Methodist Minister visits Cumbria on his Climate Change Cycle Ride
Methodist Minister the Revd John Kime is using his sabbatical to cycle 2000 miles on the 42 Cathedrals Cycle Route around England bearing a letter from the Methodist Church's Bristol District Chair, the Revd Dr. Jonathan Pye, highlighting the urgent issue of Climate Change and Climate Justice.
Having started from Cornwall, Mr Kime arrived in Penrith on May 18th after 85 miles that day from below Preston and over Shap, to greet the District Chair, the Revd Dr James Tebbutt, an old friend and colleague from Gloucestershire days. Happily, because of lockdown restrictions easing, the Chair's family were able to offer hospitality, before John proceeded early the next morning to Carlisle Cathedral, after which he turned East across the Pennines to Newcastle to visit the cathedrals on the other side of England.
John handed James a copy of the attached letter which is being delivered to Methodist District Chairs, calling for action to care for creation in proactive ways, including to lobby the Government for lasting commitments to care for our planet as it hosts the COP 26 talks in Glasgow, and for us to take steps individually 'to tread more lightly upon this earth'.
In response, James recorded a short greeting highlighting the Cumbria Ecumenical County's Vision Refresh 'Tread Gently' priority for the environment and climate change justice.
Mr. Kime, who is Minister of St. John's Northgate and Barton Street Methodist Churches in Gloucester, says that using his bike is a completely carbon neutral opportunity to make the point about the earth's resources. "We are hoping that every Methodist area will, as part of a wider debate, bring about change. During my ride I will deliver Dr. Pye's letter and seek to bless every Methodist area with a Celtic Prayer". Mr Kime duly blessed Cumbria, before departing on his journey.
The Revd John's progress can be followed on Facebook: @GloucestershireMethodists.
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