No Faith in Fossil Fuels: Why I’m walking

Cadet Lizzy Kitchenside reflects on taking part in the No Faith in Fossil Fuels pilgrimage to parliament.

I am joining the No Faith in Fossil Fuels march because I believe that there is a better way and a brighter future possible for the planet, but this can only happen with a radical change in society and policy. As prophetic voices speak out against climate change, the Church and individual Christians must show support and join the movement in order for change to take place.

Caring for creation is a fundamental value in my Christian faith. Believing that God created the planet and all its inhabitants calls me to be a good steward of the Earth. It is also integral to the way that I live out these core beliefs and values in my everyday lifestyle.

Each training session of cadets at William Booth College has a sessional name. Mine is the Defenders of Justice. A verse that is often associated with this session is Micah 6:8, which calls us to ‘act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God’. There is nothing just or merciful about the climate crisis; it is one of the biggest injustices we face today, threatening the very people The Salvation Army seeks to serve worldwide. Each of us is called by this verse to be ‘defenders of justice’, and so we must speak out against the climate crisis.

The legacy of The Salvation Army is one of radical and revolutionary followers of Jesus who spoke powerfully and prophetically into society, in order to bring about justice and the Kingdom of God. Joining the No Faith in Fossil Fuels march is one way of doing just that: standing up for what we believe in and joining with God’s people and prophets in order to see his Kingdom realised.

As Christians, we are invited to partner God in building his Kingdom here on Earth. I firmly believe the Kingdom of God is a green Kingdom. A place with enough food for everyone to eat around the table, bountiful crops, safe and secure housing, equality and equity, thriving wildlife and biodiversity – fullness of life for all with Jesus. It almost sounds like Eden, God’s original intention for humanity.

By fighting against climate change, we partner God in building his Kingdom here on Earth. By ignoring the climate crisis, we risk destroying God’s beautiful creation. Our inaction speaks just as loudly as our action.

By walking, my hope is that the government and those in positions of power might listen and put into place the policy and legislation needed to secure a safe future – and, in doing so, build a safer and brighter future for all of God’s creation.

And so I walk. For my future, for the planet, for justice and, most importantly, for my God.

No faith in fossil fuels

On Friday 21 April, Salvationists and other Christians will meet at St John’s Church, Waterloo, to pray for leaders to take action to tackle the climate crisis. The church service will be followed by a walk to parliament to call for the government to stop new investment in fossil fuels.

If you plan to attend, email the Environmental Office on environment@salvationarmy.org.uk.