off to a bad start

From ENVIRONMENTAL GRAFFITI:

The tradition of fasting for Lent has a long history in the Christian church. These days, it’s been modernized somewhat. Most churchgoers aren’t hardcore ascetics willing to forego food or water. It is still fairly common, however, for someone to give up some cherished food or activity for forty days to enhance their spiritual lives and understanding. In many cases one gives up chocolate or smoking as their “fast”. Officials in the Church of England, however, are advising a very different kind of “fast” during Lent. James Jones and Richard Chartres, the bishops of Liverpool and London respectively, have joined forces with development agency Tearfund to help promote a “carbon fast” among church members during the upcoming period.

COMMENT: And to kick it off, in style, vicars all over the country will be setting fire to last year's palm crosses. Holy smoke and damn the torpedos.