In October, Big Oil will descend on London for their huge Oil & Money Conference. And in conjunction with Fossil Free London and other groups, CCA will be there to rise up against them. Join us as we take our faith on to the streets to say no more to the fossil fuel companies, financiers and politicians who are profiteering whilst pushing us towards planetary collapse.

CCA will be holding a couple of pre-conference protests and also protesting throughout the conference itself.

Dates

Pre-conference protests: 12th October and 16th October

The Oil & Money Conference dates: Tuesday 17th — Thursday 19th October 2023

More details on these below

What will we be doing?

To be notified of any updates and changes join our Telegram channel. To join the Telegram chat, simply download the app from your phones app store and click HERE, or copy+paste this link https://t.me/+utrmXv6xS6xjYzk0 from your phone to join the telegram chat This is the same channel that we used for a previous protest called “The Big One”, so you may already be in it…

All these protests are intended to be within current legal restrictions and we are not anticipating that anyone will be at risk of arrest by taking part.

Our acts of witness will all be in the open air so come dressed for the weather and bring something comfortable to sit on, especially if you are spending the day with us.

Everyone is invited to join for some or all of the days. There is accommodation for those coming from outside London and help with travel costs is available. Email christianclimateaction@gmail.com if you need either.

Pre-Conference Protest

Monday 16^th October – Candlelit circle outside the Oil and Money conference venue

Times: 6 to 7pm (meet from 5.15pm)

Location: Intercontinental Park Lane, London

To mark the the publication on 4th October of Pope Francis’ letter on the climate crisis, Praise God (Laudate Deum), addressed to all people of good will, CCA Catholics invite everyone to join us in lament for what the Pope describes as the unfulfilled responsibility of the political sector and the lack of interest shown by the powerful. One year ago Pope Francis addressed young people gathered inAssisi and called for new courage in abandoning fossil fuels, we will be praying that the hearts and minds of those attending the conference will be open to finding this courage.

Meet from 5.15pm in a nearby coffee shop (check Telegram nearer the time for the location) and after a chance to connect we will walk together to the hotel. 

Protests during the Oil and Money Conference

Tuesday 17th October – Prayerful Protest

Times: From 8am to 2pm

Location: Intercontinental Park Lane, London

We will be part of an interfaith group outside the entrance to the conference venue to greet delegates with our prayers and our protest from 8am. For the rest of the day we will be holding a silent vigil punctuated by prayer points as near to the conference as we can be. Our silent protest will be a counterpoint to the protest that is being organised by XR and other groups.

Tuesday 17th October – Wreckers of the Earth Pilgrimage

Times: From 2pm

We will go on a Wreckers of the Earth pilgrimage – visiting and praying at the offices of climate wreckers in the Piccadilly area, returning to the hotel later in the afternoon.

If you are in London after this action, it would be good to eat together on Tuesday night. Please let us know by email christianclimateaction@gmail.com if you would like to do this. We propose to eat at the very reasonably priced Govindas: https://govindas.london

Wednesday 18th October – Standard Bank Protest

When? 11:30am

Location: Meet at Standard Bank (20 Gresham St, London EC2V 7JE)

We will be standing in solidarity with African activists who occupied Standard Banks Offices in Johannesburg for 3 days. Come and make noise at this East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline funder and climate wrecker.

Wednesday 18th October – Multifaith Prayer Vigil

When? 6.30-8pm

Location: Intercontinental Park Lane, London

We will be holding a multifaith prayer vigil outside the Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel (Oil and Money Conference Venue) against a backdrop of images of the suffering of the Earth. All are invited to join us to bear witness to the harm being caused by the oil industry and to hold in our hearts the hope for change. Candles and other symbols of our light in the darkness are encouraged. 

Thursday 19th October – Silent Vigil

Timing: From 8am to 4pm

Location: Intercontinental Park Lane, London

We will start again at 8am outside the Oil and Money conference in silent vigil. This is being coordinated by Buddhists from the Faith Bridge and you will be invited to wear a neck placard with an image of a burning earth as you sit in meditation and silent prayer. From 1pm, there will be three forty minute guided and walking meditations led by our Buddhist friends.

Thursday 19th October – Festival of Resistance

Timing: From 4.30pm (tbc)

Location: Marble Arch

We will join the Festival of Resistance being organised by Fossil Free London bringing all groups together in a moment of unity and resistance. Details of the precise timing and distance will be shared when confirmed.

FOSSIL FREE LONDON

Our presence on the streets will be preceded by three days of workshops and community building hosted by Fossil Free London. If you want to be involved in that here is link to the Fossil Free London Oily Money Out website.