18 October 2021
Methodist churches in London, Manchester and Glasgow unfurled banners this weekend as part of global action from faith communities calling for climate justice and care for the vulnerable ahead of COP26, the UN Conference on climate change in Glasgow next month.
Pictured above are members of the congregation and church leaders from Methodist Central Hall, Westminster. Visitors to London will also see the church’s call to pray for COP26 on the outside of the building, which was the venue for the inaugural meeting of the United Nations Assembly in 1946. Find out more about this interesting link between the church and the UN here.
The Revd Tony Miles, Superintendent Minister said, “We wanted to make a public declaration to assure people we are praying for COP26 and to inspire others to do same. We are urging the world leaders gathering in Glasgow next month to ‘make COP count’ and, as a Church and Conference Centre, we are endeavouring to make a difference locally too.”
Eliana Achila a 13 year old member of Methodist Central Hall Westminster said, “Climate change is real and it is the poorest and most vulnerable on our planet that bear the greatest cost.” Watch other young people share their hopes for COP26 here.
Methodist Central Hall, Westminster
The Methodist hub for COP26 in Glasgow will be Woodlands Methodist Church which also unveiled a banner this weekend on behalf of all Methodists in Scotland. Find out more about the rich programme of events and exhibitions that the church is organising for COP26 here.
Woodlands Methodist Church, Glasgow
Methodist Central Hall, Manchester also unveiled a banner on Sunday. The Revd Ian Rutherford said, “We were proud to unfurl our banner at Methodist Central Hall, Manchester along with many other faith buildings across the UK as part of the #FaithfortheClimate initiative on Green Faith Day.
“Our banner design brings the bold message that we wanted to convey to Greater Manchester and to world leaders gathering for COP26 that we must all work together, like bees in a hive, to care for our common home and that we need to make COP 26 count.”
Methodist Central Hall, Manchester