Bells ring out for the planet

By Val Johnstone

photo bonnie holland

Ringing Church Bell for Climate Change — The congregations of St. Saviours, Nelson; St. Mark’s, Kaslo; and St. Mary’s Anglican/United Church in Sorrento. Bellringers: Anne Morris, KAIROS Rep. from Salmon Arm, Brenda Melnychuck and Mike Johnstone.

Since time immemorial in cultures across the world, musical instruments like bells and drums have been used to warn people of imminent danger and call people to action. On December 13, 2009, the congregation of St. Mary’s Anglican/United Church joined churches around the world to draw attention to the dire need of action regarding climate change. 20 parishioners shared in the ringing of the almost 100-year-old church bell at St. Mary's following the morning worship service. KAIROS representative Anne Morris from Salmon Arm delivered a passionate message about the work of KAIROS and joined the congregation in the ringing of the bell 350 times. (350 refers to 350 parts per million — the safe upper limit for CO2 in our atmosphere). A petition to reverse CIDA’s (Canadian International Development Agency) decision to withdraw all funding for KAIROS was circulated and signed by members of the congregation. The people of St. Mary's were proud to participate with churches around the world to let their voices and bells be heard!