Caring for Creation

As Christians, we are called upon to be good stewards of the beautiful and fragile world we live in, but within the past fifty years human activity has led to an unprecedented rise in the temperature of the planet with incalculably serious consequences which are likely to be gravely damaging for all living creatures.

This was the uncompromising message from David Bethune, Coordinator of ECO-congregations Scotland, when he addressed a meeting on 23 February. Hosted by our neighbours at St Columba’s RC church, it was attended by members of several denominations from across Edinburgh and beyond, including a strong contingent from Mayfield Salisbury.

Around 450 churches are registered as ECO congregations, but while there is a general understanding of the issues at a basic level, so far only a minority can indicate that they are taking serious action in support of their commitment.

As individuals, problems such as the melting of the Polar Ice Caps, the threat of drowning of low lying countries, the extinction of species and mass migration by climate refugees, can seem so huge and terrifying as to be beyond our personal ability to tackle. However, we are called upon for action not despair.

Much can be done within the church community to inform and encourage members in making positive lifestyle choices; and to reduce energy use and carbon emissions in our homes, and in our worship and prayer life. The link between Christian faith and environmental concerns should be regularly reflected.

Christians should be informed and actively engaged as citizens, supporting those charities and agencies which work to mitigate the effects of climate change at a national and global level, and ensure that our elected representatives and policy makers are made aware of our concerns. Small actions taken by large numbers of people have the potential to do great good and should not be underestimated.

The world we will bequeath to our children and grandchildren has been damaged in so many ways by the combination of ignorance, lethargy and ruthless greed.

We need to do more, much more, to preserve it.

Colin Mackenzie