JOINT STATEMENT OF RELIGIOUS LEADERS ON THE CLIMATE EMERGENCY
Since September begins the Season of Creation for all three of the world’s top Christian traditions, it was an opportune time to release a joint statement of urgent concern about the climate crisis. This statement, signed by Archbishop Justin Welby, Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew 1, states that, “the great human cost of climate change is not only a future challenge, but an immediate and urgent matter of survival”. This joint statement comes at a time when world leaders are preparing for the next climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland in November—otherwise known as COP26. The tone of the statement adds to the sense of dire warnings from the IPCC’s Report (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) released in August.
These three leaders stressed three positive steps individuals and faith communities can do right now.
People and faith groups can pray for the world leaders That will be meeting in November at COP 26.
People can take meaningful steps to show that they care for the earth and can take responsibility for how resources are used.
People can work together regardless of traditions and differences for the sake of the future of our earthly home.
Let’s hope that people will read, digest and follow the suggestion in this joint statement. The second source will lead one to the full statement (look under recent releases).
EARTH STEWARD ACTION: Read this statement, pass it on to friends and family and make a point to follow all three suggestions.
SOURCES: https://www.episcopalchurch,org/public-affairs//mc-cid=bcb02755c78/mc_eide8ac4clec062