Val Harrison from Birmingham Progressive Synagogue writes on how Climate Pilgrims inspired their community
Climate heating affects us all and it often seems as if we can do little to help reverse it. In a way, we can all be climate activists, even if we only make small changes; after all, an oak tree starts as an acorn. With global leaders gathering in Glasgow for COP26, a group of activists walked from London to Glasgow where they hoped at least to meet some influential people and emphasise the urgency to walk the walk instead of merely talking the talk, which is what nations have done for far too long. It isn’t someone else’s responsibility - it lies with every one of us.
The group were multi-faith and none and covered a wide age range – one lady I spoke to was 75. They had overnighted at Carr’s Lane Church and came to us at Birmingham Progressive Synagogue (BPS) for lunch. Greeted by Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi and David Harrison, as members of BPS were decorating our Sukkah, they were interested to learn about Sukkot and to visit our building with its environmentally aware features such as zoned heating and lighting, which can partially or wholly illuminate areas as required. We all had a chance to hear from the walkers about the people they had met on their route and how they were encouraged by the interest and friendliness they had encountered. Although they had walked from London (over 110 miles if you are wondering) and still had about 280 miles to go, they weren’t at all daunted by the task. They were going to spend another night in Birmingham and were to be joined the following day by a contingent who were walking up from Bristol.
They had with them a Pilgrim’s Coat, made of cotton and felt, which was being embellished as they went along with embroidered and appliqué squares made by members of their organisation and sewn on as they were received. Some of us were invited to wear the coat and for those few minutes we became Climate Pilgrims, symbolically walking alongside the group. I felt privileged do this.
So who were these Pilgrims? I deliberately have kept that to the end of this article because I didn’t want anyone to switch off if I told you earlier, as I know some people have rather strong views. They were members of Extinction Rebellion - yes, the same people who sit down in city centres and on motorway slip roads and bring things, inconveniently for some, to a halt. They were doing this walk not just because it matters to them but because what they are trying to draw attention to what matters to us all. They had put their lives on hold for something about which they are seriously worried, even though they had no high expectation they would be able to have much, if any, influence on world leaders.
They asked us to contact our own Members of Parliament to express our concerns about global heating and urge them to take action rather than just talk about it. We promised that we would and wished them good luck as they went on their way.
We may not be able to do big things in our own lives to combat climate change, and the task may seem overwhelming, but if every person makes small contributions, they all add up. If we all regard ourselves as an acorn, think what a huge forest we could all become and how much good we could do collectively.
By Rabbi Dr Margaret Jacobi
Inspired by meeting the Pilgrims, and in particular by Stephen Marcus’ talk to our Synagogue [only Jew who walked the full 500 miles], I joined the ‘Caministas’ for the next part of their Camino to COP26 walk. We started at Newcastle-under-Lyme, where they had stayed overnight at the Quaker Meeting House. Before setting off, we gathered in a circle to focus on the day ahead. The walk would be nearly 13 miles and it was well organised to ensure that the 25 of us who were walking crossed roads safely and weren’t lost on the way. On the way, I was able to talk to some of the Caministas, including a barrister, a retired careers adviser and a teacher. They ranged in age from their 20s to their 70s, and we were also joined for the day by an eight-year-old boy. Some had been involved in climate activism for years. For others, it had been more of a sudden realisation of the need to do something when they had encountered Extinction Rebellion. As we walked, we gave out leaflets explaining our purpose and most people were enthusiastic to hear our message. Passing cars tooted on the way to show their support. There was a clear sense that people were concerned about climate change and wanted the COP26 conference to take the action needed. Some of those I met had come to the walk from a religious background, others had no formal faith, but, as one said to me: “I do have a faith now, in our work together.”