Columban group at 'Restore Nature Now'. Photo: Ellen Teague
Columbans internationally have a priority for protecting biodiversity, which humanity relies on for health, food and well-being. Globally, environmental health and the management of the diversity of life is one of the critical challenges facing humankind today. Pope Francis, in his encyclical Laudato Si’, said nine years ago: ‘Each year sees the disappearance of thousands of plant and animal species which we will never know, which our children will never see because they have been lost forever. The great majority become extinct for reasons related to human activity. Because of us, thousands of species will no longer give glory to God by their very existence, nor convey their message to us. We have no such right.’
So, what are Columbans doing about this issue? One response has been to speak out publicly on the streets.
In Britain, the Columban Justice, Peace and Environment (JPE) team joined Laudato Si Animators, Westminster Justice and Peace and others in the colourful London march, ‘Restore Nature Now’ on 22 June 2024. They were alongside other Christian organisations and environmental groups such as Green Christian, Friends of the Earth, Surfers against Sewage and various Wildlife Trusts.
Adults and children dressed up as stingrays and beavers and there were giant puppets of threatened bird species all heading through Central London towards the British Houses of Parliament at Westminster. It was peaceful and joyful. Many banners called for a new UK law that will halt and reverse nature's destruction by 2030 - The Climate and Nature Bill. There was concern that nature and climate had not featured sufficiently during the leadup to the General Election on 4 July 2024 and it should be a prominent issue after it. Some 350 organisations participated, and numbers were upwards of 80,000 people.
The rally at Parliament Square heard speeches from many prominent individuals, including naturalist Chris Packham, actress Dame Emma Thompson, and musician/water campaigner Feargal Sharkey. Environmental issues such as the diminishing of species, climate change and pollution of rivers were highlighted and there was a call for the new government to set up bold plans to make urgent policy changes towards environmental sustainability.
Before the march, Christians packed an ecumenical service at the Catholic Jesuit Church at Farm Street in Central London with the theme ‘Restore Nature Now’. The Canticle of creation by Saint Francis of Assisi was read and Pope Francis’ prayer from Laudato Si' was recited. Fr Dominic Robinson SJ, Chair of Westminster Justice and Peace, gave the final blessing. Christians were urged to work and pray together for Justice, Peace and Environmental Justice.
James Trewby, head of the Columban JPE team in Britain, who was there with his family, said afterwards: "It was a privilege to join the service and march with members of the Columban Justice, Peace and Ecology team - and family and friends. The UK must do better - for our sake, for future generations, and for our sisters and brothers around the world!".
Fr Joe Ryan of Westminster Diocese, who is a consulter to the Columban JPE team, said, “it was a wonderful and emotional experience to see so many like-minded people marching together in order to save our planet.” They wanted, “to impress on our leaders and politicians that action is needed now."
Jules Robinson, a Green Christian trustee, expressed the passionate feelings of many Christians attending: “I felt overwhelmed by the respect, love and peace for each other and every creature of the earth. Starting off with a wonderful service, the Lord then blessed us with great weather, inspiring and friendly people and joy. I felt God’s presence in our midst. Despite the plight of nature, the bringing together of so many people creatively expressing themselves and feeling the same passions brought me, personally, renewed hope.”
Ellen Teague, Columban Justice and Peace Media in Britain.
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