Milton Keynes Friends witness for climate
'During the vigil, each of us, in our own way, was able to reflect on the impacts of our changing climate and to publicly signal the need for action.'
Milton Keynes Friends are planning to hold monthly climate vigils after responding to a request from the Quaker Climate Action Group (QCAG).
In September 2023 the QCAG encouraged Meetings to hold vigils to highlight the need for action on our deteriorating climate. The group reminded Friends that, according to the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, over the next thirty years, 143 million people are likely to be uprooted by rising seas, drought, soaring temperatures and other climate catastrophes. The impacts of these climatic changes will mostly affect those already in poverty.
‘Some weeks later, on 18 November, with our banner “Quakers for Climate Justice” and candles in jars at our feet, we stood silently in an arc, open to passers-by,’ said Friends from the Meeting. ‘At one point, a young man, maybe fourteen-years-old, stopped, and, facing us directly, smiled and with his eyes fixed on our banner, gave us the thumbs up.’
Later, the Quakers shared their thoughts on the vigil. ‘Before the event, we had thought through the meaning of “climate justice”. During the vigil, each of us, in our own way, was able to reflect on the impacts of our changing climate and to publicly signal the need for action. We hope to hold monthly vigils in the city centre and invite other faith communities to join with us.’
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