Based on coverage from Times Colonist, National Observer, Brandon Sun, and Chat News Today.
Anglican Deacon Michael Van Dusen found himself in an unusual setting for the holiday season: a Toronto courthouse. Typically, he would be preparing his Christmas Day sermon or spending time with family. Instead, he stood beside a banner reading "no faith in fossil fuels," addressing a small crowd about his recent legal troubles. At 80, Van Dusen was arrested and charged with trespassing during a sit-in at a Royal Bank of Canada branch, protesting its fossil-fuel financing.
Faith Leaders Take a Stand Against Fossil Fuels
Van Dusen, co-chair of Toronto's Faith and Climate Action, is part of a growing number of faith leaders advocating for climate action, sometimes at the cost of arrest. Joining him in court was a 78-year-old Catholic sister, also arrested for similar protests. Their message is clear: Canadian banks are prioritizing profits over the planet, ignoring climate science in the process. Van Dusen and his peers argue that their faith compels them to protect the Earth, viewing it as a divine gift.
Canadian Banks and Climate Financing
A BloombergNEF report highlighted that Canadian banks invested nearly twice as much in fossil fuels compared to low-carbon alternatives last year, surpassing the global average. The Canadian Bankers Association maintains that banks are committed to supporting clients in transitioning to greener practices. RBC, specifically criticized for its fossil-fuel investments, defends its record by pointing to increased funding for low-carbon energy.
Declining Environmental Concern Among Canadians
Recent polling from the Angus Reid Institute shows a drop in the number of Canadians who consider the environment a top issue, now below 20 per cent, down from 42 per cent in 2019. While a majority still view climate change as a serious threat, the urgency has waned over the past decade. Van Dusen and other faith leaders believe that moral and spiritual guidance is crucial in reigniting public concern and action.
Building Coalitions for Climate Action
Faith and Climate Action has been active in organizing protests and engaging with political leaders. In May, they staged a mock funeral at RBC's headquarters, and in September, they released an open letter signed by over 100 faith leaders urging a halt to new oil-and-gas pipeline investments. The group also delivered the letter to Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin's office, following a multifaith service.
Interfaith Efforts and Indigenous Learning
Imam Irshad Osman, involved in the Muslim-Indigenous Connection program, emphasizes learning from Indigenous communities about environmental stewardship. Similarly, Roman Catholic Bishop Jon Hansen, inspired by his experiences at the UN climate summit in Brazil, advocates for climate action within his diocese in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
Challenges and Opportunities for Faith Leaders
Despite their commitment, faith leaders face challenges in maintaining focus on climate issues amid other pressing concerns. Rabbi Dan Moskovitz from Vancouver notes that recent geopolitical events have shifted priorities within multifaith circles. However, he sees potential in using climate as a unifying issue to rebuild partnerships and transcend political divisions.
Van Dusen, reflecting on his recent court appearance, remains undeterred. Although the trespassing charge was withdrawn due to procedural issues, he is prepared for future actions. With climate events like wildfires and floods on the horizon, he and his allies are determined to inspire action and demonstrate that change is possible with collective willpower.
Source 1 | Source 2 | Source 3 | Source 4
Coverage was consistent across the sources, with all outlets reporting on Anglican Deacon Michael Van Dusen's climate activism and arrest during a protest against fossil-fuel financing by Canadian banks. No meaningful differences in coverage were found across the sources provided.
