Local Lay Minister, Jim Green explains:
“Christian Climate Action Norwich are throwing our energy behind ‘The Big One’. This follows on from the Extinction Rebellion announcement of a move away from actions which disrupt the public. The aim is to get 100,000 people to Parliament on 21-24 April.
“Churches are being invited to not only join in, but to play a key role. Some significant Christian organisations have committed to take part. There will be a prayer vigil held throughout the protest and there will also be public worship with a creation focus.
“We are looking to publicise this at as many churches as we can, as we long to see churches take their place at the forefront of caring for God’s creation.”
Here’s a taster of some of the things that CCA and others are planning:
On Friday 21 April, protestors are gathering at St John’s Church, Waterloo at 11am for worship at noon led together with Christian NGO’s such as Green Christian, Operation Noah, Christian Aid, The Student Christian Movement, Cafod, and Tearfund. This will be followed by a walk of pilgrimage to the protest outside Parliament.
On Saturday 22 April, they are gathering at the protest at Parliament at 11am for worship at noon focused on racial and climate justice, led by Black Majority Churches. There will also be a Catholic Mass at 3pm.
On Sunday 23 April, they are gathering at the protest at Parliament at 11am for worship at noon led by young people whose future is in the balance. There will also be an Anglican Eucharist at 3pm.
On Monday 24 April, they are gathering at the protest at Parliament at 11am for worship at noon led by Christian Climate Action looking to the future.
Each day there will be community and creativity, prayer and song and care for creation.
Rev Dr Fiona Haworth, Associate Priest at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich, said: “In the Judaeo-Christian tradition, time and again scriptures assert that the earth is good. Many of the psalms tell us that the earth is God’s and all that is in it, all created and sustained by God’s care… Yet we have begun to see the earth and all that is in it not as gift, but as a commodity, there to be used at our convenience.”
Jane Cubitt, of St Francis Church, Norwich, said: “I feel unbearably sad about the damage we have done and continue to do to our beautiful, incredibly amazing and priceless home amongst the stars and for every living thing, person, creature, plant that has suffered and is suffering. What are we doing?”
To find out more, or to discuss members of CCA Norfolk coming to your church to talk about ‘The Big One’ contact : ccanorfolk@gmail.com . More details on the CCA website
Link for coach tickets to London (Return ticket is £10 waged and £5 unwaged, or as you can afford.)