Safeguarding the Integrity of Creation
For over a decade our movement has made strides, through a variety of means, to better align with the fifth mark of mission, “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth.”
Like all bodies of religious people we do not exist in isolation, but we are situated in dynamic communities, among diverse people, within places of real hurt and brokenness. Our response is not merely to retreat to our sanctuaries to pray and worship a God who saves, but also to enact our faith by living in step with Jesus, out and about in our neighborhoods, badgering political officials, and extending love wherever we are, no matter the belief and background of the person we face. When we consider the Anglican church’s role to uphold the fifth mark of mission, we see it in light of Jesus’ call to love and care for “the last, the lost, and the least.”
Last spring many of us stepped into a 3 month Low Carbon Challenge where teams of households, churches, workplaces, schools, and other groups determined a single goal to help reduce our carbon footprints. Above all, the desire was for teams to feel supported in their efforts, to lean into ‘grace not guilt’ for each other and themselves, and to recognise that many small changes build up to make a big difference, especially when we do it together.
With this in mind, we invite you to consider what it is you can be doing in this present day with your families, churches, and communities to limit your carbon footprint. If you haven’t had a chance to think about it or don’t know where to start, fear not, we have an interactive guide for you.
God intends us to have a relationship with creation where we celebrate and protect the natural world and live in a way that ensures there is enough for everyone, including future generations. This way of life would be so rich: we’d be content, not needing to strive for more. We’d be secure in who we are in God, and free from the clutter of unnecessary tasks and things. Can you imagine?
It can be hard to change our lifestyles when we know the big changes need to come from government and businesses. Our choices can seem insignificant in comparison. BUT our personal lifestyles do matter.
Our choices can keep tonnes of pollution out of the atmosphere.
Our actions add up.
Our lifestyles motivate others - we show that climate change is a big deal, and something God cares about.
And our efforts also give us authenticity when we call for political change.
Most importantly though, our efforts to care for the earth are a spiritual discipline, and an act of worship. Something we do because it’s right, and it helps our formation as people of God.
So, what are 5 things you can do RIGHT NOW to reduce your carbon emissions. (Refer to Season of Creation and Companions with Creation children and families programmes as extra resource guides?)
Consider your diet.
Consider your mobility.
Consider your money.
look at kiwi saver and bank account
look at green investments
charitable gifts (Oxfam, CUPA, ARO trees, A Rocha, the Good Registry)
Consider your power.
Consider your voice.
The best thing for you to do, is to first determine what you are ABLE to do. Remember, we do what we can and give the rest to God. Remember, grace not guilt. Your context has a big part to play here. For example, you might live rurally, and thus hopping on public transport is just not possible for you.
A good starting point is to estimate your carbon footprint at www.futurefit.nz. Bear in mind, it’s not a perfect calculator, but it’s the best we have at the moment and, if anything it opens the door to further discussions.
Once you have finished the Future Fit survey, determine at least ONE category in which you can make a change. Consider committing to that change for a certain period of time. Perhaps gather others around you to join in, as supporters and companions. We invite you to consider your capacity - can you also challenge the government or a large industry to match the category of your lifestyle change? Check out the Ministry for the Environment’s consultation page to see if you can add your voice to influence governmental decision making.
And of course, let us not forget to steep our actions in daily and collective prayer. We are partners with a creative, loving, and powerful God who hears the cries of our hearts and empowers us to help bring about God’s kingdom of justice and peace.
By Elise Ranck, Creation Care Advocate
