Here are four ideas for experiencing COP28 as a Christian

Challenge leaders through silence

Many networks – including Fondacio, Jesuit Province, Struggle and Contemplation, LSM – are organizing an hour of silence in public space during COP28. The ambition is to highlight environmental issues in a “visible, respectful and inclusive manner” in a humble gesture and “to challenge decision-makers on their power to act”. Messages can be conveyed by signs, banners and leaflets.

Everyone is invited to participate in these circles of silence. Christians can pray that those participating in the COP will be inspired by the Holy Spirit and take responsibility.

A five-week online spiritual retreat

From November 30 to December 13, Hozana put together a five-week digital retreat in preparation for COP28. Accompanied by Laudato si’ And Laudate Deum, the prayer network designed this retreat as a path to follow. In fact, every Monday, a short video, a text of reflection as well as a proposal for prayer and action will be suggested to you “to learn to becoming ever more guardians of the Creation that God entrusts to us.” Hozana published a beautiful Prayer for COP28 to discover now on their page. Nearly 1,300 participants are currently following this initiative, why not you? Three solutions are available to you: follow the current retreat, start at the time of registration or according to a date that you determine.

Walk for the climate

On December 3, 2023, the climate march will take place in Brussels. On this occasion, the Belgian bishops are mobilizing and inviting Christians to join this demonstration and to carry this concern for the common home in their prayers. Some bishops will be present such as Mgr Jean-Pierre Delville, Bishop of Liège. All European Catholic organizations will also be present at this climate march.

The march is organized by Coalition Climat, an association which brings together more than 90 Belgian civil society organizations and in particular Mutualité Chrétienne, the Confederation of Christian Unions (CSC), the Catholic Youth Council, Ecokerk, as well as Entraide and Fraternity. More details and practical information on this event on their website.

An Advent calendar dedicated to our common Home

The Laudato si’ movement offers to download an Advent calendar combining this liturgical time with our concern for Creation. It presents itself as a guide which offers, every day before Christmas, prayers and actions related to COP28. The calendar is free and can be downloaded from the Christian movement website.