Blessing Young Climate Activists

Bishop Karen tweeted:

"Good to pray with those walking the relay to #COP26 YCC Network this morning in Salisbury as they set off on the next leg. Thanks Salisbury Methodist for breakfast."

Young Christians are leading a pilgrimage which spans the length of the country – from last month’s G7 in Cornwall to COP26 in Glasgow, the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN) calls on world leaders to address the climate emergency.

The pilgrims have organised a relay route which, instead of a baton, sees young activists meet to pass on the importance of urgent action to reverse climate change.

The relay set out from Truro Cathedral on 13th June, near to where the G7 met, and continues to Glasgow, where it will arrive on 31st October when COP26 will begin. World leaders are meeting in both places, and the young activists are calling on nations to take tangible steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

UPDATE: Gallery on Flickr here (no login required) and on Facebook here (login may be required).

At the 6.00am start in West Lavington on 21st July, relay co-leader Rachel Mander said:

'This journey is not just about each leg, but it is also about the encounters that we have on the way. One of the things about navigating today is that when we set out this morning we did not know what was ahead. We walked hopefully although we weren't able to see the whole journey.

'Part of this is learning how we take a step as a time, as well as the encounters on the way which are a gift. Thank you for your hospitality - your gift to us.'

And Bishop Andrew, also attending the start, said:

'We are part of nature ourselves. We are ourselves held in this remarkable balance of relationships. You are making a transformational journey. Things happen and changes will happen on the way.

'In the Bible there are many examples of things happening on journeys. And on a journey we grow, we change, there are conversations that begin and journeys enable us to see things differently.

'What you are doing is deeply hopeful. We are challenged and inspired. May God bless you and that all this year has in store and may He renew your strength for the next day - 6.00 at Shrewton!'

Walkers were joined by Rector Eleanor Rance in Shrewton, and children at Rushall CE VA Primary School put together a video, with banners saying:

"Thank you for doing this for us all!"
"Keep going even when things get tricky!"
"Remember - I can do all this through him who gives me strength"
"Thank you for showing courage in taking on such a tricky challenge"

And their teacher Emma Miles said:

"We will keep following the YCCN journey in the Autumn and have been inspired already to take action ourselves."

Watch the video here.

Walkers from the Relay arrived in The Close, Salisbury yesterday (22nd July) and were invited to the picnic area by Cathedral staff for tea and pictures. To symbolise this leg as part of the whole journey, flags of Cornwall, Dorset, Wiltshire and Scotland were flown.

The Works Yard was also open for a tour, and there was an open invitation to join Cathedral Eucharist at 5.30pm, as well as photos with the solar panels on the Cathedral roof.

On the 23rd, a breakfast and sendoff at Salisbury Methodist Church was attended by Bishop Karen and local MP John Glen, the Treasury Minister responsible for Green Finance, along with the Revd Anna Bishop of Salisbury Methodist Church.

As the walkers departed Salisbury, YCCN's Rebecca Boardman tweeted:

"Starting my Twitter journey as we start YCC Network RS6 Salisbury-Reading! Hospitality and fun at Salisbury Methodist with a beautiful blessing from Bishop of Sherborne. Ready to go! #RiseToTheMoment #COP26"