The Omega Climate Change Group started in two churches in Sheffield, St Mark’s Church , Broomhill and St Mary’s, Bramall Lane in autumn 2006. From its earliest days it has included both Christians and people with no formal faith. We have produced a course in five sessions, first used in 2007, then revised for 2008 (see below). It has been used by both church and secular groups. It includes a carbon trading game which is both fun and instructive. It is available separately (See below).
We seek to encourage people of all faiths and none to respond creatively, imaginatively and effectively to the challenge of climate change. At the moment we are seeking closer links with other faith groups. We liaise closely with other groups, especially the Sheffield Campaign against Climate Change.
We had hoped to promote a Personal Carbon Trading Exercise in collaboration with RSA Carbon but this has run into technical problems and is suspended for the moment.
Our main campaign now is Working for a cross party consensus. We are concerned that, at the moment, the state of public opinion is such that any political party would court disaster at the polls if it dared to campaign in support of the serious measures which are needed to check climate change, for example significant restrictions on car use or flights.
In view of this we are exploring ways in which the leaders of our political parties might be persuaded, before the next general election, to reach a cross party consensus on the essential and urgent action which needs to be taken.
Our argument is that cross party consensus could enable the government to act swiftly in line with the best and most up to date scientific assessment of the action that is needed (and perhaps strengthen the hand of the Committee on Climate Change). This could be a much more effective political process than just making demands on the government which, as things stand at the moment, it is most unlikely to meet.
But it is problematic and the best way to take this forward is not easy to discern. If you think that this approach has potential and you are interested in exploring this course of action (or letting us know about a similar course of action which is under way already which we could support), please contact Michael Bayley at mjbayley@btinternet.com or ring 0114 258 5248. For our latest discussion paper in the issue see below.
We believe that we do not have to give way to despair but that hope for our planet is realistic and we are acting in that belief.
“Climate change has rightly been called the most important issue of our time but what can we do about it apart from worry? This course produced by the Omega Group gives a clear outline of the nature of climate change, the challenges with which it faces us and how we can respond creatively. What I like especially, is the way it balances the personal and the political and realism and hope within the context of the great gospel truths. Do try it.”
+ Jack Nichols, Bishop of Sheffield
| “The Omega course makes a vital contribution to public action on climate change by emphasising political leadership and collective action through rationing, rather than reliance on voluntarism, as the true means for tackling the threat. We welcome the course and the hope that it expresses.” |
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| “Climate Change is an urgent reality for us all. It is also the biggest symptom of our failure to treat the earth as God’s precious creation. The Omega course helps join the scientific evidence with biblical Christian hope and with practical action at the local level. It’s a great locally-developed resource for local churches!.” Rev. Dave Bookless, National Director, A Rocha UK |
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