A Letter from the Future—A Wake-Up Call for the Present

Lament & Hope: Prayers & Teaching for Justice and Peace

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In a world increasingly strained by the impacts of climate breakdown, it’s tempting to avoid thinking too far ahead. But imagining where our current path might lead is essential if we want to steer away from disaster. Today, I want to share a fictional letter from a possible future—a letter written in 2050 by a church leader in Leeds. I chose Leeds simply because it’s where I’m from, but the message holds relevance for us all. This isn’t a prediction but a heartfelt, imaginative exploration of what could happen if we don’t act with the urgency this moment demands.

This letter, though fictional, comes from a place of deep concern. It’s not meant to be a gloomy forecast but a prophetic call to action—a challenge for us to engage our hearts and minds with the reality we face. As Pope Francis said, "The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all... We need an ecological conversion, a radical change of hearts and minds." His words remind us that we cannot afford to be complacent.

The future described in this letter is one where we failed to act when it mattered most, letting comfort and denial prevent us from making the hard decisions. It’s a sobering reflection on what might happen if we continue down this path—where we end up apologising for missed opportunities and the pain that could have been avoided.

Yet, this letter also serves as a reminder of the growing movement for change. Today, there are many individuals and organisations—churches, Christian Climate Action, Operation Noah, Christian Aid, and Green Christian—working tirelessly for a more sustainable future. They are raising the alarm, advocating for urgent action, and providing a beacon of hope. To explore further how churches can respond to climate breakdown see Laudato Si and the course 'Climate Justice: Following Jesus in a World of Climate Breakdown.