CAFOD speak up for their love of the planet in lobby of MPs

Over 800 CAFOD supporters met with their MPs last week to lobby them about climate change and the devastating impact it’s having on people living in poverty overseas. 
In what was the biggest ever climate lobby of Parliament, groups ranging from the Women’s Institute to Greenpeace asked over 300 MPs to tackle climate change and deliver 100 per cent clean, safe energy by 2050. 
The event, Speak Up For The Love Of… , was organised by The Climate Coalition – the UK’s largest group of people dedicated to action on climate change. It took place the day before Pope Francis released his landmark encyclical Laudato Si in which he called on all people to reject a consumer culture that puts profit and relentless growth above all other considerations, including care for the Earth and the world’s poorest communities. 
Rt Rev John Sherrington, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster, who read the gospel at an ecumenical service before
the start of the lobby, said: “God calls us to look after his wonderful creation so that all our brothers and sisters in the world may flourish, especially those who are poor. 
“Climate change is a defining issue for the world today.
“Please read and engage with the Pope’s encyclical so that hearts may be converted and we may act together for the good of all.” 
Chris Bain, director of CAFOD, was at the lobby. He said: “The Catholic community has spoken up today because people will be driven deeper into poverty if climate change remains unchallenged.
“The Pope is speaking up in his landmark encyclical and now it’s the turn of David Cameron and all world leaders to take our message to the UN to achieve a fair and ambitious global climate deal that puts the poorest people in the picture.” 
In a new petition CAFOD is calling on Prime Minister David Cameron to show leadership nationally and internationally to prevent climate change pushing people deeper into poverty. 
You can sign the petition at: cafod.org.uk/oneclimate
Picture: From left to right the Anglican Bishops of Salisbury, Croydon and Kingston with the auxiliary Bishop in Westminster (John Sherrington)