Pray and Act for God's creation: Dare we fail?              

‘May the Holy Spirit inspire all political leaders at COP26 as they seek to embrace the changes needed to foster a more sustainable society.
Instil in them the courage and gentleness to implement fairer solutions for the poorest and most vulnerable, and commit their nations to the care of Our Common Home.’

---Extract from the COP26 prayer issued by the Bishops' Conference.

That prayer was included in the Climate Liturgy celebrated by Bishop Declan at Clifton Cathedral last Saturday. This timely event reminds us that our prayers are needed to support representatives from 197 countries in their negotiations aimed at keeping temperature rise below dangerous levels and to and to do what can still be done to try to prevent even more dangerous further climate change.  With the UK as President, COP26 takes place in Glasgow from this Sunday, 31 October to Friday, 12 November 2021. 

Bishop Declan's Climate Liturgy was arranged by members of Clifton Justice & Peace Commission, CAFOD Clifton and Laudato Si Animators UK with support from Canon Bosco and the Cathedral staff.  Liam Finn, CAFOD campaign manager, gave a challenging talk and tremendous music was provided by, among others, Eneyi Pemu, of St Nicholas of Tolentino parish. 

After the Liturgy, there was ample time for those present to explore the displays and resources provided by a number of agencies from Christian Climate Action to local livesimply parishes. Displays and conversations Photo: Latha Nair encouraged the addition of practical action to our prayers for climate justice.

Responding to the Liturgy and exhibition, Mary Colwell, a Clifton Cathedral parishioner and noted environmentalist added her plea ‘for us to look at the whole earth as one system and the biodiversity and climate crises as signs of a wounded and abusive relationship with the planet.

…. The earth is not just about our needs, it is far, far greater than that, and we lose sight of our moral duty towards this wondrous planet at our physical and moral peril.’