By James Trewby, Columbans.

Rail strikes prevented our Columban/Diocesan group joining the COP28 Day of Action in London - so we joined in Birmingham. 

We met in the rain outside Carrs Lane Church to pray, using materials prepared by CAFOD, Christian Aid and Tearfund: "Together, we put our faith into action for climate justice. We pray with our feet, one foot in front of the other. We pray with words on our lips. We pray with our hands, holding placards high.

"We believe in the power of prayer and our calling as the church to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly before our God." 

We then joined with others, including those who had just completed a 'critical mass' cycle ride, to march through the city centre, pausing outside the town hall and Christmas markets.

Our group of CAFOD volunteers, educators, Columban staff and supporters, Laudato Si' animators and families were proud to carry the banners made by the pupils of St Bernard's Catholic Primary School during their recent Day of Action. As we walked, the XR drumming group (featuring one of our previous Columban Faith in Action Volunteers) kept our spirits high.

It was wonderful to march with such a diverse group, young to old, of many ethnicities and creeds, united in solidarity with the suffering planet, our common home.