A ten day Christian climate prayer vigil outside the Houses of Parliament has finished.

From 14 -24 February, Christians from across the UK have been occupying the entrance to the Palace of Westminster and on the final day this weekend took their protest to Number 10 Downing Street.

The vigil came soon after the UK Prime Minister issued licences for the right to drill for oil and gas in 24 new areas across the North Sea. This goes against advice from the International Energy Agency (IEA), which outlines that there can be no new fossil fuel projects if the world is to stay within the 1.5°C limit on global warming.

Across the 240 hours, the vigil has been attended by hundreds of Christians, including a number of bishops. A number of MPs have also taken part.

A coalition of Christian organisations were involved in organising the vigil, including CAFOD, Christian Aid, Christian Climate Action, Tearfund, The Salvation Army, The Student Christian Movement, Green Christian, Operation Noah, A Rocha UK and JPIT (Joint Public Issues Team).

Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams said :

“Every day that passes increases the urgency of action on the climate crisis, for the sake of our whole human family.  In Lent, Christians remember that they are part of creation, not lords of creation, and that their life and salvation depends on being willing to turn away from pride, violence and greed in order to receive what God longs to give to all. This vigil calls us to renew that vision and respond to that invitation.”

Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England said :

“Climate change impacts us all, but it impacts the poorest countries the most. Climate justice is racial justice and that’s why we’ve supported the Lent Vigil.”

Kieran Dunne, Church Leader at The King's Church, a Newfrontier's church in Mid-Sussex said:

“I'm so glad I was able to join the prayer vigil outside Parliament. It's such a privilege to stand alongside other Christians to pray together for our Government, Nation and the global climate crisis. So inspirational to meet people from different Christian backgrounds and groups who love God and care about this.”

And Salvation Army Commissioners Jenine and Paul Main added:

“While our global family staggers under the weight of the devastation of climate change, we will continue to fight for justice by deploying our greatest weapon: prayer.”