Faith groups united on climate change fight

Faith groups have met in Barrhead to talk about tackling climate change.

The ‘Together for our plant’ service was held at St Andrew’s Church on Sunday.

East Renfrewshire MP Kirsten Oswald, who attended the service, said climate is the “major issue of our times”.

She said :“Interfaith dialogue is critical and the warmth of the dialogue was fantastic.

“It was inspiring to hear from the faith leaders representing congregations in our local community about how they work individually and collectively to make a difference at home and further afield.

“Discussion about climate change can’t stop now that COP26 is over, and the voices of the groups taking part in this event will be important in driving forward the change and the climate justice that we need to see.”

The event was organised by Douglas Yates, of East Renfrewshire Faith Forum.

He said: “Faith communities have much in common and are united when it comes to showing our concern about climate change and the need for countries with strong economies to help those who do not have the resources to cut carbon emissions, protect rainforests, and pollute the planet much less than they currently do.

“It was good to see our local MP standing shoulder to shoulder with our faith representatives in expressing grave concern about the pollution of our planet.“

Religious leaders who attended included John Keenan, the Bishop of Paisley, Dr Mirdula Chakraborty, chair of East Renfrewshire Faith Forum, Rev Tim Mineard, who is the minister of St Andrew’s Parish, and Douglas Yates, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.