zengarini

There are less than three months until the United Nations Climate Conference hosted by the Scottish city of Glasgow from October 31 to November 12.

To prepare for this event, several Christian organizations are increasing awareness and advocacy actions, and urging citizens to take concrete action in the fight against climate change.

One such event is “Climate Sunday”, an initiative launched last year by the Environmental Issues Network (EIN), which operates under the auspices of Churches Together in Great Britain and Ireland (CTBI).

Churches and congregations in the British Isles are urged to hold a Local Climate Sunday any Sunday before the 26the Conference of the Parties (COP26). Christians are called to participate through prayer, reflection and climate initiatives.

Wide base of support

Climate Sunday is part of the liturgical period known as the “Time of Creation”, which runs from September 1 to October 4 of each year.

Over 1,500 churches in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland have joined the Climate Sunday initiative.

CAFOD, the charity agency of the English and Welsh Bishops’ Conference (CBCW), is also supporting the event.

On the way to COP26

The objective is precisely to contribute, with the testimony of Churches and Christian organizations, to the lobbying activities of civil society organizations, so that concrete actions at national and international levels against climate change are agreed at COP26.

Climate action and the engagement of the Churches of Great Britain and Ireland will be presented to the government in London at an ecumenical celebration on Sunday 5 September in Glasgow Cathedral by Churches Together Glasgow. The event will be broadcast live.

Glasgow Conference

COP26 offers “opportunities for activism, learning and putting into practice what we believe in,” says The Right Reverend Susan Brown, Facilitator of the Faith Impact Forum for the Anglican Church of Scotland. “We need to ensure that the voices of those affected by climate change are heard loud and clear. “