Christian climate activists staged a dramatic protest at Bath Abbey on Saturday, September 13, to urge the Church to take a firm stance against the environmental crises facing the planet. Four members of Christian Climate Action secretly ascended the abbey tower during a tour at around 12:30 pm, where they unfurled a large banner that read “Don’t Crucify Creation.” After displaying the message, they refused to come down, prompting a response from Avon and Somerset Constabulary and the fire service.
Among the protesters was 59-year-old retired administrator Kate Chesterman, who expressed her conviction that the climate crisis stems from “unspiritual values” such as rejection of God, idolization of power and money, and the perpetuation of inequality. She explained, “Jesus came with a message of forgiveness and love that offers hope and a completely different way of being, but the Church isn’t living that—it too often stands on the side of power and money.” Chesterman emphasized her hope for a transformed Church that honors God by opposing destructive ways of living.
Also participating was Reverend Bill White, 70, who reflected on his ministry and regrets, saying, “The greatest evil in our world today is the injustice of climate change.” He highlighted the role of fossil fuel companies, their financiers, media, and politicians in perpetuating this crisis. “The church, rooted in love and justice, with the courage of Jesus, must say loudly, ‘Stop Crucifying Creation,’” White urged.
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Another protester, 66-year-old Stephen Pritchard, a maintenance worker, drew parallels with past Church stances on slavery and women’s suffrage, stressing the need for moral clarity. “I’m doing this to help it find some moral fibre,” he said. “I’m contributing to the Season of Creation and to the church becoming properly relevant.”
The Bath Abbey protest was part of a wider day of action by Christian Climate Action supporters, who staged similar demonstrations at cathedrals and abbeys across Canterbury, Durham, Westminster, Winchester, and York. These actions included banner drops from prominent towers and silent displays during tours.
A spokesperson for Christian Climate Action stated, “We challenge the church (and we include ourselves) to find the courage to speak up for those impacted by climate breakdown, to stand up to the government and fossil fuel corporations accelerating this collapse, and to join and support civil disobedience when necessary. We must be as radical as Jesus was when confronted with injustice.”
They further added that while practical steps like installing solar panels and rewilding church lands are important, these cannot be the entirety of the Church’s responsibility. The group calls for bold, prophetic, and unapologetic action to bear witness to the truth about the destruction of our planet, as entrusted by God.
Avon and Somerset Police have been contacted for comment.