On the road to climate justice
People from churches across South Wales walked 125 miles from Swansea to Bristol to campaign for climate justice.
The walk was part of the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) relay to the UN COP26 meeting in Glasgow in November. Taking part was Sam Robinson, engagement worker for Llandaff Diocese. Here he describes how it went.
In line with our goal of being carbon neutral by 2030 our engagement team at Llandaff Diocese partnered with YCCN for the Relay to COP26. This November, world leaders are meeting in Glasgow for important climate negotiations. YCCN believes it is time to make decisions which protect people rather than bank balances, to decide that no country will go into debt tackling climate change. It is a decade-defining opportunity to make a stand. Our team got involved in this Relay because we care about climate justice and creation care. We want to see systematic change on a global and a local scale.
Starting in Swansea, with a prayer breakfast, 40 – 50 people shared their passion for the climate crisis including Bishop Andy John, Christian Aid, Julia Edwards - the Church in Wales Climate Change Champion - and Ayu Khan, a pupil from Crickhowell High School. Twenty started the walking relay, including 15 young people from the Boys Brigade and Girls Assembly and after 12 miles, made it to Margam Abbey.
Twenty-three miles over a couple of days later, we made it to Llanfair Uniting Church in Penrhys and got to see all the work they are doing for their community as we made the most of their community café and spectacular service. This was just the encouragement that the walkers needed after a hard couple of days walking which included the Mynydd William Meyrick range.
On the way to Newport Cathedral, St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School met us with arms metaphorically open. Once fuelled and ready 30 students led the charge for Newport Cathedral. Bishop Cherry, MPs, other politicians, and Josh Evans from YCCN addressed those present before the students of St Teilo’s put on a powerful display about the importance of God’s creation. This was complemented by Malpas Church in Wales Primary School hosting a Q&A about climate change the following morning.
Over the next few days, St Mary’s, Magor and Chepstow, welcomed the walkers, making them feel at home and facilitated beautiful climate orientated services. With the spirit meter full, walkers crossed the bridge to bring the Welsh section to an end in Bristol and to meet the walkers from Exeter. The relay stopped here as Bristol took over before the relay continued up the country towards Glasgow this November.
