Quakers in Britain have been actively engaging in grassroots action for climate change. Highlights of recent action are detailed below.
Loving Earth (LE) Exhibition:
The LE Exhibition is part of the Quaker Arts Network, and comprises textile panels that have been made in workshops considering the question: what do you love? The idea is that, while making the panels, participants reflect on their love for the Earth and their concern with what is happening to the climate. Quakers in Britain made this film and interviewed Jaya, a young Quaker about her responses to it.
Defend our Juries:
Defend Our Juries is a movement of grassroots activists, involving many Quakers, to raise awareness of defendants and juries being influenced by judges. In the U.K., there are growing accounts of defendants being instructed not to use terms such as ‘climate change;. In response, DoJ held a people’s assembly inside the Royal Courts of Justice. Watch Quakers in Britain’s film of the action here.
On the same theme, a retired social worker, Trudi Warner, took (copied onto a placard) a piece of writing from on the wall in The Old Bailey (Central London Criminal Court) that reminds juries of their right to ”give their verdict according to their convictions” and stood outside court with it. Trudi was arrested for contempt of court and tried last month, the case was thrown out.
In response, Quakers and other climate campaigners put on this event that reenacted the original case that brought the writing to the wall of the Old Bailey. Watch this invitation video, made by Quakers in Britain, to find out the distinctly Quaker history.
Climate Choir:
The Climate Choir was started by a Quaker from Bristol called Jo Flannagan. They featured in the Penn and Mead video and have been present at actions throughout the last few years raising awareness of climate change through song. Find out more here.
Insurance activism:
Many Quakers are concerned about insurance companies and their involvement with the fossil fuel industry. A vigil was held (see this article here) and more direct action, including meetings for worship inside the offices of the insurers, are planned.
Climate Vigils:
Friends have also been involved in ongoing climate vigils throughout the country. You can hear a number of them share their experiences here and news of some others in our most recent here.
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QUAKERS & CLIMATE CHANGE WORLDWIDE 