Summer of Climate Justice Part 2:
1) The Diocese of Westminster has published a commitment to do its utmost to become carbon neutral by 2030 in its parishes and curial buildings. It has also expressed its commitment to working with schools to encourage them to follow the same path.
The Diocesan plan focuses on 4 pillars:
i) Clean Energy Sources – purchasing gas and electricity from green suppliers.
ii) Investment Policy – promoting a path to decarbonisation.
iii) Reducing Carbon Emissions – from energy usage in parishes and diocesan buildings.
iv) Generating Clean Energy.
The announcement, made on 26th July 2021, is accompanied by more detail on the website here:
and a short, six-minute video from Cardinal Vincent encouraging every parish, school and household to play their part:
2) We welcome the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) Relay to Westminster Cathedral on Friday 6th August 2021 for a Climate Prayer Service at 3.30pm.
The service is preceded by lunch and a blessing at Farm Street Church, Mayfair, at 1pm, followed by a walk to Westminster Cathedral as part of the Relay. The route will take us through Berkeley Square, Green Park, St James Park and past Buckingham Place as a witness to climate justice and a call for action to our political and business leaders ahead of the G7 in Glasgow in November. All welcome to join us and show your support. Sign up with Eventbrite to help us know numbers in advance:
Friday 6 August, 1.00-3.30pm: YCCN Climate Relay Lunch at Farm Street and Walk to Westminster Cathedral
Book at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/163375276851
Friday 6 August, 3.30-4.00pm: Ecumenical Climate Prayer Service at Westminster Cathedral Welcoming the YCCN Relay
Book at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/163372454409
3) 200 activists gathered at the Annual Justice & Peace Conference at the Hayes in Swanwick, Derbyshire, for discussion and reflection on the theme ‘Moment of Truth: Action for Life on Earth.’ A strong contingent of around 20 participants took part from the Diocese of Westminster. Read the reports here: https://westminsterjusticeandpeace.org/2021/07/26/njpn-conference-report-taking-action-for-life-on-earth/
4) The Global Catholic Climate Movement has changed its name to: Laudato Si’ Movement
“[The] name now is not a corporate label; it is a prayer… When we name the movement now, every time we name it we’re saying a prayer. Laudato Si’, praise be the Creator.”
– Cardinal Michael Czerny, Under-secretary of the Section for Migrants of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.
Diocese of Westminster Justice and Peace Commission 