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and this obviously left its mark: when an external group using the hall wanted to put up banners and asked whether the cross could be removed, one of the IT tech guys immediately answered: ‘No – this is a church and we respect that: the cross stays!’
Another example of the Christian perspective being shared came at the end of a seminar led by a team from the University of Texas. A participant asked if the millions of Christians in the world could do anything to help with climate change. Scott was halfway out his seat, ready to reply, when the professor leading the seminar – who was himself an agnostic – immediately pointed to care for creation and stewardship as key themes of the Creation accounts in Genesis. Scott said that the reply ‘could have been an introduction to a sermon on caring for creation’ and that he didn’t need to add anything more!
The centrepiece of that seminar was a film showing how many US farmers were sceptical about climate change, summed up by one who said: ‘It’s all part of God’s plan, so I don’t have to worry about it.’ That all changed for one young farmer after he met a Christian farming family from Malawi and heard how climate change affected their daily life: he suddenly realised how caring for creation was a way of showing love for brothers and sisters on the other side of the world and an expression of his love for God and his desire to follow Jesus.
Engaging with COP26 was an act of witness. It showed that Christians are concerned about safeguarding God’s good creation. It provided a place for activists from all over the globe to meet and share their plans and dreams. It opened doors for conversations about faith, Jesus, and life in all its fullness. Now that’s joined-up mission!
MAJOR DAVID CAVANAGH
Assistant Secretary for Scotland
7tips to care for creation
by Yelena Grase Jurkenas (Addlestone)
Caring for creation sounds impossible but, if you start small and take it step by step, you might find the foundations for it are already in place.
Purchase what you need
Before I buy anything, I step back and consider how much I need the item.
Shop second-hand
Although some items that are new can be durable so I, in turn, waste less.
Buy cruelty-free
I check the backs of bottles or tubs for a cruelty-free logo.
Be conscientious with food
I raid the supermarket reduced section, look for ways to reduce waste and try meat-free days.
Repurpose items
I embroider over holes in clothes to make them last longer.
Be aware of your carbon footprint
This motivates me to fly less and use public transport more. I have also invested in a bike and walk more often.
Switch off
I try to turn off lights when leaving the room – and have jumpers to hand to save putting on the heating.
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