Phil Leigh, Diocesan Environmental Officer, is calling on churches across the Diocese to join the Rise to the Moment pilgrimage to Liverpool Cathedral on 8 and 9 October 2021, in the run-up to the UN COP26 climate conference.
It’s a way of seeking climate justice, as people of all faiths and none, walk the relay.
There are five routes starting from churches in Southport, Ormskirk, St Helens, Speke and Wirral, visiting other churches across the Diocese of Liverpool along the way, ending at Liverpool Cathedral for Evensong at 3 pm on Saturday 9 October.
Phil said:
“With climate change, it’s now known to be less a case IF and more a case of WHEN it’s going to happen. To see the Young Christian Climate Network(YCCN) taking action in a call for climate justice is inspiring and totally understandable as climate change is something they are going to have to live within the long term. That’s the way with climate change. It tends to mostly affect those who have contributed the least.
"THE YCCN’s call for climate justice has inspired Eyrliss Jessop into bringing together a group of people to organise these walks. We hope for as many people as possible of all faiths and none to join the relay and lend their support.”
The relay was inspired by the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN). They want to see climate justice agreed upon at the COP26 world leaders' conference in November. The event is being supported by Christian Aid and Together Liverpool’s Network of Kindness project and Faiths4Change.
People taking part can write their hopes and prayers for climate justice on paper to be folded into origami boats to be passed along the relay. They will then be taken to Glasgow to be part of a national display.
You can turn up to join any of the routes for a short time, or complete the full distance. Among the churches so far confirmed to be hubs along the route are: Christchurch Southport, St John’s Ainsdale, St Stephen's Hightown, St Luke’s Crosby, and St Bride's Liverpool.
If your church would like to be involved please email: Eirlys Jessop
Final details of the route are still being confirmed. You can find out more information on the Together Liverpool website.