Churches throughout Ireland have been urged to "ring the changes" on Saturday 6th December as part of an international day of action to demand that governments take strong action on climate change. The global bell-ringing event will coincide with the UN Climate Change Conference, which takes place in Poland from 1st to 12th December.
World leaders will discuss action on climate change for the last time before next year’s Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, which will seek to replace the Kyoto Protocol when it runs out in 2012.
The Irish Stop Climate Chaos coalition says that, over the next 12 months, governments around the world must receive a loud and clear message that bold decisions will have to be made in Denmark next December if catastrophic climate change is to be avoided.
The coalition, which includes Trócaire, Concern, Oxfam, Friends of the Earth and Eco Congregation Ireland, is looking for a fair and effective global deal, which would see global warming limited to two degrees Celsius and a 30 per cent cut in emissions by developed countries by 2020.
Also, developing countries would be enabled to access appropriate and adequate resources to help them adapt to the current - and future - impacts of climate change.
Churches are asked to ring their bells at 2pm on Saturday 6th December and, if they like, to organise an event in conjunction with the bell-ringing – a prayer vigil or carol service to which local churches could be invited.
Flyers could be handed out to passers-by.
Clergy are also encouraged to include a hymn and a prayer with a creation or environment theme in services on 6th and 7th December.
Services of "non-power" could be held in the evening by turning off the lights and heating and having a candle-lit service. Teachers and youth workers are encouraged to lead sessions on climate change.
Eco Congregation Ireland has selected a hymn and two prayers that could be incorporated into worship in a nationwide attempt to encourage Christians to make the link between their faith and the environment.
For further info see www.ecocongregationireland.org.
Members of the public who would like to receive a Ring the Changes Action Pack, containing 10 posters, 50 leaflets, stickers (and a set of 4 bells, if required), may send an email with their name, address, phone number and event location by today, 28th November to info@stopclimatechaos.ie. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Disclaimer
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(Source: CIN)