By Ruth Jarman, Operation Noah Administrator
A version of this article was first published on the Green Christian website.

There’s something quite beautiful about spending a Saturday surrounded by a complete mishmash of people with whom you would never normally spend time, but who are walking in the same direction, carrying the same placards, all with the same deep desire for justice. And even better, to be in the ‘Faith bloc’, so with the traditions and spiritual bases for that desire.

The ‘Make Them Pay’ demonstration on Saturday 20 September in London was supported by a wide variety of groups, including Operation Noah and Green Christian, as well as groups from other faith traditions, all wanting to see the super-rich pay their fair share of taxes, for workers to be protected, and that polluters pay for the damage they have caused.

The day started quietly under the trees of Cavendish Square Gardens with an interfaith gathering with speeches, prayers and silence. Joe Mishan, coordinator of Dharma Action Network for Climate Engagement in London, reminded me of Jesus telling people to ‘Consider the lilies of the field…’ when he said:

‘Greed is one of the so-called poisons within Buddhism… From a Buddhist perspective, the most immediate cause of happiness is not the accumulation of stuff, not fame and not power. It is generosity. Imagine an economics of generosity…A politics of generosity would be one which prioritises welfare rather than growth, one that distributes financial and resource wealth to promote flourishing for all …because in the end it is the cultivation of wisdom, of compassion, the recognition of our deep interconnection with each other, with all life on our living, breathing planet that promotes meaning, fulfilment and happiness in our lives. It is this, surely, that really matters.‘

Andrea Speranza of CAFOD then read the words of the Kenyan-based Father Charlie Chilufya SJ:

‘As a Jesuit priest, I speak from the wellspring of faith. And every faith tradition present today tells us the same truth: we were not made for greed or indifference. We were made for love, for justice, for stewardship. To every person gathered here – young and old, of every creed and conviction – know this: you are not simply protesting, you are prophesying. You are the moral wind behind the political will. You are the light in a time of confusion. And together, you are igniting a movement rooted in love, guided by justice and sustained by solidarity.‘

In her first public speaking role, Nadia Minhas, Sustainability & Climate Action Officer at Muslim Charities Forum, spoke passionately about our joint call to care:

‘We are all called together to care for the world. That is why the Koran starts with the beautiful world “Alhamdulillah”… Saying “Alhamdulillah” is the way you show gratitude. So today as we reflect on what our governments and businesses are doing, let’s remember to be grateful, present and use our voices to safeguard our beautiful planet today.‘

Melanie Nazareth of Green Christian and Christian Climate Action reflected on our how there is meaning in what we are doing despite our small numbers:

‘We are the drop of rain on the lake that send infinitely expanding ripples. We are the light on the water that reflects a new image of the world. We are the breath of air across the water that stirs the Spirit.‘

After a time of silence, we joined the rest of the march with the colourful flags and placards, and found ourselves perfectly situated with respect to the Samba band – close enough for the beat to encourage us along, but thankfully far enough away to allow conversation. And our own chanting! I don’t always enjoy chanting, but there was something infectious about the fiery mixture of anger and humour from both the Director of Faith for the Climate, Shanon Shah, and the Chair of Operation Noah, Revd Darrell Hannah, that inspired all around to join in with passion and smiles.

Yes, we want climate justice! And we want it now!