We pray for farmers in the Republic of Congo who are being forced off their land by an oil company for carbon offsetting. God, we pray that Total Energies will restore the farmers’ land, and for clean energy sources which do not damage livelihoods.
We give thanks for the protests against gender inequality in Afghanistan, with employees leaving university jobs following a ban on female students. God, thank you for the bravery shown in standing up for human rights in Afghanistan, and pray for greater education equality.
We give thanks that COP15 delegates have agreed to protect 30% of the world through conservation by 2030, increased from 17% of terrestrial and 10% of marine areas. God, we thank you for this move forward in the protection of your world, and pray that leaders will keep to their commitments.
We pray for a decrease in inequality, as we hear that FTSE 100 bosses were paid more in the first 3 days of 2023 than the average UK worker will be for the entire year. God, we pray for a reduction in financial inequality in the UK and for a just economy that enables the flourishing of all.
We pray for those living in coastal areas who are likely to be displaced by coastal erosion. God, we pray for all those who are in danger of losing their homes and possessions due to climate change, and for support for them as they make difficult decisions.
We pray for families separated by the refugee crisis, with news that an Eritrean mother was separated from her three young children. God, we pray for the reunion of families who have been separated, and for the protection of children and other vulnerable people.
We pray for the lack of cough and cold medicines available in pharmacies, reportedly due to a lack of government planning. God, we pray for all those at risk of illness in the coming weeks, and for greater assessment of upcoming risks from those in power.
