Faith leaders join climate pilgrimage on Wales’ ‘holy mountain’

Two bishops and a senior rabbi will be among faith leaders taking part in an interfaith pilgrimage on Wales’ ‘holy mountain’ on Sunday to highlight climate justice.

The former Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, the Bishop of Monmouth, Cherry Vann and Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg will join the walk on the Skirrid, near Abergavenny, which is known as Wales’ holy mountain. The walk is open to everyone and children from local schools, as well as people of all faiths from the community are expected to take part.

They will plant a tree, pray for climate justice and make a declaration of intent on the mountain. The event follows a similar walk by faith leaders to Mount Sinai during the COP27 climate summit meeting in Egypt. The Skirrid is known as Wales’ holy mountain as, according to tradition, a section of it collapsed at the moment of Christ’s crucifixion.

One of the organisers of the Skirrid pilgrimage is the Revd Rana Khan, Rector of Crickhowell and Church advisor on interfaith relations. He says, “Religious communities serve a unique and invaluable role in raising awareness about climate change issues and mobilising believers to take action for climate justice.

“What holds us together is the belief in the sanctity of our world and life on it and our duty to protect and cherish it for all. This pilgrimage will be a chance for us to come together as one to highlight climate change and the need for all of us to act with urgency and with justice.”

To take part, meet at Skirrid Village Hall at midday on Sunday (November 27) or at the car park at the foot of the Skirred at 12.45pm.