Church will not stay silent on climate change - Moderator

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland General Assembly has welcomed the launch of an online consultation on the Scottish Climate Change Bill with the promise that the Kirk will not stay silent on the issue.

The Rt Rev Sheilagh Kesting welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government's consultation, saying, "This is one of the most important ethical questions of the age and we can not stand by quietly if climate change leads to damage and destruction around the world.

"We recognise the enormous challenge of cutting greenhouse gases by 80% but it is something we have to do."

The Church of Scotland repeated the warning of many aid agencies that the effect of climate change is already being felt in communities around the world. The Kirk said that its missionary partners, particularly in Bangladesh, had already reported that climate change was impacting their part of the world.

Climate change has been placed high on the Church of Scotland agenda with the launch of the 'Responding to Climate Change' project and the recent decision to join the Stop Climate Chaos coalition.

The Church is also supporting 'eco-congregations' across Scotland to help them respond to changes in the world's climate. Eco-Congregation is an ecumenical programme that was set up to help congregations understand environmental issues and find out who practical and spiritual changes they could make to help.

"Through the work of the Church and particularly through congregations across Scotland we can make a real contribution to this task," said Rev Kesting.