宗博季刊第121期

國際交流 21 The appeal contained a promise by leaders to take the message on climate change back to their own congregations, arguing that: “The followers of religious traditions have a crucial part to play in addressing the crisis of our common home. We commit to taking much more serious action.” Sharma told delegates: “Please send the message of this appeal far and wide.” Each leader was given two minutes to speak at the meeting, which was held at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace. Bartholomew told his fellow leaders a greener planet was needed “to simply be, breath and love one another,” while Ahmed el-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, called on “all young Muslims” to protect the environment. One key figure missing was the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist leader, who was not invited to avoid antagonising China. Speaking before the conference, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister, said: “His Holiness the Dalai Lama knows how well he is respected here by the Holy See but he also appreciates that our relations [with China] are complicated and difficult.” Gallagher, who is British, added: “He has always respected that and we appreciate that very much and so the dialogue goes on with Buddhism on many, many levels.” Faith heads pledge to practise what they preach Ben Webster, Environment Editor Monday October 04 2021, 5.45pm, The Times If scientists cannot persuade world leaders to act on climate change, perhaps religious leaders can. That is the hope of the joint appeal by almost 40 faith leaders representing the major religions calling