The worship service this Sunday celebrates the Peoples Climate March that took place in New York City last Saturday. Estimates of the number of participants range from 100,000 to 400,000. Archbishop Desmond Tutu said, “We are on the cusp of a global transition to a new safe energy economy, a transition that unites people in common purpose, advances collective well-being and ensures the survival of our species.” The Archbishop proposed a four-step agenda for the future: (1) Freeze exploration for new fossil fuels, and use exploration budgets for renewal energy solutions, (2) Hold those most responsible for climate damages accountable by making them pay for the damages they caused, (3) Encourage governments to stop accepting funding from the fossil fuel industry, and (4) Divest from fossil fuel companies, and invest in a clean energy future the benefits the world’s majority.” He said that action is “a matter of conscience, a matter of faith, and a matter of our continued existence.” I am glad for Bishop Tutu’s timely words and for this important public witness as we anticipate the Climate Conference which will be held in Paris in 2015.
Peace,
David