Churches around Birmingham are facing the challenges of climate change together.

Last month (Sat 29 June) people from across the city came together to learn about how global warming is already affecting our world, and to say ‘there is no Planet B’.

Claire Bowman, the Quaker chair, said: “Many of us took part in the mass lobby of Parliament earlier this week, and had signed the successful petition asking Birmingham Council to declare a Climate Emergency.

"Now we’re coming together to plan and train for our own part in tackling climate change.”

Seventy-two people gathered at the event, which took place at the Quaker-run Priory Rooms in Bull Street. They included Baptists, Methodists, URC, Quakers, Catholics, Anglicans, Unitarians and Franciscan brothers; with additional organising and training provided by Christian Aid and CAFOD.

Participants left with a range of actions to take as church communities, from divesting their church funds of fossil fuel companies to creating a network of youth climate champions.

Cutting down on meat and dairy was highlighted as one of the most effective actions individuals can take – and a vegan lunch demonstrated that can be a delicious as well as a sustainable option.

Kate Ormerod, from Christian Aid, said: “As Christians, looking after God’s world is an important part of our faith, but more than that, we know that the climate crisis is affecting the poorest and least culpable first and hardest.

"Campaigning on this issue is how we demonstrate God’s love for all people. It is a real privilege to be working with so many churches across our diverse city who are passionate about being part of the solution.”

Elizabeth Wignall from CAFOD, an international development agency of the Roman Catholic Church, said: “CAFOD believes climate change is socially unjust as it hits the poorest the hardest who contributed the least and who are the least able to cope with its impacts.

"That is why we believe taking action on climate change, as individuals, in our Churches and at a community level, is so important.

"We were delighted that ‘No Planet B…’ provided the opportunity for us all to explore putting our faith into action to care for the beautiful world God has entrusted to us, and so to protect those near and far, young and old, and of future generations.”

John Nightingale, a retired Anglican vicar, said: “There is no Planet B. The challenge is to work together with those of all faiths and none in the care of our common home; and, as a bonus, to bring us all together!”