COP26 and beyond: Net Zero and a Just, Green Future

https://www.ecocongregationscotland.org/event/agm2021

As Scotland welcomes the world to COP26, hear how you can get involved – and look forward to Net Zero carbon and a Just, Green Future.

Eco-Congregation Scotland Annual Gathering brings churches and volunteers together from all over Scotland to consider ‘COP26 and beyond’.

With the COP26 United Nations climate conference taking place in Glasgow this November, we look at how to get involved in worship, action and advocacy.

We offer a warm welcome to the world, encouraging sign-up to offer booked accommodation for those who have available rooms around Glasgow or en route, with the new COP26 homestay network – developed in partnership by Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, the UK civil society COP26 Coalition and Human Hotel.

We also look beyond COP26, to consider community potential towards Net Zero carbon emissions – and the need for a just and green recovery from coronavirus that addresses the climate emergency.

The event concludes with the charity’s Annual General Meeting and ‘A Prayer for COP’ from Eco-Chaplain Rev David Coleman.

This year presents a unique opportunity for transformation, helping local churches commit to action tackling the climate crisis, through our volunteers and supporters across the country. Please register today and join the discussion on COP26 and beyond.

COP26 and beyond: Net Zero and a Just, Green Future

Annual Gathering

10.00am Opening reflection – Rev David Coleman, Eco-Chaplain with Eco-Congregation Scotland

10.05am Welcome and introductions – Mary Sweetland, Eco-Congregation Scotland chairperson

10.10am Keynote speaker – Rev James Bhagwan, Secretary of the Pacific Conference of Churches, pre-recorded video shared from Fiji on the impact of climate change on Pacific islands and the faith-inspired response of churches

10.25am COP26, what is it all about and how can you get involved? – Kat Jones, COP26 Project Manager for Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, on what happens at COP26 and how we can all be part of civil society activities towards and during the climate conference

10.35am COP26 Briefing and Workshops – Adrian Shaw, Eco-Congregation Scotland and Interfaith Scotland COP26 volunteer, outlines our regular monthly update on COP and how to get involved, opening workshop discussion on key themes for church involvement:

• Hospitality and Welcome – COP26 Logistics Coordinators Flick Monk from Friends of the Earth Scotland and Nick Cullen of Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, encouraging churches and volunteers to offer accommodation for visitors, activists and pilgrims
• Worship and Prayer – Rev David Coleman, Eco-Chaplain, offering support and ideas for Climate Sunday services, Creation Time and spiritual life, engaging with churches throughout Scotland
• Practical Action – Judith Macleod, Eco-Congregation Scotland Programme Coordinator, sharing ideas for conversations, training and activities to tackle the climate crisis through local action and transformation
• Campaigns and Advocacy – Christian Aid Scotland Campaigns and Advocacy Coordinator Fiona Buchanan, offering opportunities for churches and volunteers to speak up for climate justice, campaigning in partnership here and globally

Speakers will open each workshop in a large group on one of four themes for 10 minutes of presentation and possible time for questions, before we all break into small groups to discuss:

1. How we hope to get involved on our chosen theme in this year of COP26
2. What further information or resources we would like to support this

11.00am Break

11.10am Plenary Workshop Feedback – short verbal feedback on each theme.

All participants will receive a short online form they can complete during or after the meeting for more detailed feedback from individuals and small groups

11.25am Beyond COP26 – Net Zero and a Just, Green Future

We consider community potential for a Net Zero carbon future with Dave Pearson, Director of Star Renewable Energy. We also hear from Jane Herbstritt, Global Justice Now Scottish campaigner, about the need to support a Just and Green Recovery from coronavirus that tackles inequality and addresses the climate emergency. Guest speakers followed by Question and Answer session.

12.00pm A Prayer for COP – Rev David Coleman, Eco-Chaplain

12.05pm Break

12.15pm Annual General Meeting

All are welcome to attend the AGM, although only a Full Member (or a proxy) representing an individual church with Membership of the charity has voting rights.

1. Welcome – Mary Sweetland, Eco-Congregation Scotland chairperson
2. Apologies for absence
3. Approval of Minutes from 2020 AGM
4. Chairperson’s Report on the activities of Eco-Congregation Scotland
5. Annual Accounts and Financial Report – Mark Kirkbride, treasurer
6. Any Questions?
7. Appointment of Auditors
8. Election / re-election of Trustees
9. Any other competent business

12.45pm Closing Devotional – led by Rev David Coleman, Eco-Chaplain

1.00pm Annual Gathering and AGM closes – followed by open opportunity for informal chat in breakout rooms