LogoNNN
The Norfolk and Norwich Christian community website

StopOil750
Norwich protestors arrested at Stop Oil protest

Three Norwich Christians were arrested as part of the continuing Just Stop Oil protests in support of the demand that the government license no new fossil fuel projects.

The arrests took place on Thursday October 7. After helping to block roads in Trafalgar Square, Jim and Sue Green (who are part of Christian Climate Action) and Mark Fletcher were held along with other protestors, for several hours at Hammersmith police station, then released. In all around twenty-five protesters were arrested. 
 
Jim Green, until this season Chairman of the Norfolk Christian Football League, said, “When I visited Uganda with Tearfund in 2017, in all the projects people were talking about the immediate effect of climate change. Now it is more obvious in the UK, for example with 40 degree temperatures and house fires. 
 
“The International Energy Agency said that after 2021 there must be no new fossil fuel projects, but the UK government is proposing to license over 130 new projects. As the Secretary General of the United Nations has said, such policies are 'moral and economic madness.'
 
“As I was sitting in my police cell reading Walter Bruegemann's 'Prophetic Imagination' I reflected on the giants of faith, in the Bible and in Christian history, who had found themselves in peaceful civil disobedience against the authorities. No one wants to do this, I really don't, but it feels like I have no choice.”
 
Sue Green said, “I am an ordinary citizen, privileged to have had the life I've had.  Taking part in the Just Stop Oil protests for me simply feels the right thing to do.  I believe the Church should be at the forefront of the climate movement, and long to see many more Christians take their place in solidarity with others.  For me it feels like I'm starting to become more alive as a person.” 
 
Mark Fletcher, 47, a charity worker, said: “The protests will continue until the government listens. Anyone interested in finding out more could come to a talk at Norwich Quakers at 7pm on Wed 19th Oct or if they're in London simply go to the Just Stop Oil stand on Downing Street any day at 11am. We would also be happy to talk to any church groups.” 
 
Below is a link to a video of the action.
 
youtu.be/8r7pEKKbutU

Pictured above are the Norwich protestors in at the Stop Oil demonstration
 
 


4473 views
To submit a story or to publicise an event please email: web@networknorwich.co.uk