Vigils at Charities Banking with Barclays

Barclays is the biggest funder of fossil fuels in Europe. When a charity chooses Barclays, this gives the bank social licence and political influence, as it is presenting itself as a bank associated with positive causes – instead of one which is bankrolling climate collapse. Barclays can then use this reputation to secure fossil fuel expansion deals. In this critical time for life on our planet, it is important that charities put their money where their mouth is. If they are declaring their positive impact, they need to move away from this destructive bank.

Earlier this year, there was exciting news as Christian Aid made the step of dropping Barclays as their bank, and explained that this move was due to Barclays “record on fossil fuel finance, and their weak commitment to future improvements in this area”. This decision was celebrated by many, including former Archbishop Rowan Williams.

However, there are still a number of Christian charities which are continuing to bank with Barclays in some way – Tearfund, CAFOD, BMS World Mission, World Vision, Leprosy Mission, SIM International and Greenbelt Festival.

In Christian Climate Action, we believe in the power of prayer. The prayer vigil we held outside of Christian Aid Headquarters was a key aspect in them switching banks. Going forward we are planning a series of vigils outside the HQs of the charities still banking with Barclays – praying with them as they make difficult decisions about their banking arrangements.

Vigil Dates

No upcoming vigils currently planned

What will the vigils entail?

We will gather together for prayer and reflection outside the HQs of different charities. We will have times where we pray and sing together and other times where we hold silence.

We will pray for those suffering the impacts of climate change around the world now. We will also pray for our young people who will have to find their path in an increasingly harsh world.

We will pray for the charities – the important work that the staff do and the projects they support. Moving banks is a big job and so we will also pray for those involved in making that possible.

We will hold the vigils at lunchtime and will invite the staff of the charities to join us outside.