On 12 November 2022, Newcastle upon Tyne Unitarians joined Newcastle Fairtrade Partnership, Friends of the Earth, and hundreds of members of the public for the Rally for Climate Justice, timed to coincide with the COP27 summit on climate change in Egypt and organised by North East Climate Justice Coalition. Campaigners and people concerned about climate change listened to speeches from local MPs and the North of Tyne Mayor at Newcastle’s Monument, then, led by the Bangshees female drumming troupe, marched up Northumberland Street to the Civic Centre.

Members of our congregation staffed a stall near Newcastle’s Civic Centre, alongside the Newcastle Fairtarde Partnership, Friends of the Earth, Divest Tyne & Wear, and many more. We found that an effective approach was to have chocolate and cake on the stall, then shout “Would you like a piece of cake and a leaflet?” People often don’t want an in-depth discussion or to sign up on the spot, but they were often willing to pop over and say hello. At the moment we are looking to get our name out there and let people know we exist and are a welcoming spiritual space for them. Thanks to everyone who staffed the stall!

Here’s an article about it: Climate campaigners march through Newcastle on COP27 Global Day of Action