CIDSE launches climate justice campaign
At the UN climate talks in Poznan (Poland) this week, CIDSE, together with Caritas Internationalis, launched its Climate Justice campaign. The campaign is supported by almost 100 Bishops from all over the world.
Climate Justice campaign launched
CIDSE and Caritas Internationalis launched their climate justice campaign with a Holy Mass, a photo-event - with Bishops, campaigners and partners - and a reception.
Press conference
The press conference was well attended by both Polish and international journalists. CIDSE president Rene Grotenhuis made clear that it is the poor who suffer most from climate change, though they have done least to cause it. Bishop Theotonius Gomes of Bangladesh, as a representative of almost 100 Catholich Church leaders who support the campaign, raised his moral voice to call upon world leaders to take serious action against climate change.
Interviews
The press conference was followed by a series of one-on-one interviews with the speakers.
The presence of Polish media was particularly important, given the important role Poland plays in the climate negotiations in the EU.
Media coverage:
Christian Today "Catholic aid agencies unite for climate change justice" (6 December 2008)
APIC "Poznan: Des évêques revendiquent la Justice face au changement climatique" (7 December 2008)
Holy Mass
Hundreds of people attended the Holy Mass at the beautifully restored Fara Church in the heart of Poznan. Prayers in Polish, English, Spanish, French gave an international flavour to the Mass. CIDSE president Rene Grotenhuis introduced the campaign at the opening of the Mass, which was concelebrated by Bishop Grzegorz Balcerek of Poznan and Bishop Theotonius Gomes Bangladesh.
More than 90 Bishops call for climate justice
More than 90 Catholic Cardinals, Archbishops and Bishops from more than 30 countries had previously signed up to a statement in support of the campaign. The prelates are concerned by "the disproportionate impact human-induced climate change is having on poor and vulnerable people living in developing countries". The statement is addressed to world leaders at the UN climate conference.
Read the entire statement and see the list of signatories
About the campaign
Learn more about the campaign and take action.
