Category: Uncategorized

Counting on … day 1.095

8th April 2023

Calling out injustice and being a prophetic voice has long been the vocation of the church. Now the Church is beginning to exercise this role in areas of the climate crisis. Christian Climate Action reports –  “Former Archbishop of York and current Chair of Christian Aid, John Sentamu said: “Climate change is the greatest insidious and brutal indiscriminate force of our time. The people suffering the most have done the least to cause it. That is why continuing to search for new sources of fossil fuels, despite explicit warnings against this from the International Energy Agency, is such an offence against humanity. If we want to limit climate suffering we have to leave fossil fuels in the ground. The Church has a proud history of standing up against injustice and once again we need to see Christians calling on the Government to take decisive actions”” 

https://christianclimateaction.org/2023/04/05/john-sentamu-and-church-leaders-call-on-uk-christians-to-demand-an-end-to-all-new-fossil-fuel-licences/

Counting on .. day 1.094

7th April 2023

Talking about the climate crisis, what worries us and what the solutions might be is important – whether it’s talking with friends and family, with church and social groups, with businesses and providers, with MPs and local councillors. 

From the A22 Network a reports from Germany’s Letzte Generation (LG):  “Elsewhere, LG told mayors that their cities would be disrupted if they didn’t support our demands, creating a national discussion about whether this is justifiable. Our mayor said he didn’t want to be blackmailed, and instead wondered why we couldn’t just ask for his cooperation. So we did, without attacking him in any way, and he agreed.

“This is something we are hearing more and more. It feels like there are many more open doors than expected. We’re not there yet and there’s a lot more work to do, but I want to share with you the feeling that change is indeed possible since there are likely more allies than you think.””

Counting on …day 1.093

6th April 2023

Calls for churches and other institutions, to divest from fossil fuel are  inspired not just by the dangers of the climate crisis, but also by adverse affects on vulnerable people arising from inequalities and a lack of justice and local  accountability. 

“Rt Revd Ernesto Manuel, Anglican Bishop of Nampula in Northern Mozambique, said: ‘Fossil fuel investments increase climate change and impacts on those most vulnerable, and also destabilise communities. We have seen how over 700,000 people in Northern Mozambique have been displaced – many fleeing for their lives in terror from insurgents. Dozens have been beheaded, even children as young as 12. This violence only occurs in the areas where gas prospecting is taking place. Locals are not consulted and nor do they benefit, only suffering the impacts of rising prices, pollution and loss of land. We plead with the international community – take your money out of fossil fuels and invest in renewable energy which is decentralised, benefits local people and does not contribute to climate change.’” https://brightnow.org.uk/news/global-faith-institutions-divest-g7-cop26/

Counting on …. Day 1.092

5th April 2023

Ethical Consumer is investigating the labour rights of those employed in supermarket supply chains. 

“Eight out of nine basic workers’ rights are being routinely violated in UK supermarket supply chains in Spain, our new report reveals. All major UK supermarkets are likely to source large amounts of fruit and vegetables from the Spanish regions of Huelva and Almeria, where workers’ rights abuses are widespread. Workers have been refused legal wages, sexually assaulted and harassed, fired for trying to join unions, made to work in unsafe conditions, had passports confiscated so they can’t leave, and been penalised for taking toilet breaks. Most workers are migrants.

UN special rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier de Schutter, describes working conditions in the region as “horrific” and “inhumane”. He says, “I urge supermarkets to end their complicity in this abuse and address the issue head-on, using this report as their guide.””

If you would like to follow their campaign with a bi-monthly email, here is a sign up link

https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/ethicalcampaigns/agricultural-workers-rights-almeria?utm_source=ECRA+Monthly+Newsletter&utm_campaign=1afc7ec7e4-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2023_03_31_s&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-5ea446b6bc-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D

Counting on … day 1.091

4th April 2023

On Sunday I joined with CCA and York’s local XR group in an action outside the Minster. With banners – “Love and Grief Earth Vigil” and “Creation Cries Out” – and leaflets and placards calling upon the Diocese of York to divest its fossil fuel shares, we gathered outside as the Liturgy of Palms took place (with two donkeys). Then we waited at west end, speaking with passers-by as other services carried on in the Minster, the Catholic Oratory and St Micheal’s in the Belfry. As the main congregation exited the Minster 9 people (and a dog)  lay down on the ground, covered with sheets and each given a label stating the cause of death – highlighting the many ways in which the climate crisis is already impacting on people around the world and will continue to do so at an increasing rate. The atmosphere became somber and reflective and people asked questions and took leaflets as they made sense of the catastrophe we face.

If people have the facts, if people are told the truth, then they can act appropriately. 

Green Tau: issue 67

1st April 2023

The Big One 

The Big One is this years demonstration of people power in support of the well being of our environment. Over the course of the weekend 21st – 24th April, Extinction Rebellion along with many other organisations – such as Christian Aid, Greenpeace , Ecotricty, Ecosia, the Quakers, the RSPB – will be gathering to allow people to share their passion for the wellbeing of the environment and justice, and to call upon the Government to take action to genuinely address the climate crisis.

There will be processions, talks, workshops, music and worship. The Saturday will have particularly festive feel with people in costumes celebrating Earth Day, and on the Sunday space will be made for the passage of the London Marathon. There will be welfare and first aid points and the whole weekend will be coordinated with the police ensuring its legality as a legitimate protest. 

What is The Big One asking?

  • A citizen-led democracy to end the fossil fuel era.
  • A fair society that includes reparation.
  • Existing Demands – XR’s three core demands remain the same: Tell the Truth, Act Now, and Decide Together.
  • And a demand for an immediate end to all new fossil fuel licences – added in 2022 to recognise the need for definable action – also remains. https://extinctionrebellion.uk/the-big-one/

Faith groups will have a particular presence – look out for flags and banners pinpointing who’s where. From the Christian organisations there will be a big ‘No faith in fossil fuels’ service outside St John’s Waterloo at noon on the Friday with an onward procession to Parliament Square. Midday worship led by different groups will take place on the other days in the Faith Zone, plus a Catholic Mass or Eucharist at 3pm and a daily  prayer walk at 5pm starting from the Mahatma Gandhi statue.

Do come along and add your presence to this demonstration of people power. A better world is possible. 

‘We’re not going to disrupt the public, but together from 21st – 24th April, we will show the Government exactly what people power looks like’ – Extinction Rebellion.

Do make use of this prayer booklet in the run up to The Big One – https://christianclimateaction.files.wordpress.com/2023/02/the-big-one-prayer-booklet.pdf

Or join in in spirit for the daily prayer walk if you can’t be there in person –  https://greentau.org/2023/04/01/franciscan-prayer-walk/

And follow this link to the order of service for “No faith in fossil fuels’ worship –  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-XTRVTjaIcuyECKLAVZb7Ahpxn4OpA_mibcD6bO4cuE/edit?usp=sharing

Franciscan Prayer Walk

Franciscan Prayer Walk for The Big One 21st – 24th April 2023, 5pm daily

These prayers mark our concern for God’s creation in light of the climate crisis and climate justice crisis. In 2019 Parliament declared an environment and climate emergency, but words are not enough. Four years on radical action is needed by those in power, for, in the words of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres,“Humanity is on thin ice – and that ice is melting fast. Our world needs climate action on all fronts: everything, everywhere, all at once.”

We will stop to pray as we circumnavigate Parliament Square, calling on those with power for  action. Each prayer will end with the phrase 

Help us to respond to the cry of the earth, to the cry of the poor:

To which please respond: Everything, everywhere, all at once.

Station 1 The Mahatma Gandhi statue 

Holy God, 

we are not just individuals but the peoples of the world.

As Mahatma Gandhi stood up for the rights of the poor in his age, may we stand up for the rights of the poor in our age.

May we be united in tackling the climate crisis which unfairly affects those least responsible.

Help us respond to  the cry of the earth, to  the cry of the poor:

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

Station 2 The Supreme Court of Justice

Holy God,

In your ways we find the wisdom with which to shape our lives.

Inspire all who write and implement legislation that your wisdom may prevail and your will be done on earth as in heaven. 

Help us respond to  the cry of the earth, to  the cry of the poor:

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

Station 3 United Nations Green

Holy God, 

We give thanks for the hope that the United Nations gives us, for the hope that nations will work together for the wellbeing of all. 

Empower all their meetings with energy and the power of possibility.

Help us respond to  the cry of the earth, to  the cry of the poor:

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

Station 4  between The Department of Education and Westminster School, Gt Smith Street

Holy God, 

Life is an ongoing journey of learning. Help us to learn about the intricacies of your world, its interconnectedness and interdependencies, and make us willing to amend our way of life accordingly.

Bless all who teach and all who learn, that all our lives may be enriched.

Help us respond to  the cry of the earth, to  the cry of the poor:

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

Station 5 Church House

Holy God,

Spread across denominations and faiths, you call us all to be your people, your church.

Guide and inspire all in positions of authority in the churches to witness truthfully to your word and to lead by example in caring for your creation.

Help us respond to  the cry of the earth, to  the cry of the poor:

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

Station 6 by Marsham Street and Great Peter Street, The Home Office and other departments 

Holy God,

We live in a world of systems that constrain and shape our daily lives, and which have the capacity to exert power to seek the common good. 

Enrich all in power, those in the Civil Service and those elected, to desire what is good and life enhancing, and to shy away from self interest and self aggrandisement.

Help us respond to  the cry of the earth, to  the cry of the poor:

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

Station 7 Victoria Tower Gardens

Holy God,

We give thanks for green and blue spaces that remind us of the beauty of your creation. 

Inspire us all to tend and care for what you have given to us, knowing that it is our mutual lifeline.

Help us respond to  the cry of the earth, to  the cry of the poor:

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

Station 8 Emmeline Pankhurst statue 

Holy God,

We give thanks for all who have stood up for what is right, from your prophets of the biblical era, to the climate activists of our generation.

Imbue those who fight for justice with courage and patience, inspire them with your Spirit that the world may be transformed through the power of love.

Help us respond to  the cry of the earth, to  the cry of the poor:

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

Station 9 The Houses of Parliament 

Holy God, 

We give thanks for Parliament’s declaration of an environment and climate emergency in 2017 in response to the climate protests made that year. Now we pray that you will soften the hearts and attune the ears of those now in Parliament, to hear the cry of this year’s climate protests. 

While there is yet a small window of opportunity, may they take action now!

Help us respond to  the cry of the earth, to  the cry of the poor:

Everything, everywhere, all at once. 

These prayers conclude with The Grace. 

Counting on … 1.088

1st April 2023

On Thursday the Guardian recorded a quote from Grant Shapps, the energy and net zero secretary, who was justifying the continued production of oil and gas in the North Sea:“Unless you can explain how we can transition [to net zero] without oil and gas, we need oil and gas,” he said . “I am very keen that we fill those cavities with storing carbon. I think there are huge opportunities for us to do that.”

It seems to me that the problem is that the oil companies and the government are going out of their way not to look for ways of transitioning away from fossil fuels. 

For example what about a report from the World Resource Institute, 4 Ways to Shift from Fossil Fuels to Clean Energy? https://www.wri.org/insights/4-ways-shift-fossil-fuels-clean-energy

Or this report,  How to accelerate the green energy transition, from the Chatham House think tank: https://www.chathamhouse.org/2022/03/how-accelerate-green-energy-transition

Listen to https://www.wri.org/podcasts/how-phase-out-fossil-fuels-without-leaving-people-behind

Palm Sunday – 6th Sunday of Lent

2nd April 2023

Reflection on the readings for the Liturgy of the Palms.

Something is up. Something out of the ordinary is going to happen. There has been a level of advance  

planning that’s been done in secret. There’s even a password. 

And the plan is to enact a message that says: the rider of the donkey is your King, your humble King!  The mode of entry tells the onlookers, this is a peaceful act; not an act of aggression.

The Greek word translated as ‘humble’ can also have the meaning of mild, gentle or meek. The same word appears in the  Beatitudes – ‘Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.’ If we look to the original source of the quote, it comes from the prophet Zechariah where the word in Hebrew, ‘a-ni’ has the wider meaning of poor, afflicted or lowly, and is the word used for example in Leviticus 19:10 and Deuteronomy 15:11, to describe those for whom the Israelites must care: the poor and needy. 

The kingship that Jesus espouses is definitely counter cultural. His kingship is about humility, meekness, and solidarity with the poor and needy. Jesus’s attitude to power is to turn it upside down, placing the poor and needy, the meek and humble at the top of the hierarchy. The quote from Zechariah is longer, ‘Rejoice greatly, O daughter Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter Jerusalem! Lo, your king comes to you; triumphant and victorious is he, humble and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’ Despite being humble, this king is also to be seen as triumphant and victorious! 

The crowd also seems to be part of this action. They quickly cut down branches from the trees and spread their coats on the road as an improvised red carpet. They are setting the scene that supports visually their rallying cry: Here comes your King, your humble King! 

By taking up this cry, the people are affirming their allegiance to this King – and they are undertaking to live under his reign, to live according to his rule.

The gospel story has a prequel in which John the Baptist first emerges on the scene, declaring ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.’ This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said,‘The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.”’ (Matthew 3:1-3). 

Prepare the way for the Lord,  says John, and here a few years later we have the Lord riding along that very way into Jerusalem for what will be the culmination of his earthly ministry.  In Luke’s gospel John the Baptist goes on to give specific examples how the people (the crowd) are to prepare the way. They are to share their extra clothes and their extra food with those who lack. They are to collect no more taxes – or rewards – than are their due. They are not to extort money nor to make false accusations against others. They are to be generous sharing up to half of what they have; they  are to be truthful and honest. At this first stage of the mission, coats are to be shared – on Palm Sunday they are to be laid on the road before the Lord!

The gospel is about transforming the world, turning its habits and its conventions upside down. It is about rebalancing power between those who have lots of resources and those who have little. It is about rebalancing power between those whose jobs and positions – tax gatherer and soldiers, for us oil magnates and lobbyists – come loaded with power and influence, and those how do not – small scale tax payers, peasant farmers, women, the poor, the disabled, the foreigner. For when the meek inherit the earth, when the needs of the poor and lowly are met – when creation is treasured and not trashed – then will the Kingdom of God come on earth. 

I see strong parallels between Jesus’s action in entering Jerusalem on a donkey, and actions carried out by climate activists – such as that on Ash Wednesday when coal dust was used to mark the sign of the cross on the foreheads those taking part who then cried out aloud a lament as they held lumps of coal aloft.  These actions are prophetic actions designed to draw the onlookers’ – and the media, and  the gospel writers’ – attention to the message. The world order needs to be turned upside down so that the interests of the poor and the needy take priority – so that the often unvoiced needs of nature take priority,  so that power and authority are put in the hands of the many, the community, and are not kept in the hands of the wealthy few.

The action carried out by Jesus and the crowds is successful. It sets the whole city into a state of turmoil and flux, and the opinion that Jesus is a prophet is voiced loud and clear. Read on in this chapter from Matthew’s gospel and and you will see and hear more Jesus’s challenging good news message. 

Psalm 118 echoes Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem, into the temple. The one who enters these gates has to be righteous. Is Jesus righteous? Yes! The one who becomes the corner stone, will be the one who has been previously rejected. Had Jesus been rejected? Yes – by those with misused power and authority! Has Jesus been marginalised and overlooked by the mainstream protagonists of the world? Yes – it is the humble, the poor and the meek who have recognised his true righteousness. Is Jesus the means of salvation? Yes!  Is Jesus a source of light, of blessing for the world? Yes! 

Let us then echo the crowds, shouting Hosannah! God, save us! Jesus is our blessing!

Matthew 21:1-11

When Jesus and his disciples had come near Jerusalem and had reached Bethphage, at the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go into the village ahead of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her; untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, just say this, `The Lord needs them.’ And he will send them immediately.” This took place to fulfil what had been spoken through the prophet, saying,

“Tell the daughter of Zion,
Look, your king is coming to you,
humble, and mounted on a donkey,
and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.”

The disciples went and did as Jesus had directed them; they brought the donkey and the colt, and put their cloaks on them, and he sat on them. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, and others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and that followed were shouting,

“Hosanna to the Son of David!
Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest heaven!”

When he entered Jerusalem, the whole city was in turmoil, asking, “Who is this?” The crowds were saying, “This is the prophet Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”

Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.

2 Let Israel now proclaim, *
“His mercy endures for ever.”

19 Open for me the gates of righteousness; *
I will enter them;
I will offer thanks to the Lord.

20 “This is the gate of the Lord; *
he who is righteous may enter.”

21 I will give thanks to you, for you answered me *
and have become my salvation.

22 The same stone which the builders rejected *
has become the chief cornerstone.

23 This is the Lord’s doing, *
and it is marvellous in our eyes.

24 On this day the Lord has acted; *
we will rejoice and be glad in it.

25 Hosannah, Lord, hosannah! *
Lord, send us now success.

26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord; *
we bless you from the house of the Lord.

27 God is the Lord; he has shined upon us; *
form a procession with branches up to the horns of the altar.

28 “You are my God, and I will thank you; *
you are my God, and I will exalt you.”

29 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; *
his mercy endures for ever.