Religious leaders unite in support of climate action
The Religious and youth leaders from Christian, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh Faith backgrounds are all set to appeal to the people to address climate change using the platform of the their religious institutes The Peacebuilding department of Diocese of Raiwind-Church organized a 3-day training In O’Spring, Murree. The workshop was held from 13-16 February, 2017. A total of 22 participants attended the training. The diverse group was comprised of participants not only from different faith backgrounds but also from different regional backgrounds. The purpose of the training was to educate religious leader about climate change and how religious leaders can use their influence to convince masses to get climate conscious and aware them of the pace of climate change now reaching devastating levels. Bishop Samuel Azariah, the Moderator Bishop of Church of Pakistan. Mr. Munir Ahmed (Graduate of Harvard University, Fulbright Scholar and Professor at Quaid-i-Azam University), Mr. Peter Jacob (seasoned journalist and ED of Center for Social Justice), Mr. Rizwan Ali (Peace practitioner and activist),Mr. Raheel Sharoon (Development Officer from the Diocese of Raiwind) and Mr. Noman Sajjad from peacebuilding department were the resource persons at the training. On the first day of the workshop, the participants from different faith background were equipped with peacebuilding and conflict resolution skills. Climate Change was discussed on the 2nd day. The workshop was concluded on the 3rd day with the formation of an action plan where the religious leaders and peace practitioners discussed about sharing this in their sermons and organizing symbolic activities that can further educate masses. The speakers mainly stressed on the much needed cooperation to curb such grave issues as they affect every single person on this planet regardless of one’s beliefs. Different activities were conducted in order to train and aware the participants. The participants were shown the movie titled, The Day after tomorrow’ which reflects on the misuse of natural resources and its grave consequences. The leaders were very open to the idea of spreading information about climate change and how they can greatly conserve the planet earth. An action plan was formulated with the purpose of inclusion of this global issue in sermons. Climate change is a global issue of many dimensions, and leaders of faith have to address the moral aspect of the matter in a push to mobilize congregations. It’s time for people of all religions to act hand in hand in a united and necessary effort to stabilize an increasingly destructive concern in “pursuit of the common good.” The need of the hour is to mobilize public action that ensures surrounding environmental sustainability.