The services on 7 November 2021 will have a special creation theme as Glasgow engages with the COP26 Climate Change talks. Members of the Anglican Communion delegation to COP26 will be worshipping at St Mary’s and it is hoped that Archbishop Julio Murray, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Central America will preach at the 11 am service. Archbishop Julio is the Anglican Communion’s lead bishop on the environment.
Scottish Episcopal Church confirms it holds no fossil fuel investments
As world leaders gather in Glasgow for the 26th UN Climate Change Conference, the Scottish Episcopal Church can confirm that it does not hold investments in fossil fuel extraction companies.
The disposal of the last direct investment in a fossil fuel extraction company was announced at General Synod in December last year.
The SEC can also confirm that it does not currently hold indirect investments in fossil fuel extraction companies. The Church continues to engage with its fund managers to further increase the emphasis on sustainable investment and growth.
Meanwhile ahead of the start of COP26, the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Bishop Mark Strange, said: “The Scottish Episcopal Church will be in Glasgow to encourage, support and react to what is happening at COP26 because to honour God means caring for God’s creation so that we can pass it on, healing and restoring, to those who will come after us.”
COP26: CLIMATETALK
A series of online lectures on the Climate Emergency as Glasgow prepares for the COP26 Conference. Click for details.
COP26: Bells ring out in warning
The bells of St Mary’s will be ringing on 30 October 2021 at 6 pm, the eve of COP26. Bells have traditionally been used to make people aware of significant events and to sound as a warning. The bells at St Mary’s, along with bells in many other cathedrals and churches, will ring out a warning to humanity to pay heed to the climate crisis and to urge that action be taken at COP26.
COP26: Interfaith Vigil
Interfaith Glasgow and Interfaith Scotland invite people to George Square in Glasgow for a hour of vigil, prayer and meditation at the start of Scottish Interfaith Week and the start of COP26 on 31 October 2021 at 2 pm.
This year’s Scottish Interfaith Week has the theme “Together for Our Planet” and will be launched by senior religious leaders reading the “Glasgow Multi-Faith Declaration for COP26!”
To participate in this event, please register in advance.
COP26: Creation Themed Choral Evensong
There will be a special Creation Themed Choral Evensong in the University Chapel of the University of Glasgow at 6 pm on 2 November 2021. The Provost and Vice Provost will be leading this worship in their roles as Honorary Anglican Chaplains to the University. The music will be sung by the Chapel Choir.