Crowds... and fear... and hope
I travelled on the train, and arrived at St John's Waterloo, a church on the south side of the Thames (Parliament is on the north side) just after 10am, where hundreds of people had already arrived.
This was the beginning of a Christian day of action and pilgrimage. We had an inspiring panel discussion with Christian peers from the Climate Committee in the House of Lords, and representatives from a Christian NGO, and from Christian Climate Action. The discussion was interrupted by a well-known climate denier, but we drowned him out by singing Amazing Grace, and he was escorted from the building.
One conclusion from the discussion was - don't think your actions, emails, and letters go unnoticed. Contact your MP and others.
Then followed a service in the church, led by people from all walks of life - children, people from tropical countries, the international charity Tearfund, the Salvation Army, and the former Archbishop of York, John Sentamu.
We walked in pilgrimage - at least 1,400 of us, with several bishops and dozens of Christian clergy - to Parliament Square, via the Shell building, where Archbishop John tried to hand-deliver a letter from all the Christian organisations at the service, which simply asked for a meeting.
Shell called the police.
What fear, it strikes me now.
I must confess, I am no fan of crowds, but I knew many people there that day, and it was a peaceful witness to the difficulties the world is facing, and which, unless we act together, we may not overcome. Walking and working in solidarity with others, listening - really listening - to the stories coming from other countries - acting intentionally and deliberately out of love and compassion - praying, reading and writing - these are ways in which we and the world may be changed.
Today Shell has announced record profits.
