December 10, 2009

Tens of thousands of people have taken up the challenge to ‘tread gently' in step with the U.N. Climate Change talks at Copenhagen by visiting the Church of England's online Advent calendar in the 10 days since it opened at http://www.whywearewaiting.com. Current figures stand at more than 30,000 viewings.

"I'm delighted that so many people are logging on to hear the stories and take up the challenges to ‘tread gently' this Advent," Bishop John Pritchard of Oxford said. "With Copenhagen upon us, it's hard to imagine a more timely moment to slow down and consider our care for God's creation. In common with many Christians, I am praying for our world leaders to be brave rather than cautious, prophetic rather than defensive. In the meantime, we can all make a difference at a local level by our more thoughtful stewardship of the earth."

With the theme "Ready Steady Slow," each door of the calendar opens onto a video story, challenge, prayer and reflection from church leaders and 20 Church of England dioceses and agencies.

On Dec. 10, Bishop James Jones of Liverpool reflects on the Church of England's Climate Justice Fund urging visitors to cut the carbon for the sake of the poor.

This Sunday, Dec. 13, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will preach at an ecumenical service at the Lutheran Cathedral in Copenhagen. Williams reflected on the climate change talks in a special message on the calendar on Advent Sunday (Nov. 29).

At the end of the high profile service in Copenhagen, churches across the world will ring their bells in support of an agreement at the talks. Canterbury Cathedral will ring a Quarter Peal of about 1,260 changes and many other churches across the country will also take part.

The launch videocast for the calendar includes a challenge from Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town Desmond Tutu, as well as messages from the U.K.'s international development secretary Douglas Alexander and the Archbishop of York John Sentamu.

Episcopal News Service
Church of England