Coat of Hopes’ Endless Pilgrimage: Spreading Messages of Climate Action Across the UK
An endless pilgrimage around the U.K. involving an object rather than a person has attracted considerable attention in every place it visits. Known as the Coat of Hopes, it has traveled over 1,500 miles — with no end in sight to this rather different type of pilgrimage.
The Coat of Hopes started its journey on the south coast over four years ago before heading north to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2021 (or COP26) in Glasgow. Along the way, the loose blanket style robe has been covered with ever increasing numbers of colorful patches bearing the hopes and dreams of those who encounter it.
The initial idea was to draw attention to climate and environmental issues at COP26, but it has developed its own unique character as its originator, Barbara Keal, said. “The coat walks on ever sharing its invitation to everyone it meets. We share with each other and all life, and accept on our shoulders the responsibility to be the change that our world needs.”
Throughout the journey, people wear the Coat of Hopes for varying lengths of time. Anyone can choose to wear it either along the route, or at one of the many churches and chapels in which it rests overnight.
Each time a new person dons the coat, a song is sung:
“Ask me where I’m going, Ask me what is my purpose, ask me what my name is.
They call me the Coat of Hopes,
Come mark your hopes on blanket and I’ll sew them into me, a coat that’s made by everyone for everyone to wear, to feel my warmth, and the weight of responsibility we share.”
Helen Locke, the coat’s wayfinder, said they “have lost count how many people have worn the coat.”
“On the original walk from Newhaven to Glasgow, there were more than 1,000,” she said. “The current section of walking, from Ely to Norwich is our 20th walk. Between 50 and 100 new people wear the Coat on each walk on average. That would take us well over 2,000. Then there are all those who wear the Coat when it is on display in a certain place or at special events.”
Photos courtesy of Coat of Hopes
Churches and religious groups have provided resting places in each location. In Norwich, for example, it was housed by the Quakers and walked to different churches in the city enabling as many people as possible to visit it and wear it. Not all are individuals: Schools, community and religious groups also visit. There are also interfaith events involving talks from an accompanying walker.
Organizer of the interfaith events is the Rev. Annie Blyth, who oversees three Norwich churches. After hearing of its arrival in Norwich, Blyth set up a series of interfaith events.
“I am very excited about this because the coat may bring us together — not just because of our shared concern for the planet — but also this is a concern that all faiths share, so it offers an opportunity for us to get together,” she said.
One of the most distinctive features of the Coat of Hopes are the patches that adorn it. All the patches were created by individuals taking part in church- based activities along the route. Around 700 patches now cover it – and more are added at each stopping point along its journey. The walkers sew them on as part of a sharing event wherever they stay.
Each patch is unique and reflects the personal hopes and concerns for the planet. Typical examples include one made from saris, while another is embroidered with the words, “You cannot eat money.” Others feature flowers or birds in a nest or messages like “Hope and Act Justly, Love Mercy.”
Wherever it stops, the Coat of Hopes immediately attracts attention. During its stay at Bradford Cathedral West Yorkshire, England, the coat aroused countless reactions and conversations around the issues of climate change — many commenting that they “felt the burden of our next generation on my shoulders.”
Once the Coat of Hopes reaches the South Coast, it will head towards Wales. There are many communities that the Coat of Hopes has not yet visited, so the walking will continue while climate problems remain critical.
As the Rev. Canon Dr. Mark Dimond pointed out during the Coat of Hope’s visit to Kings Lynn in the County of Norfolk, “This is an exciting, relevant and impactful initiative, which helps to raise awareness about the state of our God-given, precious planet and our responsibility to look after it.”
Angela Youngman is a freelance journalist who has written for a wide range of British and international publications.