The Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) has embarked on an ambitious relay across the UK to raise the message of climate justice ahead of COP26.
YCNN will carrying the sail of a unique boat it has constructed, inscribed with the message “Rise to the Moment”.
The relay, supported by Christian Aid and many others, kicked off in Cornwall after the G7 Summit in June and is gradually making its way through Great Britain with the aim of reaching Glasgow, the host city of COP26, in November.
YCCN invites people of all ages to get involved – young, old or in between – to help them campaign for systemic change on a local and global scale.
Reuben Watt, URC Youth Moderator, says: ““As we get closer to the COP26, there has been no better time for us, as Christians, to stand up for the climate and the world that we live in. The work that YCCN are doing to relay from Cornwall to Glasgow has been great and we pray that it will make a positive impact.”
There are numerous ways to support the relay. For example, you could:
· Register to walk one or more of the daily stages
· Arrange a “meet and greet” and offer refreshments
· Offer to accommodate one of the walkers overnight
· Help to get local leaders and media involved
· Plan a “tributary” walk to meet up with the main route
· Provide “on call” support for the walkers
· Show your support by making paper prayer boats (see next article)
The relay is scheduled to pass through the East Midlands Synod area during the week commencing 30 August.
The Revd Geoffrey Clarke, East Midlands Synod Moderator, plans to join the walk on 3 September, while St Andrew’s URC has arranged to offer hospitality to the pilgrims when they reach Chesterfield.
Geoffrey says: “I am delighted to be able to join the walk for part of its route through East Midlands Synod (from Hucknall to Huthwaite) – both as a way of embodying support and encouragement to the walkers and as a means of reflecting on the importance of the challenges posed by climate change and the shared call to consider changes to our lifestyles.”
The East Midlands Synod’s Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation group (JPIC) group is keen to encourage others to show their support and help campaign for climate justice.
To find out how you, your church or synod can get involved in the relay visit the YCCN website.
Along with supporting YCCN, Christian Aid is also campaigning ahead of COP26 and churches to get involved by crafting paper prayer boats.
How to get involved:
- Make your prayer boats using the instructions below or on . Why not invite your local MP to join you?
- Share images of your boats on Facebook or Twitter with the hashtag #prayforCOP26 to join an ‘online fleet’. Tag your MP if they’re on social media.
- Display the boats in your church or school as a focus for prayer.
- If you are supporting the YCCN relay, take your boats along
- Finally, send them on to Christian Aid - we’ll be taking all the boats to COP26
Post your paper boat to Christian Aid, 35-41 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RL.
Paper boat instructions
Published: 2 August 2021
Image: Markus Spiske/Unsplash
