Bishop faces up to 'greenhouse' issue

BY CHRIS GILL

This is the Bishop of Bedford as you probably haven't seen him before - or are possibly likely to see him again.

The Rt Richard Inwood agreed to be photographed with the word Copenhagen written across his forehead to show his backing for climate justice.

Other Bishops in the St Albans diocese followed suit ahead of climate talks in the Danish city.

The images will be projected onto landmark buildings across the UK, along with hundreds of other messages from people who are calling on the international community - and Prime Minister Gordon Brown, in particular, to seal a fair and effective climate change deal at the key summit.

The Rt Rev Inwood, said: "Climate change poses a very real threat to humanity and to our planet.

"We must be in no doubt that the Copenhagen climate summit requires strong leadership that will deal fairly and effectively with the consequences of climate change.

"It may seem incongruous to see a Bishop with Copenhagen written across his forehead, but I think it's important that when people see these images they recognise the seriousness of the issue and that is why I have taken part in Christian Aid's campaign."

Amy Merone, who works for Christian Aid in the region and who has coordinated the Bishops' photography project, said: "We are delighted that Bishop Richard, along with the other Bishops in the St Albans Diocese, has given his support to this project.

"We want people to be taken aback when they see the images and in turn recognise the seriousness of the climate change issue."