On Sunday, 7th December Londoners from a diverse range of faith groups held a vigil outside Downing Street. Those assembled called on David Cameron to change the habit of a lifetime and take action to stop climate change.
The vigilers (vigiliants?) were part of an international movement which has seen over 50 vigils held across the world under the name of “Light For Lima”, as other political leaders faced similar calls for action in their own countries. Events were held in Australia, Canada, the US, India, Indonesia and Hong Kong. The initiative to hold the vigils was taken by the campaign group Our Voices which is trying to co-ordinate pressure on world leaders who are currently holding climate talks in Lima, Peru.
Shehroze Khan from MADE in Europe, a Muslim youth group, who performed some poetry at the event, explained why he came along. “I’m here to show my support for a safe and liveable planet and to put pressure on the UK Government that we mean business in our wishes to ensure that our planet is habitable for all people, now, and for future generations. I see this as part of my duty as a Muslim, but also as a British citizen, and as a global citizen who cares that people in vulnerable countries around the world are protected from the destruction we’re currently witnessing because of climate change.”
Shehroze was one of a number of artists who performed at the event, with songs from the Hackney Harmony choir, and food and music provided by musicians Jenny Matthias and Food For All – Feeding the Poor. The event concluded with a two minute prayer of silence to acknowledge the typhoon currently occurring in the Philippines – a country still recovering from the devastating super storm Haiyan of 2013, which claimed 7000 lives and is widely blamed on climate change.
“What’s happening in the Philippines feels very timely”, said Jenny Falkirk, a student from Imperial College, London. “In knowing what’s happening there is caused because of our dependence on fossil fuels we are asked to morally respond and act. So I came because I care and I want our leaders to hear that I care. What’s beautiful here is that climate change brings people together, regardless of our differences in faith or culture or background. It forces us to think about the bigger picture of our future, and care about human life beyond profit, about health above the endless growth of the economy.”