In a statement that marks the end of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, church leaders who make up the ecumenical partnership of Churches Together In South London issued the following joint statement:
On climate justice:
- Following the conversations at COP26 in November, we call on the Government to keep their promises and to go further and faster, to protect the people of South London and also our sisters and brothers around the world whose homes are sinking right now due to rising sea levels.
- We ask individuals to consider their own carbon emissions and make some small changes such as reducing consumption of animal products and using active modes of travel.
On welcoming displaced people:
- We all recognise that no one wants to leave their home and become a refugee and where people are forced out of their homes, we want to be a country that welcomes them as guests and treats them with warmth and dignity. We ask the Government to expand safe alternative routes to asylum, to treat every individual with respect regardless of how they travelled here, ensure that families can be reunited and welcome at least 10,000 people each year.
- Faith groups play a hugely important role in welcoming refugees and supporting asylum seekers, whether that is providing warm clothes and toys for families living in hotels, helping new arrivals to learn English and find work, or spending time with parents and children providing a safe space to play and chat.
On the Covid-19 vaccine:
- We know that some people have concerns and fears about the Covid-19 vaccination, and we do not underestimate these. Current reliable scientific advice is that the vaccine offers the best way to control the pandemic and help to save lives. Each of our Christian traditions allows for the vaccine to be received for these purposes. It is believed that the vaccine will reduce the impact of Covid-19 and lessen the pressure on the NHS. This is our prayer as we trust in God and commend the vaccine.
- As restrictions are lifted, the most vulnerable members of our community are put at most risk. Let us love our neighbours by taking care and utilising precautionary measures such as wearing masks, sanitising and social distancing in order to protect those for whom Covid-19 poses the greatest danger.
- For information about the vaccine and when you may be offered it, please see https://selondonccg.nhs.uk/what-we-do/covid-19/covid-19-vaccine.
Pictured: Rt Revd Dr Karowei Dorgu, Chair, Churches Together in South London
