Baked Alaska: time to change the temperature From the four corners of the earth come colourful, interconnecting stories of humanity living with the w

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Baked Alaska: time to change the temperature

From the four corners of the earth come colourful, interconnecting stories of humanity living with the wild, unpredictable effects of climate change. Scientists, farmers, oil magnates, climate warriors, prophets, mothers, journalists and others just like you and me – we’re all in the mix and hungry for a recipe of hope. In the struggle over power, some sound the warming bell, some blow hot and cold, while others make a pudding of the planet.

The Riding Lights theatre production, jointly commissioned by Operation Noah, Christian Aid and the Diocese of Lichfield, will go on tour from 16 September and will be performed across the UK, including at the Reconciling a Wounded Planet Conference in Coventry Cathedral on 18 September. Visit our website to book a ticket.

We hope that Operation Noah supporters will be on hand at each performance to run a joint information stand with Christian Aid and to talk to people about our work. Please get in touch at admin@operationnoah.org if you are able to volunteer. Volunteers will have free entry to the show.

We’d also appreciate your help publicising the tour in your local area.

Disinvest to Reinvest: investing for a just economy

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Are you curious about where your church invests its money? Join us for a day of workshops to explore how we as Christians can use our investments to build a cleaner and more just economy, as individuals, communities and churches. Workshops led by experts on sustainable finance will include: disinvestment from fossil fuels; investing in renewable energy; investing in your local community; and fossil free investing. The event will take place at Friends House (Euston, London) on Saturday 17 October, 10.30am – 4pm. Book your place here.

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Methodist Conference votes to disinvest from coal and tar sands

On 2 July, the Methodist Conference voted overwhelmingly in favour of a motion calling on the Church to disinvest from coal and tar sands companies by 2017. The Conference also asked the Church’s ethical investment body to report back in 2016 on possible further disinvestment from other fossil fuels. Find our more here.

In the same week, both the Lutheran World Federation and US Episcopal Church announced disinvestment commitments. Eleven regional United Methodist Conferences in the US have also now endorsed motions on fossil fuel disinvestment.

Church of England Synod debates investments in fossil fuels

On 13 July, the Church of England’s General Synod affirmed the Church’s decision to disinvest from coal and tar sands companies, but also endorsed engagement with other fossil fuel companies. On the same day, the Synod passed a motion calling for world leaders to seek an agreement to limit temperature rise to 2 degrees C to avoid catastrophic levels of climate change. Read more about the debate here.

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Faith leaders speak out on climate change

In June, Operation Noah warmly welcomed Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical on the environment entitled ‘Care for Our Common Home’. Read our press release here and a blog by Board member Revd Alex Mabbs here.

In the same month, leaders united across faiths and denominations to endorse the Lambeth Declaration, calling for governments to achieve a legally binding agreement at the Paris climate negotiations later this year, and for faith communities to redouble efforts to reduce their own emissions.

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Speak Up climate lobby – next steps

Thank you to those of you who joined us on17 June at the biggest ever mass lobbying of Parliament. Over 9000 people attended and 350 MPs were lobbied on the day. If you weren’t able to come along, you can still write to your MP using this tool. We also encourage you to follow up with your MP in a few months’ time to see what they have done to encourage the Government to take bold action climate change.

Operation Noah Supporters’ Day

Thank you to everyone who attended our AGM and Supporters’ Day on 13 June. On the day, we heard about plans for the Pilgrimage to Paris this November and the People’s Pilgrimage taking place over the course of this year. In workshops, we explored fossil fuel disinvestment, mobilising our church communities on climate change, getting involved with Pray and Fast for the Climate, and faith and activism.

Revd Alex Mabbs from Brighthelm URC Church joined Operation Noah’s Board, and we said goodbye to Isabel Carter, our former Chair, and Sunniva Taylor from Quaker Peace and Social Witness. You can read more about Operation Noah’s Board of Trustees here.

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New resource: Are fossil fuel companies ‘Otherwise Engaged’ when it comes to climate change?

Bright Now has produced a new report, Otherwise Engaged, critically examining the Church of England and Methodist Church’s new policies on shareholder engagement with fossil fuel companies. The report poses seven questions we believe Churches must address before seeking engagement with the fossil fuel industry.

Upcoming events

29-30 August: Cycling pilgrimage for the climate from London to Paris, Westminster Justice and Peace www.westminsterjp.wordpress.com/2015/03/24/cycling-pilgrimage-to-paris

16 September: Baked Alaska theatre tour opening night, York www.ridinglights.org/baked-alaska

18-19 September: Reconciling a Wounded Planet, Coventry Cathedral www.reconcilingawoundedplanet.com

26 September: Earth Year – the Conversation, St John’s, Waterloo, London www.earthyear.org/events/the-conversation

17 October: Disinvest to Reinvest – Investing for a just economy http://disinvestoreinvest.eventbrite.co.uk

29 November: Global Day of Action for the Climate. Operation Noah is hoping to organise an ecumenical service in London to support the day – look out for more information in the next newsletter.

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