1,649.3 kilometres lie behind them: At the end of last week, the climate pilgrims reached Glasgow and with it the 26th UN Climate Change Conference. In 77 days, they crossed Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and Great Britain.
In the morning, the climate pilgrims from St. Ninian's High School were sent off towards Glasgow with congratulations. The headmaster of the school thanked them for their effort and for the sign they had set by making the long pilgrimage.
In the early afternoon, accompanied by rain, the climate pilgrims reached Glasgow and the Chapel and Tomb of St Mungo. There they were warmly welcomed by priests Mark Johnston and Martin Johnston. A champagne reception was organised for them outside the cathedral and each climate pilgrim received a red rose for their efforts and commitment. In the smallest circle, a very personal devotion was held for the now international group of pilgrims. Together they sang and prayed. Meanwhile, the question arose as to how the climate pilgrims now felt. In a very personal and moving atmosphere, some climate pilgrims told of their experiences and their wishes for the future. Many were stunned that the climate pilgrimage had come to an end for them. They spoke of how they will remember the time together with their fellow campaigners for a long time to come. At the same time, they all agreed that they can be very proud of themselves for having completed such a journey to set an example for the global crisis. Nevertheless, they stressed that now the real work starts. Now politicians and other actors have to negotiate the future changes in our global society. That is why the climate pilgrims will be following the negotiations at the 26th UN Climate Change Conference in the coming two weeks with great attention.
Afterwards, all climate pilgrim groups were invited to a happy get-together in the Gurdwara Singh Sabha temple. Here, the Swedish and German pilgrim groups, who have now become a joint group on their way from Münster to Glasgow, had another opportunity to connect with other pilgrim groups. Special thanks went to all the organisers.
A small anecdote on the side: a small group of the climate pilgrims accidentally headed for the wrong Singh temple. There, too, there was a happy reunion. The four climate pilgrims were warmly welcomed and invited to eat with them. Later, it turned out that a joint meal is held here every Friday. The small group was touched by how naturally they were invited by the Indian community to share their meal with them.
Already on Saturday, the first demonstration took place in Glasgow city centre. In about 90 minutes, the demonstration marched from Glasgow Green to Georg Square. Together with Grandparents for Future, Extinction Rebellion, the group "Coat of Hope", Colombian delegations, Christian Aid and many more, the climate pilgrims pointed out the current and acute obstacles and problems regarding climate change. The demonstration was accompanied by drum music and samba dancers. Of course, the climate pilgrims met some groups they had already met on their way through Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, and the UK. "During the march, I had the opportunity to talk to some of the people and find out what their motivations were," says Wolfgang Löbnitz, one of the first climate pilgrims.
Yesterday, finally, a special vigil took place. Together with representatives of various religions, words and thoughts were shared on the 26th UN Climate Change Conference. Afterwards, Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus, indigenous people, and spiritual people prayed for the climate in their own way.
Projektbüro 5. Ökumenischer Pilgerweg für Klimagerechtigkeit
Institut für Kirche und Gesellschaft der Evangelischen Kirche von Westfalen