Tag Archives: COP26

COP26 and beyond: Net Zero and a Just, Green Future

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Eco-Congregation Scotland
2021 Annual Gathering and Annual General Meeting

As Scotland welcomes the world to COP26, hear how you can get involved – and look forward to Net Zero carbon and a Just, Green Future

Eco-Congregation Scotland’s Annual Gathering brings churches and volunteers together from all over Scotland to consider ‘COP26 and beyond’. With the COP26 United Nations climate conference taking place in Glasgow this November, we look at how to get involved in worship, action and advocacy.

We offer a warm welcome to the world, encouraging sign-up to offer booked accommodation for those who have available rooms around Glasgow or en route, with the new COP26 homestay network – developed in partnership by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, the UK civil society COP26 Coalition and Human Hotel.

We also look beyond COP26, to consider community potential towards Net Zero carbon emissions – and the need for a just and green recovery from coronavirus that addresses the climate emergency. The event concludes with the charity’s Annual General Meeting and ‘A Prayer for COP’ from Eco-Chaplain Rev David Coleman.

This year presents a unique opportunity for transformation, helping local churches commit to action tackling the climate crisis, through our volunteers and supporters across the country. Please register today and join the discussion on COP26 and beyond.

COP26 and beyond: Net Zero and a Just, Green Future

Annual Gathering

AGENDA
10.00am   Opening reflection – Rev David Coleman, Eco-Chaplain with Eco-Congregation Scotland
10.05am   Welcome and introductions – Mary Sweetland, Eco-Congregation Scotland chairperson
10.10am   Keynote speaker – Rev James Bhagwan, Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, pre-recorded video shared from Fiji on the impact of climate change on Pacific islands and the faith-inspired response of churches
10.25am   COP26, what is it all about and how can you get involved? – Kat Jones, COP26 Project Manager for Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, on what happens at COP26 and how we can all be part of civil society activities towards and during the climate conference
10.35am   COP26 Briefing and Workshops – Adrian Shaw, Eco-Congregation Scotland and Interfaith Scotland COP26 volunteer, outlines our new monthly update on COP and how to get involved, opening workshop discussion on key themes for church involvement:
* Hospitality and Welcome – COP26 Logistics Coordinators Flick Monk from Friends of the Earth Scotland and Nick Cullen of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, encouraging churches and volunteers to offer accommodation for visitors, activists and pilgrims
* Worship and Prayer – Eco-Chaplain Rev David Coleman, offering support and ideas for Climate Sunday services, Creation Time and spiritual life, engaging with churches throughout Scotland
* Practical Action – Judith Macleod, Eco-Congregation Scotland Programme Coordinator, sharing ideas for conversations, training and activities to tackle the climate crisis through local action and transformation
* Campaigns and Advocacy – Christian Aid Scotland Campaigns and Advocacy Coordinator Fiona Buchanan, offering opportunities for churches and volunteers to speak up for climate justice, campaigning in partnership here and globally
Speakers will open each workshop in a large group on one of four themes for 10 minutes of presentation and possible time for questions, before we all break into small groups to discuss:
1.   How we hope to get involved on our chosen theme in this year of COP26
2.   What further information or resources we would like to support this
All participants will be asked to complete a short online form during or after the meeting for more detailed feedback from individuals and small groups.
(A Word document can be downloaded and printed off or emailed back if preferred.)
11.00am   Break
11.10am   Plenary Workshop Feedback – short verbal feedback on each theme.
11.25am   Beyond COP26 – Net Zero and a Just, Green Future
We consider community potential for a Net Zero carbon future with Dave Pearson, Director of Star Renewable Energy. We also hear from Jane Herbstritt, Global Justice Now Scottish campaigner, about the need to support a Just and Green Recovery from coronavirus that tackles inequality and addresses the climate emergency. Guest speakers followed by Question and Answer session.
12.00pm   Closing Devotional – led by Rev David Coleman, Eco-Chaplain
12.05pm   Break
12.15pm   Annual General Meeting
All are welcome to attend the AGM, although only a Full Member (or a proxy) representing an individual church with Membership of the charity has voting rights.

Annual General Meeting

AGENDA
1.  Welcome – Mary Sweetland, Eco-Congregation Scotland chairperson
2.  Apologies for absence
3.  Approval of Minutes from 2020 AGM
4.  Chairperson’s Report on the activities of Eco-Congregation Scotland
5.  Annual Accounts and Financial Report – Mark Kirkbride, treasurer
6.  Any Questions?
7.  Appointment of Auditors
8.  Election / re-election of Trustees
9.  Any other competent business
12.45pm   A Prayer for COP – Rev David Coleman, Eco-Chaplain
12.50pm   Annual Gathering and AGM closes – followed by open opportunity for informal chat in breakout rooms
This Annual Gathering and AGM is a free event, but please consider making a donation to support our growing work with local churches across Scotland.  

 

Please register using the form below

 

April Prayer Gathering

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South and North Glasgow Networks are hosting a Monthly Prayer Gathering in the run up to COP 26, which is to be held in their city this November. 

The April prayer meeting will be on Thursday 8th of April at 4pm via Zoom. 

To receive the link to join the gathering please fill in the form at the foot of the page. The link will be sent to you shortly before the meeting.

Holy Week 2021

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Good News to every Creature

Eco-Congregation Scotland shares reflections this Holy Week and looks forward to celebrating an Easter message that brings ‘Good News to every Creature’. We also encourage job applications and campaign activities next week as we look further ahead to the Scottish Parliament election in May and the COP26 United Nations climate summit in November. Thank you for your continuing involvement and support of our activities and events. Wishing you in advance a very Happy Easter this weekend.

Eco-Chaplain Rev David Coleman is very grateful to St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Edinburgh for being able to record a major Palm Sunday reflection on Mark 11:1-11 and to Our Lady of Loretto and St Michael Catholic Church with final reflections in a special Musselburgh Covid Stations of the Cross.

As many churches opened their doors for the first time since Christmas with changing coronavirus guidance, our Eco-Chaplain has also been sharing reflections online for devotional use this Holy Week, complementing local worship and prayer across Scotland:

Maundy Thursday – “Let the sea come and wash your feet”, a Holy Thursday footwashing reflection first shared last year, with scripture matched alongside images of our coasts and waters.

Good Friday – reflection on “The Dream of the Rood”, a dream in which the “True Cross” speaks in an ancient “heroic” Passion poem of Creation.

Easter Sunday – reading and reflection on Mark 16:9-20 “Dangerous Words”, live from 7am on 4 April 2021 and accessible any time after on our Facebook page.

David outlines the special reflection for Easter Sunday: “Exceptionally, this works from the neglected ‘old ending’ of Mark’s Gospel, which contains the Inclusive Commission of the Risen Christ to bring ‘Good News to every Creature’, as well as some other untamed and challenging verses.”

“It’s presented as a complement, not a substitute for your own local church events, and will premiere live on our Facebook page at 7am on Easter Sunday.”

Easter 2021: being nothing, yet not inferior – Finally for Holy Week, David shares an Easter post on the Chaplain’s Blog proclaiming “Christ is risen…let’s work with Christ!” – and may be spotted ringing a bell at Gullane. Please contact our Eco-Chaplain to connect and work with your own church, online or in person.

We also encourage you to join in individual or household prayer with Christians across Scotland at 7pm on Easter Sunday evening:
Scottish Church Leaders Forum Statement and Prayer

Eco-Congregation Scotland is delighted to be working with Glasgow Churches Together and its COP26 Co-ordinating Group, a special ecumenical committee encouraging local churches, denominations and faith charities to co-operate in unity on activities and events relating to the city hosting the climate conference.

There is still time to apply for two exciting job opportunities to support the Glasgow Churches COP26 Co-ordinating Group, funded by Action of Churches Together in Scotland (ACTS), with applications sought by Easter Monday, 5 April 2021:

Glasgow Churches COP26 Ambassador
Encouraging Churches to prepare for, engage with and be changed by COP26 coming to Glasgow. Self-employed consultancy basis for at least 40 days, April to 30 November 2021.
Further information.

COP26 Administrator
Support before and during COP26 to member and partner churches, 0.4 full-time equivalent. Co-ordinating hospitality and welcome, including offers of accommodation to individuals and premises to groups visiting Glasgow.
Further information.

Share, Show, Shout for Climate Justice
Wednesday 7 April 2021
6pm – 7pm
Register at this link

We are sharing work from coalitions we are members of and key partner organisations towards the Scottish Parliament elections on 6 May, encouraging candidates to hear directly on the demand for Scotland to do more in championing climate justice. At this training event policy experts and experienced campaigners will share the most effective ways for making your voice heard. There are three ways you can make a difference today:

1. Share the message
Post this video on social media or share with your group chats.

2. Show you care
Strike a pose and share a campaign selfie on social media with your message of climate action, using the hashtag #ClimateJusticeScot.

3. Shout out loud
Reach out to your local candidates to ask for a 15 minute virtual cuppa over Zoom.

This Stop Climate Chaos Scotland campaign is supported by Scottish Communities Climate Action Network, Christian Aid, SCIAF, Tearfund, Justice and Peace Scotland, Quakers, Global Justice Now, Water Aid, Oxfam Scotland, WWF Scotland, Arkbound, Jubilee Scotland, Unison Scotland and Water Witness. You can read more in the campaign toolkit.

Monthly Prayer Gathering
Thursday 8 April 2021
4pm – 5pm
Register at this link

South Glasgow and North Glasgow Local Networks of eco-congregations invite you to join their open Monthly Prayer Gathering in the run up to COP26, taking place in their city this November.

Let’s talk about the climate emergency – Coasts and Seas

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As Scotland comes into the spotlight hosting COP26 in Glasgow this November, it becomes imperative that Scotland’s churches join the conversation and take action on the climate emergency.

One of the most powerful ways we can encourage change is in talking, listening and telling our stories. Eco-Congregation Scotland has produced Let’s talk about the climate emergency, a pack of monthly themed resources to help congregations begin a series of awareness raising conversations about the climate emergency and to encourage everyone to take action.

Throughout March our theme has been Coasts and Seas.

Scotland has a beautiful coastline, offering a variety of seascapes from the wild cliffs that are home to cathedrals of sea birds to flat rolling sandy beaches with mobile dune systems. The coast has always had an important place in Scottish life too, for example Nairn was known as the Riviera of the North and was the must-visit holiday destination for generations from wealthy Victorians to family “staycations,’ peaking in the 1970s. “Going to the beach” has been a highlight of so many childhood memories, days spent making sandcastles on clean sandy beaches.

Marine pollution is now noticeable all along our coastline and also in our rivers. Plastic bottles, cigarette butts, cotton buds, crisp bags and sanitary applicators form the top five pollutants found on beaches. Much of this waste enters the food chain.

Fishing is still an important part of the economy and identity of many coastal communities. However, it is not without controversy – for example, fishing quotas lead to edible fish being returned dead to the sea and overfishing of sandeels has reduced a vital source of food for sea birds. Climate change will bring sea-level rises and more extreme weather, which will affect vulnerable parts of Scotland’s coasts and threaten the very existence of some nations and communities across the world.

Conversation Starters:

  • Talk about a time when you have enjoyed time at the coast. How does the sea make you feel?

  • Do you experience connection to God at the seashore?

  • Have you ever found litter on the beach?

  • How do you feel about current fishing methods and quotas?


Please register your details below to receive the Zoom meeting link:

Anglican Communion Webinar: COP26, Divestment and Investment for Climate Justice

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An overview of how Churches in the Anglican Communion can act for climate justice ahead of COP26 through divestment and investment

Across the Anglican Communion, Churches are supporting a just and green recovery by divesting from fossil fuels and investing in clean alternatives.

The Anglican Church of Southern Africa, the Church of Ireland and the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia have divested from fossil fuels. The Church in Wales and Scottish Episcopal Church are set to debate divestment at Governing Body meetings in the coming months. There have also been calls for the Church of England to accelerate divestment from fossil fuels, following the motion on divestment passed at General Synod in 2018.

Join this interactive webinar to hear from inspiring leaders across the Anglican Communion, who will share their insights about the steps that Churches need to take on divestment and investment ahead of COP26 in Glasgow in November 2021.

The webinar will provide an excellent opportunity to find out how you can get involved in campaigning for divestment in your local church, diocese and at a national level.

We are delighted to welcome the following speakers:

Keynote speaker: Rt Revd Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford: Fossil fuel divestment, positive investment and the urgent need for a just and green recovery from Covid-19

Revd Dr Rachel Mash, Environmental Coordinator of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa and Secretary to the Anglican Communion Environmental Network: The theological underpinnings of divestment

Revd Jacynthia Murphy, Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia: The impact of the climate crisis in the Pacific Islands and decision of the Anglican Church in Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia to divest

Very Revd John Conway, Provost of St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, Edinburgh: How eco-congregation St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral divested from fossil fuels and what needs to happen now in the Scottish Episcopal Church

Revd Stuart Elliott, Vicar of Betws-y-Coed Parish Church and Member of Church in Wales’ Environment Group and Ethical Investment Group: Fossil fuel divestment in the Church in Wales and investment in climate solutions

Stephen Trew, Member of the Church of Ireland General Synod: The Church of Ireland divestment journey

James Buchanan, Bright Now Campaign Manager at Operation Noah: Key findings of the report Church investments in major oil companies: Paris compliant or Paris defiant?

It will provide an opportunity to find out more about how your Church, Diocese or Province can join the next global divestment announcement for faith institutions on 17 May 2021.

The webinar is organised by the Anglican Communion Environmental Network, Operation Noah, Christian Aid, Tearfund and Eco-Congregation Scotland.

Please register using this link:

https://anglican_communion_cop26_divestment_webinar.eventbrite.co.uk

Climate Sunday – Scottish launch

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Climate Sunday – Scottish launch

Join us for the Scottish launch of Climate Sunday, providing focus in the year of COP26 for churches committed to action combatting climate change.

Local churches are encouraged to hold a special Climate Sunday service over the months leading up to Sunday 5th September 2021, the first Sunday in Creation Time, with free resources for every tradition and style of worship.

An initiative of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI)‘s Environment Issues Network, Climate Sunday encourages local churches to take one or more of the following three actions:

Worship

Hold a climate-focused service, to explore the theological and scientific basis of creation care and action on climate, to pray, and to commit to action. Explore our resources and the Climate Sunday website for inspiration and worship resources to suit all church traditions and please register your service so we can count you in!

Commit 

Make a commitment as a local church community to taking long term action to reduce your own greenhouse gas emissions. Register and join the Eco-Congregation Scotland programme – or work towards an Eco-Congregation Scotland Award. Use Climate Stewards‘ new 360°carbon calculator for churches.

Speak up

Use your voice to tell politicians that you want a cleaner, greener, fairer future at the heart of plans to rebuild a strong economy. Read and sign the ‘The Time Is Now’ declaration both as a church and as individuals.

Climate Sunday culminates with a major service in Glasgow on Sunday 5th September 2021 to share church commitments and pray for bold action with courageous leadership at COP26 in the city this November.

Organised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) with backing from a range of denominations and charities, we are encouraging more Scottish support for Climate Sunday and all churches to pray and act in the run-up to COP26.

Join James Anthony, Climate Sunday project coordinator, to hear all about the initiative – with great ideas on how you can worship, commit and speak up through your local church.

Eco-Congregation Scotland chairperson Mary Sweetland said: “We need to take action as Christians who care for God’s creation, tackling the climate emergency with urgency now and for future generations. When we welcome thousands from around the world, online or in person to COP26, we can all demonstrate that we are taking action and leading by example in our own church and across the country. We all share a unique opportunity this year for transformational change, taking practical steps to change our own behaviour and calling on governments to agree global action when they gather in Glasgow. Climate Sunday helps link this directly with our spiritual life, focussing local churches on the environment in worship, prayer and action.”

Please register using the form below for a Zoom meeting link:

 

What can Churches do for Climate Justice? – Climate Fringe

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What can Churches do for Climate Justice?

In the year that the UN climate talks ‘COP26’ come to Glasgow, there are many ways that churches and people of faith can contribute meaningfully to climate action –  before, during and after. Join us to hear from inspirational campaigners from churches who have taken action on climate, how their faith inspires them, and find out how you can get involved in 2021.

Eco-Congregation Scotland is in partnership with Christian Aid, SCIAF and Tearfund for this Climate Fringe Live Event curated by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland.

Please sign up on the Climate Fringe link:

Live Events