Faith leaders from the Muslim, Jewish, Catholic and Anglican faiths in the UK have written to Andy Burnham MP, calling on him to prioritise action on climate and nature as he takes up his role as the new Prime Minister.
At a panel event by faith leaders during London Climate Action Week, Climate Minister Katie White listened and responded to the leaders and commended faith communities for continuing to make action on climate a priority.
The letter has been coordinated by CAFOD, Christian Aid, EcoJudaism and Islamic Relief, working together. Building on a year of collective engagement with ministers and officials in the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, it urges Mr Burnham to put climate and nature at the heart of his government’s mission, suggesting seven steps as follows:
Make climate and nature central to national renewal, with every department accountable for delivery.
Accelerate the transition to clean, affordable energy, measured not by policies announced, but by emissions cut, homes improved and bills brought down.
Restore nature at scale, so future generations inherit a richer natural environment than we do today.
Deliver a just transition, so no worker, farmer or community is left behind.
Make polluters pay, from sewage in our rivers to emissions from major industries.
Lead internationally with integrity, honouring our commitments and supporting the poorest countries facing the worst impacts.
Deliver a strong G20 Presidency, by taking action on debt, tax and illicit financial flows enabling greater finance for Global South countries for sustainable development and climate.
The care and future of our natural world is a concern shared by members of all Abrahamic faiths, and the leaders look forward to deepening their engagement with Mr Burnham’s government on an issue which is central to the millions of people of faith in the UK and around the world.
Signatories:
The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and Church of England lead bishop for the environment
Rabbi Jonathan Witternberg OBE, Senior Rabbi of Masorti Judaism
Bishop John Arnold, Bishop of Salford and Lead Bishop for the Environment in the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales
Shaykh Ibrahim Mogra, Co-Chair of the Christian Muslim Forum
For more information or interview requests, please contact:
Rosalind Mayfield, CAFOD Media Lead
Melissa Nethersole, CAFOD Media Officer
CAFOD’s out-of-hours media line
CAFOD is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, and part of Caritas Internationalis, working with communities across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to fight poverty and injustice, including those worst hit by climate change. The agency works with people in need, regardless of race, gender, religion or nationality.
CAFOD is funded mainly by voluntary donations from people in the Catholic community of England and Wales. We also receive funding from fellow Catholic charities and development agencies, the DEC, trusts and foundations, and the UK and other governments.
We believe that everyone has the right to a safe and healthy environment. We are committed to protecting and restoring the earth, as well as supporting communities to adapt to the climate crisis, so they can thrive, not just survive.
