22.02.2011
Church Encouraged to Support Earth Hour
As you may be aware, Earth Hour will take place on Saturday, 26 March at 8.30pm. Earth Hour will see people all around the world turn off their lights for one hour in a universal effort to show that it is possible to take action on global warming. Last year 4,000 cities in 125 countries joined Earth Hour as hundreds of millions of people turned off their lights. Dublin's Custom House and many other landmark buildings and national monuments around the country went dark for the hour.
The Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government has invited the Church of Ireland to support this initiative and make arrangements to have the lights in cathedrals and churches and those in any other buildings under the aegis of the various dioceses in the Republic switched off during this hour. In doing so, a strong message will be communicated to church members for the need to respond with sound judgments and resolute action to the reality of climate change. These churches and cathedrals would be joining some of the most recognised landmarks on the planet in switching off their lights for Earth Hour, including St Paul ’s Cathedral in London and the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro.
The Church of Ireland has been asked to promote Earth Hour through parish and diocesan newsletters and online, where possible. Further information can be found at: www.earthhour.org. The Church’s co-operation with Earth Hour would be greatly appreciated and would inspire others to play a part in working towards a sustainable future.