Climate Sunday

 

Beside the 'Mungo Mural' on the way to Glasgow Cathedral

I was delighted to be part (in a very small way) of today’s Climate Sunday service at Glasgow Cathedral. In about eight weeks Glasgow will be hosting the important COP 26 conference – and this was an opportunity to pray for that and to reflect on it and the issues it will be considering. Climate change is undoubtedly the single biggest issue facing the planet, and it needs critical attention if we are to avoid climate catastrophe. The preacher, Christian Aid CEO Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, gave a powerful message reminding us of the importance of getting our relationship with God right and, having established that basis, also our relationship with the planet and with other human beings.

A number of church leaders, and others, particularly young people, contributed a range of insightful prayers and comments, some in person and others on pre-recorded video. We were reminded that we were in the city of St. Mungo and of his love of nature. I was especially struck by the commitment to these issues expressed by the Lord Provost of Glasgow. His description of Glasgow’s aim to be at the cutting edge of city responses to environmental issues was both encouraging and challenging. This was certainly an important occasion of which to be part.