United for Our Planet

A coalition of faith leaders, led by Bishop Nicholas, has signed a letter in The Times expressing ‘profound dismay’ over President Trump’s decision to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement.

Writing in today’s newspaper, signatories headed by Bishop Nicholas as the Church of England’s lead bishop on the environment, say that caring for the planet is a ‘sacred responsibility’ and the demand to act for environmental justice ‘too strong’ for them to remain silent over the issue.

Other signatories include come different Christian traditions as well as Judaism, Islam, and Hinduism.

The full text of the letter is as follows:

We are profoundly dismayed by President Trump’s proclaimed intention to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement which was signed by 195 nations, supported by the Pope and leaders of all religions.

Our respective faiths unite us in the affirmation that all human life is of infinite value and that caring for our planet is a sacred responsibility. We are answerable to God, each other and our children’s children for the wellbeing of this earth.

We believe President Trump’s reckless declaration will only strengthen the resolve of others to preserve and protect our environment. The response of so many municipal and business leaders across the US is a heartening indication. We trust our own newly elected government will remain faithful to its commitments.

Life is too precious, the earth too wonderful and the demand to act for environmental justice too strong for us to remain silent.

The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Senior Rabbi, Masorti Judaism
Bishop John Arnold, RC Bishop of Salford
Paul Parker, Recording Clerk, Quakers in Britain.
Rabbi Jeffrey Newman, Adviser, Earth Charter International Secretariat
Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
Dr Husna Ahmad, Chief Executive, GlobalOne
Andy Atkins CEO A Rocha UK
Gopal Patel, Director of the Bhumi Project, the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies