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Churches urged to lead green revolution
Churches should take the lead in the green energy revolution, since the Government has now abandoned that cause. That’s the call from Christian conservation charity A Rocha UK – who say they are ‘dismayed’ with the July budget.
Chancellor George Osborne’s statement wiped out subsidies for offshore wind farms, blocked low carbon power projects, increased road tax on eco-friendly cars and ended investment schemes in renewable energy. That was in addition to the recently announced sale of shares in the Green Investment Bank.
Reeling from the shock of such decisions, A Rocha UK is encouraging churches to continue to take a lead in promoting alternative energy. ‘Churches and communities can still invest in renewables, disinvest in fossil fuels and persuade their MPs to take a strong line on climate,’ said Conservation Director Andy Lester (pictured).
We lifted the banner in London
Hot off the press! We have compiled an exclusive little gallery of Images from A Rocha UK’s participation in the Climate Coalition lobby at Westminster yesterday (Wednesday 17th June). Photos by Clive Price. Full report to follow…enjoy!
People unite for the planet
Supporters and staff from A Rocha UK will join forces with people from every walk of life to protect the planet. They will descend on Westminster this month for Britain’s biggest ever climate change lobby.
Anglers, bee keepers, snowboarders, surfers, doctors, nuns, priests and farmers will unite for Speak Up For The Love Of on 17th June. They will call on the new Government to act on climate change. Everyone will meet with their constituency MPs face-to-face on the embankment outside Westminster. They will explain why they want Parliament to hold back CO2 emissions and build a cleaner economy.
As a partner in the Climate Coalition, A Rocha UK will have its own stand at the Emmanuel Centre. Churches And Theology Director Dr Ruth Valerio will lead the service at the Emmanuel Centre.
Coaches are being organised from across the country. Those who need transport can email Libby, and check updates for a list of available coaches. If supporters have any other questions about the day, wish to let A Rocha UK know their time of arrival, or would like to help run the display stand, they can email Stephen Drury. Download your ‘lobby guide’ here.
A Rocha UK boosts faith in climate lobby
Faith will be part of the fight against climate change at a major London lobby this month – thanks to A Rocha UK and its partners.
At The Climate Coalition’s ‘Speak Up’ event on 17th June, A Rocha UK is playing a key role in ecumenical services at St Margaret’s Church, Parliament Square, and Emmanuel Centre, Marsham Street. And supporters are being urged to join what could be the single biggest climate lobby in history.
Churches and Theology Director Dr Ruth Valerio and Conservation Director Andy Lester will be part of the team leading worship and prayer – as thousands gather in central London for the mass lobby (pictured is a scene from the previous march). Main speaker at the services will be Bishop of Salisbury Rt Rev Nick Holtam, with contributions from Ruth Valerio, Irish singer-songwriter Andy Flannagan, and staff and partners from other agencies.
Taking place from 12-5.30pm, the ‘Speak Up’ event will be a chance for people to tell the new government they care about the affects of climate change – and that they want to protect all they hold dear. A special guide is available here.
Call to Wolf Fields raiders
Raiders who snatched equipment from A Rocha UK have been invited to help them change a former wasteland into a community garden.
Workers were shocked to find wrenched padlocks and valuable items missing from their Wolf Fields project on St Patrick’s Day (17th March). But instead of condemning those who took more than £1,000 worth of equipment, they’re encouraging the thieves to come forward and help transform the three-acre site in Norwood Green, Southall.
The theft was discovered by Communities Officer Kailean Khongsai (pictured), when he turned up to start his shift there on the Tuesday morning. ‘I went to check the site – and found all the padlocks broken,’ he said. ‘There must have been at least two or three people involved, because some of the items are big and heavy. The intruders also trampled on the allotment, but the damage isn’t major and can be repaired.’