Minister fasts at politicians’ offices over climate change

A cold snap in Calgary hasn't kept a former United Church of Canada moderator concerned about climate change from fasting outside several politicians' offices.

Bundled up in warm clothes, Rev. Bill Phipps, 67, took his message to City Hall on Friday, where he handed out pamphlets in the snow.

Friday was Day 5 of his week-long fast, which he describes as a "prayer for courage at Copenhagen," where environment ministers and officials from 192 countries are converging for a United Nations conference on climate change.

This week, Phipps has stood outside the constituency offices of Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Environment Minister Jim Prentice and Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann. He also stood outside the McDougall Centre, a Government of Alberta building.

Phipps said some people avoid him or don't know what he is talking about.

"It's mixed. It's what you would expect. Some people think I am totally nuts. Some people think climate change isn't a reality. One guy said 'Isn't it cold enough for you?'" Phipps said.

"Others are saying: 'Good for you, I'm with you. I saw it on the news or in the paper and I want you to know that I am with you.'"

'It's not a protest. It's not a hunger strike. It's a prayer for courage at Copenhagen.' —Rev. Bill Phipps

Phipps, a self-proclaimed activist and retired minister, said he has never done a fast before. He is living off liquids such as broth and juice.

"I woke up one morning in September and said to myself, 'I have to do something that takes me out of my comfort zone that is both deeply personal and public,'" he said.

"It's not a protest. It's not a hunger strike. It's a prayer for courage at Copenhagen.

"It's a prayer for our leaders when they go there to open their hearts and their minds and their imaginations and to move beyond political ideology and all that stuff, and join hands with the rest of humankind to say, 'We have to do something.'"

Phipps, who said he is in good health and not as hungry as he thought he would be, will end his fast on Sunday.