Environmental campaign group Christian Climate Action (CCA) has issued a new call to the Church of England, asking it to “stop crucifying creation”.
A document, sent to CofE members and leaders, urges the UK’s central denomination to “find its courage,” “cease doing harm,” and “return to its roots of prayer” amid the climate crisis.
CCA wants to see the Church end its investments in fossil fuels, and “publicly rebuke and boycott businesses” that cause environmental harm.
They have also encouraged more eco-friendly use of Church land, such as “rewilding”.
Rev Helen Burnett is a CofE vicar campaigning on the issue. She told Premier Christian News why the group chose such an evocative name for the campaign: “If we think of Christ crucified, we see love on the cross, and the resurrection light that comes from that.
“The crisis of our time means that loving our neighbour is being crucified on a daily basis, because of climate change, which will affect the majority of the global south.”
Rev Burnett insisted that the document is “delivered in love,” acknowledging that many believers within the CofE are campaigning to reach net zero across their dioceses.
Through the Church Commissioners, the Church of England is one of the largest landowners in the country, with approximately 105,000 acres.
Last autumn, the Archbishop of Canterbury said: “We’ve set the target of net zero carbon emissions by 2030, with land use playing a central role. Eighty-two thousand acres of the church’s land are used as farmland to produce food, amongst other things.”
CCA’s call for action comes as the Church enters its Creationtide period – a time for prayer and thankfulness for nature, which coincides with the autumn season.
Rev Burnett said she wants to encourage “introverts” and non-activists to get involved in petitioning their church leaders and the government on climate change.
“It’s so easy to feel we lack agency,” she said, “but if the body and structure which many subscribe to through the Church of England leads us in a prophetic way, it’s much easier for other people to feel like they can join in.”