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Follow the YCCN Relay

Rise to the moment

Follow the Young Christian Climate Network's Relay to COP26 as it passes through the Diocese of Oxford.

The Young Christian Climate Network's relay to COP26 has hit the Diocese of Oxford! We want to support this courageous initiative and show that the diocese and our parishes are deeply concerned about achieving climate justice. See the latest updates below as our bishops join the walkers and local churches host a huge variety of events to raise awareness and encourage the YCCN in their amazing endeavours. 

 

Some background
What is COP26?
What can I do?

 

Oxford

17-19 August

Leaving Kidlington and Oxford behind, the Young Christian Climate Network walkers and supporters continue their journey to Deddington via Lower Heyford.

On 18 August, the team head from Deddington to Banbury, then out to Kineton on 19 August, their last day in the Diocese of Oxford. After they leave the diocese, the walkers set their sights on Birmingham, planning to arrive on 24 August. The relay continues all the way up to Glasgow in time for the COP26 conference from 31 October to 12 November.

You can follow the YCCN's progress on their website. It's not too late to get involved! If you're hosting a climate justice event in the run-up to COP, let us know!


Oxford

16 August

The walkers made their way to Kidlington through Oxford, stopping for a slap-up lunch provided by St Peter's Wolvercote. The day's walking finished at Kidlington Baptist Church, where walkers were greeted with tea and biscuits, and Bishop Steven and Bishop Gavin joined them for dinner.

The Revd Felicity Scroggie and the Young Christian Climate Network then led an evening worship service.


Oxford

14-15 August

Having journeyed all the way from Reading to London, the Relay to COP26 team are welcomed to the Diocese of Oxford once more, coming through Buckinghamshire and on to Oxford.

On 14 August, the walkers visited Oakley and were hosted overnight by All Saints', Brill, in the Bernwode Benefice.

On Sunday, the team were welcomed to Christ Church Cathedral, where they attended the Evensong service and shared pizza with sub-dean Fr Richard Peers.


Reading

31 July - 1 August

This morning, boots lined the aisle of Reading Minster as the Rt Revd Olivia Graham, Bishop of Reading, gave a special blessing to the YCCN walkers. Read her poignant sermon below. The walkers processed to Twyford for a welcome by the Thru-Christ congregation.

Reading Minster hosted a Care for Creation service with preacher Canon Brian Davies, as the YCCN walkers continue their journey out of the diocese and into London. They're back on 14 August! On 31 July, there was a tributary walk from Wargrave - you can see some of the walkers in the video below!

A tributary walk also took place in Bracknell on 1 August, with churches from Bracknell, Windsor and Slough all gathering to support the YCCN walkers - and breaking into a quick game of rounders while they waited!

"That sense of community was a huge bonus to being part of something bigger for climate justice."

Read Bishop Olivia’s sermon

 

Why join the Relay?

Walkers share their thoughts with Hannah Ling, the diocese's social justice advisor.


Reading

30 July

The YCCN #RiseToTheMoment boat reaches Reading Minster, after a (slightly wet) pilgrims’ procession from Wesley Methodist Church. Emma Major, Licensed Lay Pioneer Minster at St Nicolas, Earley, hosts Sanctuary at Reading Minster, a climate-based art installation.


Reading

29 July

The YCCN team have been hosted by local Reading churches, including St Mary’s Burghfield, Wesley Methodist Church and Abbey Baptist.

Watch their Creative Climate Workshop, featuring Dr Peter Cook, research scientist at the University of Reading, Chloe Brimicombe and James Fallon, PhD students at the university, Dr Jo Laynesmith, co-ordinator of Reading Green Christians, and Ruth Jarman, from Green Christian and Christian Climate Action.


Reading

28 July

Bishop Olivia Graham and Maranda St John Nicolle, the diocesan World Development Advisor, joined the YCCN walkers this morning at Aldermaston Wharf as they walk towards the centre of Reading, Berkshire, where they'll spend the weekend.

At 4.30pm, Wesley Methodist Church host a Walkers' Welcome ahead of a busy schedule of events! Revd Mark Laynesmith, chaplain at the University of Reading, and Chloe Brimicombe, environmental climate science PhD researcher, spoke to BBC South Today about the importance of the walk - watch here.


Updates on YCCN from our local news stations

Page last updated: Friday 21st April 2023 10:10 AM
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