Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Bishops' Bright Idea: Give Up Carbon for Lent

Brits urge faithful to fast to cut emissions, fight global warming

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 5, 2008 12:05 PM CST
Email

(Newser) – For many Christians, Lent is a time to forgo chocolate or ice cream, but two senior British bishops have a better idea: “fasting” away your carbon footprint. “The poor are already suffering the effects of climate change,” says Liverpool’s bishop. “To carry on regardless of their plight is to fly in the face of Christian teaching.”

With the Bishop of London, he’s calling on the faithful to spend at least the next 40 days doing the little things—avoiding plastic bags, insulating homes, and so forth, the BBC reports. London's bishop called for individuals to step up, saying it’s not enough “to point the finger of blame at others and demand that somebody should act for us.”

Bishops Dr. Richard Chartres and James Jones are launching the first Carbon Fast at Trafalgar Square in association with the aid agency Tearfund.
Bishops Dr. Richard Chartres and James Jones are launching the first "Carbon Fast" at Trafalgar Square in association with the aid agency Tearfund.   (tearfund.org)
A factory in the UK is seen in this undated file photo. Two prominent bishops are urging British citizens to trim their carbon emissions for Lent, this year.
A factory in the UK is seen in this undated file photo. Two prominent bishops are urging British citizens to trim their carbon emissions for Lent, this year.   (Shutterstock.com)
A factory in the UK is seen in this undated file photo. Two prominent bishops are urging British citizens to trim their carbon emissions for Lent, this year.
A factory in the UK is seen in this undated file photo. Two prominent bishops are urging British citizens to trim their carbon emissions for Lent, this year.   (Shutterstock.com)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

Scientists isolate global warming hot spots
Guardian (UK)

UK lawmakers call for green taxes, minister of climate
Telegraph (UK)

Lent's also a good time for tough financial adjustments
Seacoast Online

 
climate change • Christianity • carbon footprint • religion • chocolate • Church of England • Lent

More Newser Stories

Hate Halloween? Celebrate 'Jesus Ween'

Crosses to Be Removed From San Diego Hillside

Coming to Kentucky: Creationism Theme Park

Faithful Flock to Jesus Theme Park

Tea Party Steeped in Global Warming Doubt
NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne