Across the UK, CCA groups are meeting in socially distanced vigil to mark the fifth anniversary of the UN Paris Agreement and to pray for the fulfillment of the pledges made at that time.

Adopted on 12th December 2015, and hailed as a landmark international treaty, the Paris Agreement offered real hope in the battle against the effects of climate and ecological breakdown as members of the United Nation’s Framework Convention on Climate Change pledged together to meet ambitious targets to cut carbon emissions.

Five years later, much of what was pledged remains unfulfilled and the last UN Climate Change Conference (COP25) ending in irresolution and the impending withdrawal of the US from the Convention.

CCA groups in Norfolk, London, East Midlands and Wales will hold vigil, praying for a renewal of the spirit that marked COP21, at which the Paris Agreement was born, and for serious, co-ordinated global action in the face of climate and ecological emergency.

CCA Norfolk are holding a twelve hour vigil in collaboration with Christian Aid on Saturday 12th December.

Participants can bear witness to God’s love for the earth by signing up for an hour or two of prayerful presence. The event is open to those of all faiths and persuasions.   

“Coming together for a few hours is a great way to show visible solidarity with the cause of climate action being taken all over the world”, says Jim Green, of Norwich CCA. “Bring your own signs or use ones we provide. If you are unable to come in person sign up anyway and pray where you can”, encourages Chris Hull of Christian Aid.

The Vigil will take place outside St Peter Mancroft church main entrance in Millenium Plain, Norwich (facing The Forum). Running from 9.00am to 9.00pm, a maximum of six participants at any one time will be in vigil for one or two hour slots. To participate, book your slot here (sign in as guest). If there are already six names in any one hour, please find the next nearest slot of your choice to book. For more information, email: ccanorwich@posteo.net.

CCA London are meeting in one or more socially distanced groups of six in Central London between 2.00pm and 3.30pm on Saturday 12th December to prayerfully draw attention to the lack of meaningful action since the Paris Agreement. Email christianclimateactionlondon@protonmail.com to book your slot and get directions, to ensure that group sizes don’t exceed the maximum of six.

CCA Lincoln are meeting outdoors for a Covid-compliant, socially-distanced silent vigil to express love and grief in the light of the lack of progress with the pledges of the Paris Agreement. The vigil will be held between 12.00 noon – 1.00pm in Exchange Square (Sincil Street) in Lincoln. Participants are all asked to wear a mask.

CCA Brighton are also meeting outside in socially distanced groups of six, at Hove Town Hall. Their vigil starts at 12 noon and continue for at least an hour. Again, participants must wear masks.

CCA East Midlands will be meeting online via Zoom on Friday December 11th at 7.00pm, the eve of the anniversary. There will be space to lament all that has already been lost to the climate crisis and the lack of action to date, as well as time to pray that governments and those in power act wisely moving forward. Participants are invited to bring a candle. Please register in advance here. After registering, you will receive a confirmatory email with instructions to join the meeting.

CCA Cymru will also be meeting online via Zoom on Friday December 11th at 7.00pm, looking back in lament to the Paris Agreement and looking forward in hope to COP26 next autumn in Glasgow. There will be images, prayer, music and silent reflection. Again participants are invited to bring a candle. Contact ccacymru@gmail.com for your personal Zoom invitation.