Christian concern for God’s creation was highlighted at the start of London Climate Action Week (22-28 June) with a series of events in Westminster, focused on the ‘Restore Nature Now’ march in central London.
Representatives of the Westminster Churches Net Zero Forum, including members of St Luke West Kilburn and St Stephen Westbourne Park, began their Saturday with an ecumenical service at Farm Street Jesuit Church, before beginning the family-friendly march from Park Lane with colourful banners and song.
On the route the campaigners passed gold-awarded EcoChurch St James Piccadilly, suitably decorated for the occasion, and a quarter peal rang out at St Martin in the Fields to add to the festivity.
Sammie Singlehurst, one of the ringers and churchwarden of St Peter’s Eaton Square, a silver-awarded EcoChurch said: ‘Christians need to be at the vanguard of climate action – this is God’s world and we must do all we can to care for it.’
In Parliament Square leading environmental campaigners led by Chris Packham addressed the crowds, urging politicians in this General Election period to do more to tackle the crisis in the natural world.
Alison Moulden, Westminster Churches Net Zero Officer was among those in the crowd. ‘Tackling the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss is an urgent calling of God’s people. This is a critical moment, and it is encouraging that churches in Westminster are leading the way.’
On Sunday the action continued as the congregation of St Paul’s Covent Garden, a bronze-awarded EcoChurch, blessed their garden, an oasis for wildlife at the heart of the west End, and handed out seeds and literature to visiting families during the afternoon. Administrator Phil Hunt said: ‘as an inclusive and justice-focused church in the heart of Westminster, nature and climate are key ingredients of our mission. It’s great to be working with other churches in our area to make a difference’.
Martin Carr, area lead for Creation Care in the Two Cities added: ‘We are encouraging all Westminster churches to get involved in EcoChurch and to join the Net Zero Forum so that we can magnify our voice and work together in defence of God’s world’.
Find out more about Eco Church on our website here.