Justice group urges Canadian Christians to pray and act for climate justice during UN Conference
For Immediate Release
Ottawa, ON, November 3, 2015 — World leaders are working to forge a new international climate agreement at the UN Climate Conference (COP21) in Paris from November 30 to December 11, 2015. COP21 has the potential to be a real turning point for the fate of creation.
To encourage Canadian Christians to take action at this critical junction, Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) has launched Prayers for Paris, an engaging collection of resources and activities to support faith action on climate change.
CPJ offers three ways for churches and people of faith across Canada to get involved in Prayer for Paris: worship materials, a cross-Canada prayer chain, and a call for climate action.
- CPJ’s worship materials include climate justice sermons, prayers, hymns, and activities. They have been designed for use in worship in the lead-up to COP21, particularly on Sunday, November 29. All are centred on faithfully supporting the flourishing of creation.
- For the prayer chain, Canadians from Victoria, Halifax, Iqaluit and places in between are coming together for a rolling prayer vigil throughout COP21. Participants sign up for a time slot and commit to pray for one hour during the two-week conference.
- With the call for climate action Canadians are adding our voices to the statement issued by interfaith leaders earlier this Fall. In September, 26 signatories released, “On Promoting Climate Justice and Ending Poverty in Canada.” Church leaders going to COP21 will be sure that Canadian negotiators get the message that Canadians want action to address climate change.
Canadians know that, as a country, we need ambitious action to address climate change. The problem of climate change is real. But change is possible. Faith leaders have spoken out. Now is the time for Christians across Canada to join the call and take action.
-30-
For more information contact: Brad Wassink, Communications Coordinator, Citizens for Public Justice, 613-232-0275 x. 225, ac.jpc@darb.
