16 March 2018
Churches lobby EU leaders ahead of Copenhagen Climate Change Conference
Church leaders have called on European politicians to make firmcommitments on climate change policy at the EU summit meeting inStrasbourg, which starts today (October 29).
The Methodist Church, the Baptist Union of Great Britain and theUnited Reformed Church have urged the European Union to agree cutsof at least 40% below 1990 levels by 2020 and for these cuts to bemade within the EU without extensive use of carbon offsets.
The Conference of European Churches (CEC) sent a letter to MEPsthis week stressing the need to reduce dependence on theconsumption of fossil-based energy.
Martyn Atkins, General Secretary of the Methodist Church inBritain, said: "Europe must not be afraid to lead on climatechange. This challenge will not be solved by nations sitting backand waiting for others to act first. Developed nations havebenefited most from cheap fossil fuels and we must now lead ondeveloping low carbon futures for all. Caring for God's planetearth is today a crucial expression of Christiandiscipleship."
The three churches have produced a report and study guide calledHope in God's Future. The booklet, available from MethodistPublishing, takes the reader on a journey using the changing moodof a worship service as a framework for considering climate changeand people's effect on the planet.
The Revd John Marsh, Moderator of the General Assembly of theUnited Reformed Church, said: "Climate change is not only an urgentenvironmental issue, but a justice issue - as those leastresponsible for global warming are paying the highest price for ourirresponsible lifestyles in the West. We call on our politicalleaders to demonstrate the moral courage and leadership nowurgently needed to address this gross injustice. We see theconsequences of climate change with increasing frequency, and asFree Church leaders, we express our solidarity with our sufferingbrothers and sisters in countries who have suffered the latestconvulsions of the earth - in the Philippines, Sumatra, Samoa andAmerican Samoa. We offer fervent prayer for their comfort andsustenance amidst the desolation of their grief and loss."
Tens of thousands of people are expected to take to the streets ofLondon on December 5 to show their support for The Wave campaign -a procession to advocate a safe climate future for everyoneorganised by Stop Climate Chaos coalition. Senior representativesfrom the three churches will be present at the ecumenical serviceat Methodist Central Hall which will take place at 11am on themorning of The Wave procession.
Jonathan Edwards, General Secretary of the Baptist Union of GreatBritain, said: "We support the call of the Prime Minister forEurope to take a lead in setting up a substantial fund to helpemerging nations cut carbon emissions. It is time that words wereturned into solid and concrete financial commitments. Unless aproper funding package is put in place, little can be expected fromCopenhagen - and, as so often, it will be the poorest in the worldwho will suffer most."