Over the week following the 1st April, Christians are hanging banners across the UK to raise awareness of the climate crisis and the need to end investment in fossil fuels. Banners can be seen on motorways, bridges and outside church buildings.

The banners have been created ahead of the April Rebellion – an Extinction Rebellion climate protest which is taking place in London from the 9th to the 17th April. On the 9th April, many thousands of people are expected to arrive at Hyde Park, holding their banners.

In Loughborough, a banner has been hung from All Saints with Holy Trinity Church. It reads ‘No Faith in Fossil Fuels’. Revd Emily Sharman, the Pioneer Curate at All Saints with Holy Trinity and member of Christian Climate Action Loughborough said: ‘as Christians, we are often called to do things outside of our comfort zone in the name of God. One of the first things outlined in the Bible is the creation story and this banner is a clear message that we are here to protect what God has made.’

Holly-Anna Petersen, a cognitive behavioural therapist, is also a member of Christian Climate Action – a group which takes non-violent direct action alongside groups such as Extinction Rebellion. She said, ‘on the 9th April there will be so many people in Hyde Park who have never protested before. This is a chance for us to show what we stand for. It needs all of us who care to be there.’