People of all faiths and none were invited to join Christian Climate Action members on a pilgrimage along different sections of the Thames Path.

These London-based pilgrimages were part of a nationwide weekend of walking and prayer that was been organised by CCA. Each one represented and reflected the growing number of people, from all walks of life, who have a passion for justice and peace in their own locality and across the world as together we face the challenge of the climate crisis.

The final leg was on Sunday 10th September from Putney to Richmond

Judith Russenberger writes:

Out of thirteen pilgrimages organised by Christian Climate Action across the country, four took place along the Thames including the one from Putney to Richmond. Our small band of pilgrims were sent off with a blessing and prayers led by John Whitaker, vicar of St Mary’s Putney. As we followed the Thames Path upstream we paused to give thanks for the beauty and benefits of the river and its environment, as well as lament our shortcomings in caring for both its vitality and for our failure to ensure justice for the vulnerable in our local and global communities.

Our recurring refrain was Let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never failing stream (Amos 5:24) and one of this year’s tag lines for creation-tide. Halfway we benefited from the welcomed hospitality offered by St Mary’s Mortlake as especially with the heat we needed to refill water bottles and enjoy the cool of the church. Exhausted (slightly fewer in number) but exultant we finally reached Richmond Bridge closing with a modern Franciscan blessing:

May God bless us with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, so that we may live deep within our hearts.
May God bless us with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that we may work for justice, freedom, and peace.
May God bless us with tears to shed for those who suffer from pain, rejection, hunger, and war, so that we may reach out our hands to comfort them and turn their pain into joy.
And may God bless us with enough foolishness to believe that we can make a difference in this world, so that we can do what others claim cannot be done, to bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.
Amen.

For more information about Christian Climate Action visit https://christianclimateaction.org/ where similar events in the future will be advertised.