News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Wells - outside.jpg
Christian Climate Action
Wells - outside.jpg
Christian Climate Action
UK News

Christians launch climate protest during Wells Cathedral service

by Sophie Drew

Ten Christian protestors, including members of the clergy, held a protest at Wells Cathedral, urging Bath and Wells and 14 other Church of England dioceses to commit to divest from fossil fuels and invest in clean energy instead.

The Christian Climate Action members - a branch of Extinction Rebellion - took part in a Eucharist service before making their way to the altar during the final hymn, baring banners.

One protestor even went to the pulpit to explain their actions.

The activists are demanding that the Church immediately announces its intention to divest from fossil fuel companies and that they complete divestment by end October 2022 ahead of COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Eygpt.

Dave Mitchell, local coordinator for Bristol, was at the protest. He said: "It never really hit me until about two years ago, that actually we are responsible for this world.

"The systems of the world, the kind of fossil fuel industry, and the general kind of geopolitical world that we live in, is responsible for huge amounts of damage.

"Lay that next to the fact that God created the world as a beautiful place where people and animals and all the natural world could coexist and live in beautiful harmony.

"And what are we doing to the world, we human beings, particularly in the affluent West - the rich, fossil fuel burning countries - we are trashing the place, we're destroying it bit by bit.”

The Diocese of Bath and Wells responded to claims about their fossil fuel investments, saying: "The Diocese of Bath and Wells is committed to ensuring that creation care is central to all our worship, thinking, actions and policies and, in 2020, declared a climate emergency and committed to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2030.

"The diocese has a creation-centric approach to investment and invests in line with guidance laid down by the Church of England's Ethical Investment Advisory Group, which means divesting from fossil fuel companies not aligned with the Paris Agreement by 2023.

"It currently holds no shares in oil or gas companies."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate