Eco-Christians Call for Creation Day
“Christian teaching and the creeds say that God created heaven and earth, but we have left this unmarked in the Christian year”
Over 120 representatives from Churches throughout Europe say “Creation Day” should be set apart in calendars around the world.
Church leaders were encouraged to “take more effort to introduce a Time of Creation into the church’s calendar,” according to press release by the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) in the UK.
“Christian teaching and the creeds say that God created heaven and earth, but we have left this unmarked in the Christian year,” said Judith Allinson, a UK member of the Creation Time working group at the 5th annual ECEN assembly.
Environmentally conscious Christians met this weekend to discuss how churches can contribute to a more environmentally sustainable Europe. Problems, including climate change, and loss of biodiversity were addressed.
Over 120 experts belonging to ECEN gathered from May 5-8 in Basel, Switzerland. The theme of the assembly was, “The Churches’ contribution to a sustainable Europe.” Local Protestant and Catholic churches hosted the event.
The participants approved a paper issuing a call to action to its member churches to not let the global ecological and social situation deteriorate. ECEN member churches are the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and also to the Council of European Bishop’s Conferences (CCEE).
“Despite all scientific and political declarations and warnings, too little is being done and often too late about many of the critical problems such as climate change, loss of biodiversity, air, water and soil deterioration,” said ECEN in a separate statement.
They encouraged churches to spread information about the concept of “sustainability,” by treating it as something important enough to become a part of their lives. The group also called for Christians to urge their governments to find ways of conserving energy, the environment, and using renewable resources.
In addition, ECEN also declared that the European Union (EU) should strengthen its already existing commitments to environmental matters.
According to the release, organizers were encouraged by a large participation by Roman Catholic delegates. Officials also presented information about the upcoming Third European Ecumenical Assembly, taking place in Romania in 2007.
Other topics addressed were Creation theology, environmental education, climate change, motorized mobility, air traffic, water, and eco-management of churches and church-related institutions.
At the closing service of the event, Christians were encouraged to fight for the integrity of creation and for more justice on earth, according to the statement.
For more information about ECEN visit www.ecen.org
