Launch of Operation Noah Rainbow Procession

Hundreds of Christian campaigners will undertake a colourful procession through Coventry, wearing rainbow colours, on Saturday 9 October for the official launch of Operation Noah, the new Church-led Climate Change Campaign. 

The day is organised by Christian Ecology Link (CEL) on behalf of the Environmental Issues Network of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI). It is open to people of any religious belief, or none. Both the Methodist Conference and the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church have pledged support for Operation Noah. Internationally recognised experts in the field of climate change will speak at a morning conference and Church groups will be equipped on how to tackle this crucially important issue for the future of the whole Earth community.

Christians are asked to sign a Climate Covenant calling on the UK government to lead negotiations tackling climate change; also to undertake personal lifestyle changes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are being urged to create a climate of justice for the poor and future generations.

Programme for the Day: Morning conference

9.45am - 12.40pm Coventry Methodist Central Hall, Bull Yard Speakers, in programme order:
Sir John Houghton FRS, Chairman of the John Ray Initiative and eminent meteorologist and Christian, with an update on the latest climate change science
Aubrey Meyer, of the Global Commons Institute , explaining the 'contraction and convergence' policy which presents a response to global warming
John Cridland, Deputy Director-General of the CBI exploring how business can act on climate change
Trewin Restorick, Director of Global Action Plan, presenting ideas for ways in which you can make a difference
Paul Bodenham, Campaign Coordinator for Operation Noah
Rev John Kennedy, of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland will chair the conference. 

The Rainbow Procession

2pm Sets off from Methodist Central Hall
Procession through the streets of central Coventry to the ruins of the old Cathedral, destroyed in World War II and preserved as a symbol of reconciliation. The title of the procession recalls God's promise to every living creature in the rainbow covenant (Gen. 9.8-17) and reminds human society of its responsibility to care for the Earth. Participants will be dressed in rainbow colours.  CATHEDRAL SERVICE
2.30pm  Coventry Cathedral
Bishop John Oliver, the retired Anglican Bishop of Hereford is to preside. Dr David Hallman , who co-ordinates the World Council of Churches climate change programme will give a talk during the Cathedral Service. Local schoolchildren will sing songs from 'Captain Noah and his Floating Zoo'.

Places at the morning conference must be booked. Call CEL on 01524 33858 or 01949 861 516 or email info@christian-ecology.org.uk  Press contacts:Ellen Teague, on behalf of CEL, on 020 8943 6255 or 07956 317 338 (mobile) Anne van Staveren, CTBI's Communications Officer, on 020 7654 7220 or 07939 139 881

See http://www.christian-ecology.org.uk/ for further information about Operation Noah and the launch.  Also, information about Baptist Ed Beale's 1,200 walk from Land's End to John O'Groats, which set off on 12 September to raise awareness about Operation Noah.

Source: Christian Ecology Link