Sikhs join religious leaders in submitting appeal to US State Department on climate
Washington
Global environmental organization EcoSikh represented the Sikh community at a large prayer rally of various religious leaders outside the US Department of State to amplify the issue of the climate emergency ahead of the 26th UN Conference of the Parties on climate change (COP26) in Glasgow.
A rally was held following the ‘Faith and Science’ conference hosted by Pope Francis, where religious leaders jointly appealed to world leaders to set ambitious goals to fight change climate, the group said in a statement. Tuesday’s statement.
Jesse Young, senior advisor to Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Change John Kerry, received the copy of the statement from the religious leaders.
COP26 in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12 is the last ray of hope as the earth faces an unprecedented ecological crisis, he said.
“It is up to all of us to take action against the current crisis, it is our responsibility to ensure that our politicians take the necessary action for the best of mankind,” said EcoSikh President Rajwant Singh, who is one of four US signatories to appeal it.
“The religions of the world have yet to realize the potential impact they can have. Today’s gathering is an important opportunity in this direction, â€he said.
According to Young, denominations have a real voice to bring to this process.
“We need you to elevate us to do the right thing. Hold us accountable when we fail. We need your voices, we need your communities. We need your work to preserve our national natural heritage and God’s creation, â€said Young.
“As people of faith and conscience, we understand that the climate crisis is a spiritual crisis and that our beliefs call on us to prioritize the health and well-being of those who are most vulnerable,†said Reverend Susan Hendershot, President of Interfaith Power and Léger.
“Climate disasters and pollution are killing and destroying communities in the United States and around the world. It is our sacred calling to act. The United States has a moral responsibility to accelerate ambition and take care of the most vulnerable at COP26, â€he added.