Churches’ bid to save world from extinction
CHURCHES in the West Lancashire village of Appley Bridge are gearing up to mark Christian Aid Week by focusing on the fight against climate change.
Appley Bridge All Saints C of E church and The Vale Methodist Church are working together to promote the cause, specifically in Malawi in central Africa.
The launch of the campaign is the All Saints Christian Aid Big Breakfast which takes place at All Saints Primary School next to the church on Saturday morning February 29, 2020.
This will be followed by the Christian Aid Big Breakfast at The Vale in May during Christian Aid Week.
More information about the climate change campaign will be available from the Christian Aid website (www.christianaid.org.uk) in the new year, the public can help by signing up to online petitions, and to start praying now for the campaign’s success.
Carlisle Diocese has agreed to support the initiative by providing a display of photographs of Christian Aid work in Malawi, which will be viewed at both churches and at the Big Breakfast, during the first week in March.
There will be information about the three-year project promoting cultivation and marketing of the Pigeon Pea.
This is a plant that is closely related to the traditional Lancashire Black Peas or parched peas, eaten with vinegar at bonfire night.
Event Organiser Dr Sara Ashley, Reader at All Saints, said: “I am really encouraged by the response to this campaign in our Appley Bridge community and grateful to Carlisle diocese for helping us with the photo display.
“We look forward to seeing as many people as possible at All Saints and The Vale in 2020 as we look to spread the word about the solutions to climate change throughout the world.”
Funds raised by the breakfast will go to support the CA project on encouraging the growth of peas in Malawi, a type that is resistant to drought and provides a valuable source of protein for families.
The churches in Appley Bridge, which also include St Joseph’s RC church in nearby Wrightington, joined forces in the summer to discuss ways of working together in the local community through churches and schools.
Christian Aid free education and worship resources have been very beneficial in planning these events and are easily accessible on the CA website, which gives more information on what we can do to combat the growing threat of climate change.
During the recent climate change protests in London, the Chief Executive of Christian Aid, Ms Amanda Mukwashi, told a large assembled crowd of Christians at an impromptu vigil: “I believe in a God of justice, of peace and of solidarity,” she said, “I pray we find courage strength and humility.
“Let history books show that we are the generation that stopped this planet from heading towards extinction.”