Arriving at York Minster with the two Margarets (Margaret Blatchford and Margaret Hinman) before 8.00 am on 21st April, we were struck by the grandeur of the building when it is virtually empty. Other members of the working party were busy in York St John University (Barbara Hungin, Carol Cross and Robert Thornily-Walker) making sure that everything was in place for part two of the event. As ever, Emma Casson, our administrator, had been very busy at both locations.
So this was the day after months of preparation. An Ecumenical Service with Archbishop Sentamu and Bishop Terry Drainey as well as the Dean and Chapter of York Minster and representatives from the Methodist Church, Northern Baptist Association and the United Reformed Church. The afternoon would be spent in York St John University. Both the Dean and Chapter at York Minster and the staff at York St John University had given so much to ensure the day was successful.
The welcome and opening prayer was given by Bishop Terry: “We have gathered as God’s people in his holy presence to give thanks for the gift of his creation…” This was followed by the Reverend John Claydon (Regional Minister, Northern Baptist Association): “Let us confess our shortcomings in our care for the whole of God’s creation…” In the first reading, Anne Murison of the United Reformed Church said: “We went to the moon and it was the earth we discovered. No boundaries are visible on its surface. It is a tiny miraculous and beautiful planet floating in a vast Universe.” There were many other beautiful readings and statements by the Very Reverend Keith James, Dean of York and others. In the Dismissal, both Bishop Terry and Archbishop Sentamu spoke. The Archbishop said: “… inspire us to delight in diversity and be builders of community, caring and working for a sustainable future.”
Over 350 church representatives were present in the Minster, many of whom then made the journey to York St John University for the presentations by CAFOD, Tear Fund, Christian Aid, Operation Noah and many other charities and organisations involved in practical work to encourage a sustainable future both in our country and abroad. The workshop programme involved over ten options and the event was lively and informative. A special thanks to Bishop Terry who was able to spend the whole day in York, a source of encouragement in the Minster and the University.
What next? We have held Common Good Conferences since the launch of Cardinal Hume’s contribution to Catholic Social Teaching in 1997. This was the first ecumenical conference and an important “marker” for future activity. So many conferences are worthy and informative but become a distant memory in our learning. We have decided to make Our Christian Response to Climate Change an action plan for the next few years and suspend other conference choices. We will be encouraging parishes and church organisations to follow sustainable and energy saving programmes, all within an ecumenical framework. We will work with both regional and national organisations and charities to support local campaigns. We will engage with the Government and local politicians on the most important challenge we face in caring for our planet. We will have a regular ‘Green Corner’ in the Voice and other Anglican, Methodist and other denominational newsletters. Above all, we need your help. If you would like to take part in our campaign, please contact Emma Casson on 07879 372999, E-mail cconclimatechange@gmail.com and www.cconcc.wikispaces.com
Our hopes were summed up by the words of Owen Duffy, a young man from Bootham Quaker School, who said in the Minster: “We thank you, God, for all signs of hope that keep us from despairing. Guide and direct us all toward new ways of living.”
John Hinman
Chair of Ecumenical Steering Group, Mission Earth