24th September 2026
Every Wednesday a group from Christian Climate Action holds a series of vigils outside Shell headquarters, BP, the Houses of Parliament and one other relevant institution such as the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
This week outside Shell a passerby asked why we were praying – which I thought was a good question.
Firstly to witness to the destructive harm that oil companies like Shell are causing to the climate and the environment, and the consequential impact that has on the lives of people here and across the globe. To witness that the Earth with all its beauty and intricacy is God’s creation and is deeply loved by God, and is therefore deeply loved by us.
To witness this message to both passers-by and to those who going into Shell HQ. To draw their attention to the reality of the climate and biodiversity crisis, to draw their attention to the need for urgent action, and to encourage them to be part of that pro-active response.
Part of that proactive response is to transition from both using and producing fossil fuels, so our prayers are also for Shell’s employees – especially those in executive positions – and for those in the financial world investing in Shell and the oil industry, that they would perceive the destructive consequences of their industry, that their hearts would be softened and that they would transition their skills and resources to use them to develop a thriving renewable energy industry.
Secondly to pray for the healing and well being of those affected by climate change and by the ecological and economic disasters that is causing. Each week we include in our prayers current concerns such as the recent glacial tsunami in Nepal, or the various typhoons impacting communities across Asia, or the heatwaves that afflicted Europe, or the droughts in Africa.
Thirdly because it helps us. We can express to God how we feel, sharing our grief, our concern and our hopes. It is better to do something than to do nothing.
Over the years we have been maintaining this vigil we do now get more positive rather than negative responses from passers-by. This may well be the result of this hot dry summer which has brought the impact of the climate crisis so much closer to home.
We get very little interaction from Shell staff – other than for the security personnel who are always friendly. Our presence however does empower us to speak with confidence at Shell’s AGM – two or three of us have asked questions of the Board at each of the last meetings. The Board acknowledges that they are aware of our presence but have yet to respond to our asks.
We will nevertheless continue to witness through prayer to God’s wisdom and grace .
