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Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasised the moral dimension of the climate emergency and the obligation of all to help protect the planet.
Earlier this year in a message for Earth Day he said: “We have the instruments. This is the moment to act. We are at the edge. We need to ensure that the environment is cleaner, purer and that it is conserved.
We must care for nature so that nature may care for us."
Climate Petition: "Join the Chorus"
Scotland’s official Catholic Aid Agency - SCIAF - is launching an appeal to parishioners to sign a petition to the Prime Minister ahead of the COP26 climate change conference to be held in Glasgow in November, at which Pope Francis is expected to participate.
SCIAF point out that with climate change already having a devastating impact on the world's poorest communities, time is running out.
Parishioners are asked to write to the PM urging him to do three things:
*Pay to protect the poorest communities - Make sure financial support is given to those impacted by climate change so they can adapt and recover.
*Act now to stop runaway climate change - Make sure world leaders commit to keeping rises in global temperatures below the disastrous 1.5°C threshold.
*Listen to those on the frontline of the climate crisis - Make sure that people worst affected by the crisis are at the heart of the climate talks."
You can sign the petition at https://www.sciaf.org.uk/timeforaction
A compendium of COP resources is available from SCIAF and includes:
(i) where to go for info: websites and hashtags
and
(ii) what parishioners can do immediately and during COP.
Every year during the Season of Creation, Christians on six continents unite to pray, take action, and advocate for our common home. But every year also features a new theme and a new logo for Christians to unite around as they care for God’s creation. This year’s theme is “A home for all? Renewing the Oikos of God,” and the logo reflects that theme as it’s Abraham’s tent, which symbolizes “a home for all.”
Find out more at Season of Creation