Churches across Cumbria are being encouraged to support climate-crisis pilgrims who are journeying to Glasgow ahead of the UN COP26 Conference.

Two Camino to Cop groups (some starting from Bristol, others from London and both converging in Birmingham) are currently making the pilgrimage to Scotland, ahead of the Conference which starts on 31 October. The pilgrimage is initiated by Extinction Rebellion Faith Bridge - an interfaith alliance representing a broad Christian spectrum – with the aim to lobby world leaders about the global climate crisis.

Churches Together in Cumbria – a cross-denominational group through which churches work in tandem, sharing resources and information – is working with Food Carlisle to arrange a special lunchtime event at St Cuthbert’s Church, Carlisle, on 15 October, at which some of the pilgrims will talk.

CTiC’s ecumenical social responsibility officer, Jo Philips, explained: “We are excited to be able welcome the pilgrims to our region and to hear their stories and understand more about God’s call to them to make this journey.

“It’s critical that, as Christians, we are seen to engage in the fight to reduce carbon emissions in order to protect our world, a world which God so lovingly and gloriously created. That’s why we’re inviting people from churches across the county to book places to attend this event.

“We would also encourage Christians from across Cumbria to join the pilgrims as they walk through our county on their way to the COP26. People have the chance to walk as day pilgrims which offers a wonderful witness as we look to do all we can to protect our planet.”

The pilgrims plan to arrive in Cumbria on 7 October, initially heading to Kirkby Lonsdale before travelling on to Sedbergh, Tebay, Crosby Ravensworth, Hackthorpe, Penrith, Low Hesket and Carlisle in subsequent days.

The full travel itinerary is available via https://caminotocop.com/route/.

Meanwhile there’ll also be a CTiC presence at the opening event of Carlisle’s Great Big Green Week this Saturday (18 September) which has been orgainsed by Sustainable Carlisle.

The city centre arts and outreach event takes place from 10am to 2pm and will include hands-on workshops, artists presenting climate-themed work and sustainable items to purchase.

CTiC will also be at the event alongside Food Carlisle to help promote what Christian communities across the county are doing to combat the climate crisis.

Jo added: “I’m really looking forward to the opportunity to engage with people and to highlight the wonderful ways in which Christians in Cumbria are already looking to combat climate change.

“Commitments have already been made locally towards net zero carbon emissions, and there is a renewed focus on sustainability and biodiversity. I’ll be excited to explain how that is happening.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

For more about Churches Together in Cumbria visit: https://www.churchestogethercumbria.org.uk/

For more about the Camino to COP pilgrimage visit: https://caminotocop.com/

For more about Carlisle’s Great Big Green Week visit: http://www.sustainablecarlisle.org/great-big-green-week

For further information please contact Jo Phillips, CTiC Ecumenical Social Responsibility Officer, on 07542 955364 or at jo@churchestogethercumbria.org.uk.