LWF Youth delegation to COP20. Photo: LWF/Sean Hawkey
Martha Spangler, member of the LWF delegation to COP20
I greeted more people than I could count this morning as busloads of observers, official delegates, and press from around the globe emptied out into the entrance of the conference center beside the Pentagonito in Lima. This is the site of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Conference of Parties (UNFCCC COP 20). We were the first to greet these participants as they entered the official site, and invite their support of the LWF’s #fastfortheclimate campaign.
It is a privilege to accompany the official LWF delegation to this year’s UN climate talks in Lima, Peru. The group consists of young Lutherans from around the world, from India, Canada, Papua New Guinea, Norway, Sweden, and Peru who are bringing their personal witness to advocate for climate justice.
As I write, the entire delegation as well as the accompanying staff, are fasting. Each of us are fasting in slightly different ways, but all are fasting. I am fasting for 24 hours. My fast began last night, and tonight I will break my fast. And I know I will enjoy my dinner tonight.
This is my first attending a COP meeting and my first time joining the #fastfortheclimate. But this is not the first time for many of those I am meeting here, who have been fasting the first of each month since last year’s talks in Warsaw. Members of the LWF delegation, particularly those whose communities are threatened by terrifically violent storms and rising sea levels, share powerful stories about their commitment to fast.
For them, and for all of us, this is an act of solidarity with our brothers and sisters who are already suffering due to the effects of climate change.
We invite you to join and support the fast:
For more information, please see: http://www.lutheranworld.org/fastfortheclimate
