Bishop Julie and other senior clergy from Churches Together in the Merseyside region have collectively written and signed a letter to the Prime Minister to offer their support and prayers for the COP28 Summit.
The letter (download here) praises the positive work that has been done at a regional, national, and international level, while also expressing concern about how the ‘climate catastrophe’ is affecting the poorest people in the world...
"On an international level, funding from wealthy countries to developing countries has been insufficient.
Therefore, as you prepare for the forthcoming meeting, we ask that you:
- Continue to support regional and local initiatives, allowing leadership to emerge at all levels, in line with the principles of subsidiarity.
- Do all you can to meet the NDCs, both in the UK but also by leading partnerships with other nations to reduce emissions and keep within stated goals.
- Support poorer and more vulnerable communities in the face of the devastating effects of climate change."
Bishop Julie, commenting on her motivation for signing the letter, says; " We live in a beautiful interconnected world and as Christians, we are called to care for it. This is a matter of justice as our behaviour fuels a climate crisis that impacts communities around the globe. While our individual actions are important we also need large-scale political responses if we are to have a real impact - that is why denominational heads from Merseyside have written to the Prime Minister."
Others who signed the letter are listed below.
The Reverend Dr Sheryl Anderson, Chair of the Liverpool Methodist District
The Reverend Geoff Felton, Moderator of the Mersey Synod of the United Reformed Church
The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Liverpool
Right Reverend Thomas Neylon, Roman Catholic Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Liverpool
The Reverend Phil Jump, Regional Minister, North Western Baptist Association
Major David Taylor, Divisional Commander, North West and Isle of Man Division, Salvation Army
Reverend Dr Tani Omideyi, Senior Pastor & Chair of Love and Joy Ministries UK
The Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath, Anglican Bishop of Liverpool