CHURCH TAKES PART IN PROTESTS AND WORSHIP

Credits: Lutheran World Federation

The Church of Scotland took part in COP26 activities throughout the fortnight including joining in the day of mass mobilisation on November 6, and hosting an ecumenical service at Glasgow Cathedral with participants from all over the world.

On Sunday November 7, Lord Wallace, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, delivered a sermon at Glasgow Cathedral urging the need to “love our global neighbour”.

“Our faith approach, I believe, is rooted in both our love for God, our Creator and for our neighbours.

“The idea of ‘stewardship’ rather than ‘dominion’ should reflect our faith-based approach, as we strive to ensure that our way of life does not impact negatively, or to the detriment of other creatures which share our planet – and not least our global neighbours.

“And we should also be ready to acknowledge that our faith in the Crucified, Risen and Ascended Jesus also provides hope in dark, difficult, and challenging times, especially for younger people anxious about what kind of a world they might be inheriting.

“Our trust is that God is always with us, even when we walk through the darkest valleys.

“It is not a hope which allows us to sit back and abdicate responsibility, but a hope which encouraged and inspired by the Spirit, leads us to act and make a difference.” That afternoon, the Cathedral hosted the COP26 ecumenical service, organised by Glasgow Churches Together, which was attended by guests from countries including Australia, Fiji, and Zimbabwe in a show of Christian solidarity for global climate justice.

Many of those who took part were from nations which are already bearing the brunt of climate change.

The Moderator also joined faith groups including Christian Aid, Tear Fund, Glasgow Churches Together and Interfaith Scotland in Glasgow for the day of mass mobilisation on Saturday, while across the country many congregations offered local vigils in their areas.