Climate campaign: Turn your talent and faith into action
Megan Cornwell is CAFOD’s UK News Officer working on the One Climate, One World campaign.
This summer, people of all faiths and none from across the country are knitting, stitching, sewing and speaking up, all for the love of our brothers and sisters overseas who are being driven deeper into poverty because of extreme weather like floods, droughts and typhoons.
Whether you’re a seasoned campaigner or just passionate about your faith and our world, Wednesday 17 June is our opportunity to meet our newly-elected MPs and speak up.
Join us on 17 June and Speak Up to your MP at Westminster
If you can’t make the event, you can still make bunting to show your MP what you love and could lose to climate change. Here, four supporters tell us how they’re turning their talent and faith into action for our One Climate, One World campaign.
The craftivist
Simon Minchinton, 26, London
“I think my generation should be the ones leading the campaign to act on climate change. Without action in this, we will be condemning future generations to much harsher living conditions, either financially or environmentally.
While big changes are needed from a global perspective, everyone can help through everyday, smaller actions, and it is important that people know their little choices can make a difference that could help the world.
I’m making bunting because it’s a symbol of unity in this campaign – likeminded people coming together to create a representation of the things they love and do not want to see lost to climate change. Also, by reusing paper and other items to create the bunting, it’s an example of one of the everyday actions that helps to reduce waste.”
Step-by-step guide to making your own bunting
The campaigner
Jane Lavery from Birmingham diocese, pictured here at the IF rally in 2013
“I’ve always been interested in politics and I feel strongly about the injustices in our world, but now I am retired, I have the time to do something about it.
It’s important to get in front of the people who make the decisions if you want to stop the policies and practices that keep people poor.
I’ll definitely be with CAFOD and The Climate Coalition in London on Wednesday 17 June, whether by myself or with a group. You’ve got to be seen to be counted.
Step-by-step guide to making your own bunting
The missionaries
Sr Alexine, Sisters of St Joseph of Peace, Bushey
I remember visiting places where trees and vegetation were destroyed who lived in Cameroon for seven years as a missionary.
Destruction of creation is closely related to poverty, which affects women and children worst. They suffer when there is a lack of food or water.
As an order we are committed to the care of creation. That’s why I’ll be coming to London on 17 June. It’s important to raise awareness with MPs and it’s imperative we wake up to the destruction of planet earth that we are contributing to individually and collectively. We must think of future generations – what do we leave for them?”
Sr Laurette, Sisters of St Joseph of Peace, Bushey
I made bunting highlighting something very important to me: respect for creation, the interdependence of all life, and a sustainable, peaceful world – all of which are weakened by climate change.
You too can still make a difference even if you are unable to attend the event. You can invite your MP to come along, make bunting with friends, inform others of the day and of course pray for its success. Let us continue to care for our earth!
Reblogged this on CAFOD Westminster's Blog.