The Bible calls upon us to pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:2). It also reveals how God cares deeply for people who are marginalised and oppressed, and invites us to be part of his restoration plan (Psalm 82:3).
On the 11-13 June, the UK is hosting the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Cornwall. This is a conference where leaders from the seven largest economies – the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States of America, this year also joined by South Korea, India, South Africa and Australia – will meet and discuss how they can play a strong role in tackling global challenges, such as the climate emergency.
These countries are not only some of the world’s wealthiest countries, but also the ones that produce the most pollution.
A meeting that could change the world
Leaders at the G7 summit can make commitments that help get us on a path to a fairer world – or ones that hinder this effort. They have the power to hold businesses accountable. And they can influence other leaders and governments to take action.
This has never been more important as they will be discussing how to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic – in a way that will address the climate crisis.
Recovery and climate change must be tackled together. This is because of the devastating impact the climate crisis is already having in many of the world’s poorest countries. Communities are experiencing more deadly and more frequent disasters. People are losing their homes, their jobs and their hope. These are the people who have done the least to cause this crisis.
Taking a stand
At this meeting, countries could signal their ambition to tackle the climate crisis as part of their recovery plans. And the church can be a part of that.
Please join with us in praying for this summit and for world leaders who have the power to set in motion significant action to tackle the climate crisis.
Pray with us
Pray that the leaders representing attending the summit will have the following Bible verses at the heart of what they seek to achieve. Name each country – UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States of America, South Korea, India, South Africa and Australia – and declare the following verses over them:
- Deuteronomy 15:7-8
- Psalm 82:3
