Anglicans and COP26: Leading the Way?

Photo: Archbishop Julio Murray speaking at an ecumenical action at COP25. Elizabeth Perry / Anglican Alliance.https://files.anglicanalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/20172605/COP-photos-1363-1536×879.jpg

After the disappointing postponement of COP26 last year, the eyes of the environmental and creation care movements are on Glasgow and the rescheduled COP26 meeting to be held in November. You can expect a lot of COP news here as this important meeting draws closer – but we have to begin with a commendation for our Anglican sisters and brothers who appear to be on their way to mobilizing their entire worldwide family:

The current decade – 2021 to 2030 – is the most critical the world has ever known for action to be taken to address the triple environmental crises. Without it, life on earth will be impacted and degraded in ways that will make the COVID-19 pandemic look minor in comparison.

The world is hurting. The Anglican Communion is a body, and the body is hurting. People and planet are denied the fullness of life Jesus came to bring (John 10:10). Caring for creation is about loving our neighbour, loving ourselves and loving our God.

And because we are a global body of many parts, the Anglican Communion can play a meaningful and significant role in being part of the solution: inspiring new ways of seeing, advocating for change, encouraging one another to prayer and action.

If you are a part of the Anglican family (whatever part of the world you might be in), we encourage you to reach out to your Vicar or Bishop to ensure that this effort is part of your own local congregation’s priorities this year and into the future. And if you’re not an Anglican? Take this to your own Pastor, Bishop, District Superintendent and say, “Look what the Anglicans are doing! What are we doing?” (If you need help or suggestions for resources for your church leaders, ask us. We can help!)

Some holy competition could be good for the church and the planet!