Large Blue Butterfly

This butterfly is a symbol of what can happen if we listen to scientists and take appropriate action. In the light of so much that is challenging about climate change, it is a symbol of hope.

The species became extinct in the United Kingdom in 1979 largely due to intensive agriculture reducing the areas of unimproved grassland in which it thrived. Scientific studies revealed the exact nature of the problem and allowed conservationalists to plan for its reintroducition. Today the butterfly breeds at 33 sites across the South West of England. (The full story is actually more complex and wonderful and you can read about it at this link.)

The model pictured below was displayed at Bramhall Methodist Church’s ecofestival, Touching the Earth Lightly, in October (as part of our Climate Year) where it was suspended as a mobile in the worship area.

After the festival lay pastor Richard Baker and his wife took the butterfly up to the public demonstration on the middle Saturday of the CoP meeting in Glasgow. Unfortunately it was too windy to unfurl it in the crowd itself but we were able to let it fly for a few minutes at Glasgow Green at the end of the march where there was more space.

In a sermon the following Thursday, Richard explained why he thinks it it important for the church to respond to the climate change with such actions and talked a little about his experiences at the demonstration. You can listen to the sermon in the video below if you would like (it is based on Micah 4:1-5.

The butterfly is a particularly appropriate image for a church to adopt as it can be considered as a symbol of resurrection. The caterpillar “dies” but it is transformed within the tomb of the chrysalis to be reborn as something new and beautiful. We pray that world leaders will act to transform our world into something new and beautiful.

This model was made by Richard out of recycled board and presented to the church when he left his post at the end of Climate Year. It is a small token of thanks to all in the congregation who have supported him over the four years that he was in the post.