Global religious leaders call for end to fossil fuels
Hundreds of religious organisations have put their signatures to a campaign calling on governments to develop and implement a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty. In an open letter, they say too many coal mines and oil and gas wells are already under production and the world is on course to fail to meet the Paris Agreement’s goal of 1.5°C. “Government action has been painstakingly slow and catered too much to the reckless and deceptive fossil fuel corporations, preventing meaningful and timely climate legislation”. The letter says 100 companies account for more than 70 per cent of CO2 emissions, but they impact vulnerable people who lose their lives, homes and farms because of climate change. The letter calls for an end to the expansion of new coal, oil or gas production; the phasing out of existing production of fossil fuels; and a global transition to renewable energy. Signatories include organisations representing major denominations and world faiths, including the Laudato Si Movement and the Anglican Communion.
Salvation Army prioritises climate emergency
The Salvation Army in the UK and Ireland has declared a climate emergency must be treated with urgency. Commissioner Anthony Cotterill said it is prioritising protection of the environment as part of its mission, with flooding, droughts and fires affecting vulnerable people around the world. It will encourage churches, care homes, hostels known as Lifehouses, and church projects such as 390 charity shops and 8,000 clothing collection, to play their part in reducing carbon emissions.
£5m Hare Krishna centre to be built in Cardiff Bay
Construction is beginning on a £5m Hare Krishna Centre in Cardiff Bay. A wellness centre and community hub, named Ty Krishna Cymru, will be built in a three-storey glass extension behind a 19th century Grade II-listed terrace in Bute Street. It will include a plant-based café, yoga studio, sacred space and rooftop garden in a project which has been planned since before the Covid pandemic. The project is part-funded by the National Lottery and the WelshGovernment. Wales Online reports that a vedic fire ceremony, known as bhoomi pooja, with prayers and blessings, marked the start of the building work.
Pope Francis undergoes hospital tests
A Vatican spokesperson has confirmed that Pope Francis went to a hospital for tests yesterday morning. Two months ago, he was hospitalised with acute bronchitis, put on intravenous antibiotics and released on 1 April. The Vatican stressed that yesterday’s hospital visit took only a matter of hours and was over by lunchtime.
Oklahoma votes to establish a Catholic run state school
A state school board in Oklahoma has voted 3-2 to approve an application for a new school established by the Catholic Archdiocese in the city. The new St. Isidore of Seville Virtual Charter School will be open to students from kindergarten to the age of 18. The vote came despite a warning from the state’s Attorney General that the decision clearly violated the Oklahoma Constitution and was deeply disappointing. Associated Pres report here
Mont St Michel celebrates 1000 year anniversary
President Macron has visited the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel, which this year celebrates 1,000 years since the laying of the first stone. He gave a speech saying the abbey embodies the French spirit of resilience and resistance and is an example which France should copy as it faces global challenges such as climate change.
