|
By Peter Biggs
Although eclipsed by the ongoing worldwide economic
crisis, the issue of the environment continues to concern many of us. What
does our faith tell us?
When we make something, whether it be as life-changing
as giving birth, or as quick as sketching a picture, we care about what
happens to our creation. So it’s easy for us to understand that God
cares deeply about all of his creation.
Studying, enjoying and caring for the world God has so
wonderfully made is an obvious way for us to show him our love.
One Christian group involved in this issue is Citizens
for Public Justice (CPJ). With a growing base of support from young people,
their mission is to urge citizens and leaders “to support policies
and practices which reflect God’s call for love, justice and
stewardship.”
They recently addressed the huge Alberta Oil Sands
project from a Christian perspective.
CPJ executive director Joe
Gunn told Options: “What I see is young adults who are looking at ways
to live a faith that can provide service. Here at CPJ we do that in an
ecumenical way. Of the nine staff here, two are in their 30s – the
rest in their 20s!
“I’d like to see us move more forcibly in
the whole area of faith and the environment.”
Last year, he participated in ‘Earth Hour’
– aimed at getting people to turn lights off for an hour. “It
grew to over 30 countries being involved. In my home, we had a candle-lit
reflection, discussion and prayer time.”
Loren Wilkinson (pictured above) , who teaches at Regent College in Vancouver, has championed a
Christian worldview of creation for 40 years.
“Christians are realizing that the creation is
part of the gospel,” he said. Asked what advice he might offer to
young people who feel the cause is futile on an individual level, he told Options: “We can work to
change aspects of society – [such as] dependence on fossil fuels . .
. on a governmental level. Simply by people voting.”
He suggested three basic areas anyone can address:
“Become aware of where your food comes from. Is
it local? Become an urban gardener . . .
|
“Know where your garbage goes – [do]
recycling, but also effective recycling . . .
“Choose transportation carefully.”
• • • •
A Rocha is an international conservation organization
with a Christian ethos. Its members believe credible environmental
stewardship is a way of serving God. Founded in Portugal in 1983, it
is now active in 18 countries. A Rocha works through local, community-based
conservation, scientific research and education.
In Canada, A Rocha has centres in Surrey, B.C., and
Southern Manitoba.
Options spoke to Markku Kostamo, executive director
for A Rocha Canada. “What we’re noticing is that for young
adults there is no question about Christians being involved. It’s not
grounded biblically or theologically, but they see the issue as on the
biggest moral issues of our time. Their question is ‘Why isn’t
the church involved?’”
Kostamo urges young people to start with local issues,
extolling “the action of many making small changes, where the rubber
meets the road – engaging a youth group in a small project such as a
community garden, on church property, public land, a ravine that could be
transformed . . . We want to be a resource, to help hundreds
of small community volunteer projects.” A Rocha offers volunteer
internships at their centres.
Options Winter 2009
|
