St John’s Church and St Josephs Church hold climate vigil in Newbury marking start of COP28

Churches in Newbury have come together to mark the beginning of COP28.

COP 28 is the United Nations’ 28th climate change conference and it begins today (November 30).

St John’s Church and St Joseph’s Church congregated for a climate vigil on November 24.

Groups walked with lanterns and candle lights from various points in town and met in the Market Place to reflect together.

There were readings and a moment of silence, offering the attendees - of around 60 people - to think about the planet’s future.

“This was an act of hope but also of concern,” said Reverend Gary Collins, who led St John’s out to the Market Place.

“We have done this for the last two years, we try to take environmental concerns very seriously.

“This was another go but trying to draw more people together to bear witness to our sense of both our fear and concern and also hope and solidarity.

“A reminder to anyone who is concerned about these things that you are not alone.”

He added: “I think people felt encouraged.

“At St Johns we are very concerned about climate change because it affects, very often, the most vulnerable people in the world.”