Church members encouraged to take part in COP26

Published on 24 October 2021

With a week to go until COP26 begins on Sunday 31 October, Church of Scotland congregations across the country are encouraged to take part at local events, online or in person.

A sign at a climate protest
COP26 will begin in Glasgow on Sunday 31 October and run until Friday 12 November.

Speaking about our need to engage with the issues at the heart of the event, Lord Wallace, the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: "Caring for creation is a fundamental aspect of being a practising Christian.

"So interdependent is God's creation that damaging creation damages us.

"This is an issue of justice, and so our concern for the integrity of creation is matched by a concern for fairness for fellow human beings around the world."

"With COP26 starting soon, we hope and pray for urgent action.

"The world can't afford anything less."

Take part locally

  • Ring Out For Climate - join people across the UK by ringing your church bells at 6pm on Saturday 30 October for 30 minutes as a warning to highlight the climate emergency. You are welcome to post a short clip to social media too.
  • If your church is taking part in events during COP26 we would love to share your photographs on Church of Scotland social media accounts. You can email your pictures to mediarelations@churchofscotland.org.uk or using the hashtags #careforcreation #CofSCOP26. Please make sure everyone in the picture is aware that it will be shared online.
  • Hold a prayer vigil at your local church or find out if your Presbytery is running an event.

Take part in Glasgow

  • Visit Glasgow Cathedral where there will be an art installation from pioneer minister Rev Peter Gardner and his wife and artistic partner Heidi Gardner (Gardner + Gardner) as well other events at the Cathedral. Whilst COP26 is on the Cathedral will also be providing chaplaincy.
  • On Saturday 6 November there will be a global rally for climate justice. A Peoples' March will start at Kelvingrove Park at 11.30 am and end up at Glasgow Green for a rally at 15:00.
  • The French religious community TaizĂ© has been invited by Glasgow Churches COP26 Coordinating Committee to prepare and lead prayers and a vigil for students and young people in Glasgow during the COP26 gathering. For all prayers, please wear a face covering and respect the current guidelines.
  • Glasgow Churches Together COP26 Group will host a hospitality and information hub in the Glasgow City Centre Salvation Army building (1 Houldsworth Street, Glasgow G3 8ED). They are planning to be open 8am to 8pm throughout COP26 and will provide information on faith-based events and activities in a restful space and provide a warm welcome to the city.

See also