STEPHEN REGAN on the importance of the UN climate change conference which meets in Copenhagen from December 7 to 18

The conference aims to finalise a new treaty for the global reduction of carbon emissions. Many organisations are creating petitions to world leaders and raising awareness in their local communities, including churches.

From our Diocese, a coach is planned to take people to a demonstration in London on Saturday 5 December. See details near the end of this article.

Nationally the Church of England has taken a leading role. The Council of Bishops stated: “We recognise the gravity of the ecological problems facing our world and the need to deal with them in ways that offer justice, hope and sustainable livelihood to the poor of the Earth.

“We are committed in the spirit of the Christian faith to work with others, especially those of other faiths, for sustainable development – development that: brings justice and decent living standards to the poor and marginalised; uses wisely the resources of the earth; and safeguards the richness of God’s good Earth for future generations.“

An unprecedented new alliance of non governmental organisations, trade unions, faith groups and individuals (called  TckTckTck, to signify the clock ticking away while the environment is degraded) is calling for an ambitious, fair and binding climate agreement at the Copenhagen conference.  

The group aggregates data from a wide number of sources to present to world leaders as evidence of the huge amount of support they will have in making the right deal.  For more information visit www.tcktcktck.org 

In the Diocese of Chester we ask you to pray in the weeks leading up to the Conference: “Father God, Ruler of Heaven and Earth, bless all whom you have called to be leaders of the nations at this critical time in our history.

“Inspire them to put aside every other consideration but the necessity to act wisely in the world’s long-term interests. In serving their countries may they also be serving your purposes for this world we live in together. Amen.”

Janice Mason, our Diocesan Director of Social Responsibility, said: "There is a duty on leaders, and on all people, to care for God’s creation and to push for action on justice and peace to safeguard our environment for future generations. The Committee for Social Responsibility is working on a draft environmental statement so that we as a Diocese can play our part alongside others.”

The Revd Sarah Burton, Curate at St Mary’s, Eastham, Wirral, is hoping to arrange a coach to London on Saturday 5 December to join tens of thousands of other people who will all be gathering to demonstrate their concern about climate change ahead of the Copenhagen conference.

Before the demonstration, there will be a service at 11am at Methodist Central Hall, with an address given by the Archbishop of Canterbury. After this, everyone will march together to join the main, family friendly march which will encircle the Houses of Parliament.

The cost of the bus is likely to be £24 and we would need to leave from a central point in our diocese at 5am to arrive in time for the service. The departure point will be dependent on who is interested in joining us.

The London demonstration is being organised by Tearfund, Christian Aid, Cafod and other organisations. They say: ‘We are working with expert organizers, including the police, to ensure that it is a successful, safe and fun day. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible there praying and speaking out for climate justice.”

Participants are asked to wear something blue on the day.

If YOU are interested in taking part, or would like to find out more, please phone Sarah Burton on 01244 659874 or 0151 327 7836 or email sarahburton7@googlemail.com