Selfishness results in suffering – a #creation theme

Friends

A colleague preached the following at a neighboring church Sunday morning June 22, 2014. Commenting on Matthew 10: 24-39 he said:

Remember that God is always working behind the scenes on our behalf. If this is the case, who shall we fear? As I said in previous sermons, we live in a consumerist society where the multinationals control everything and the system of globalization remains firmly implanted in the world. A system that is driven by the dollar, perpetuating and continuing to promote injustice, hunger, poverty and contamination due to the indiscriminate destruction of God’s natural resources and of the communities that live on His land. The selfishness of some people results in the suffering of many. Fear not those who continue to destroy God’s creations. As Christians it is our challenge, our duty to defend God’s creation, not only for our sake, but for the sake of generations to come; for the sake of all humanity.

Bravo Dimas. Dimas has been a priest for only a couple of weeks. As a lay person, and in his home country of El Salvador, he lived through the turbulent years following the assassination of Oscar Romero who he quotes with insight and ease. His love people and creation comes through in all his speech and reflection.

May God help us all to speak up, loud and clear as we confront the forces of evil which skulk about in our midst.

Ken Gray

p.s. What was preached in your church on Sunday, June 22? Anything about creation? Just askin’

FRACKING – REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE

Dear friends

Greetings from Western Canada, and as we move towards Pentecost Sunday, may the Holy Spirit be with you all in your various circumstances and local environments.

I seek your input please.

Part of our ACEN mandate is to support and encourage local actions around environmental concern in provinces throughout the communion.  In many provinces the issue of fracking, that is a method of drilling for and extracting natural gas called hydraulic fracturing is emerging as a priority concern. People are asking for information about the technology and seek suggestions for appropriate response.

In a few days time I will share a template for local action which I know will interest many of you. First however, I need your help to identify local faith-based initiatives from all over the communion.

I was recently impressed by the approach of Christians in Ireland. Others will engage, research and advocate in different ways in places.

Please send me your stories by Tuesday, May 7, local time. 

Many thanks, Ken Gray+   ACEN Secretary   rector@colwoodanglican.ca

Sample links include

http://fore.research.yale.edu/calendar/item/pray-in-against-fracking/

http://www.greenchristian.org.uk/archives/5288

http://www.blackburn.anglican.org/more_info.asp?current_id=469

 

 

 

 

SUSTAINING HOPE IN THE FACE OF CLIMATE CHANGE (event and video)

Episcopal News Service [April 11, 2013]

Episcopal Church, Church of Sweden gather to explore “Sustaining hope in the face of climate change”

May 1, 2 in Washington DC

Video available on demand (contact email below)

The Episcopal Church and the Church of Sweden are sponsoring a two-day environmental event, “Sustaining hope in the face of climate change” in Washington DC on May 1 and 2.

The public is invited to attend the Wednesday evening and Thursday afternoon events held at St. John’s Episcopal Church Lafayette Square for no charge. Pre-registration is suggested; contact http://sustaininghope-eorg.eventbrite.com/

On Wednesday evening at 7 pm, Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori will present opening remarks and then the keynote address will be presented by Mary Evelyn Tucker, a Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Scholar at Yale University and a co-founder and co-director of the Forum on Religion and Ecology.

This will be followed with remarks by Dr. Kevin Noone, the Swedish Secretariat for Environmental Earth System Sciences at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and a research scientist in atmospheric chemistry and physics at the Stockholm Resilience Centre at Stockholm University. Following a Q and A session, Church of Sweden Archbishop Anders Wejryd will conclude with a closing statement.

Thursday afternoon begins at 2 pm and features two roundtable discussions, both facilitated by David Crabtree, anchorman of WRAL-TV, North Carolina.

The first, “Envisioning hope: a faith-based, international response to climate change” will feature Bishop Julio Murray of the Diocese of Panama; Dr. Willis Jenkins, the Margaret Farley Associate Professor of Social Ethics at Yale Divinity School and author of the prize-winning Ecologies of Grace: Environmental Ethics and Christian Theology; and Mary Minnete, Director of Environmental Education and Advocacy for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Washington Office and the North American representative to the ACT Alliance Climate Change Advisory Group and the current chair of the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Working Group.

The second, “Responding in Hope: the local church’s response to climate change” will be discussed by the Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullit-Jonas, Priest Associate of Grace Church, Amherst, Massachusetts and Co-Chair of Religious Witness for the Earth; the Rev. Henrik Grape, an ordained priest in the Church of Sweden who  coordinates the Church’s environmental network and a member of the Climate group of Christian Council of Sweden; and Cassandra Carmichael, director of the National Council of Churches Washington Office and the NCC’s eco-justice program director.

A joint statement on climate change will be released by Presiding Bishop Jefferts Schori and Archbishop Wejryd.

The Thursday roundtable sessions will be videotaped and will be available on demand.

The forum is ideal for group watching and discussion, or on demand viewing as well as Sunday School, discussions groups, community gatherings, and other get-togethers.

For more information contact Neva Rae Fox, Public Affairs Officer, publicaffairs@episcopalchurch.org.

GOOD FRIDAY (2)

If there is one thing which has stuck with me these past few days as our local faith community has read and considered portions of the passion narrative, it is Jesus’ steadfast walk towards and into Jerusalem with all the risk involved. He would not be swayed, by easy ways out, diversions, political or offensive strategies. He somehow commanded the courage to keep calm and carry on as the wartime phrase says.

Given his absolute confidence found in connection with God the Creator, he lived life as only he could. His was such a lonely road, which is why Luke’s gospel in particular stresses the cost of the journey itself.

On Wednesday we heard shared Hebrews 12:1 together.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us

Perseverance . . . a quality little known to the folks who seek endless stores of labour-saving devices and create social structures which insulate us from harm or even its possibility.

Environmental advocacy here in North America has its supporters, even in the churches, but for those who take the long view, and have devoted many years to what often seems an endless struggle, the way is fraught with resistance, sometimes actual danger, and much fatigue.

A new ACEN representative wrote to me the other day:

I know my first feeling is one of encouragement and hope, because it can be such a lonely road and the more we are together the stronger we will be and so will be our message.

Amen. And again I say (and feel) Amen. So friends let us keep up the witness for God’s wonderful creation. Entities with more money, energy and probably a more clearly defined strategy will continue doing what they think is the right thing to do. Let us together provide reality checks, theological responses, well coordinated activism, sacrificial and simplified lifestyles, and prayer, especially as we behold the Christ of the cross on this Good Friday.

Ken Gray+

ACEN Secretary

HOLY WEEK

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16 New International Version)

Arguably one of the pivotal verses in the New Testament Canon, John’s explanation of the process and motivation of salvation is striking. Folks have tended to read it anthropocentrically, God loved ‘humanity’ you and me. But the single word ‘world’ is clear. All translations in English use the same word. What ‘world’ constituted in ancient times is debatable, but then and now, it still means all that can be considered beyond the local. It is not hard to include creation, and humanity within it, as the centre of God’s passion, and Christ’s self-giving action Phil 2).

For those concerned with creation, as a mission priority, the connection is easy. God has provided, graciously for our needs and the needs of non-human elements and being within creation. Salvation, specially expressed in Christ’s self-offering affect humans within the broadest realms of creation.

‘Belief’ as set out in this verse is often understood as a gateway to eternal things, to the detriment of current existence and environment. I beg to differ. What God creates, and continues to animate, is a direct expression of God’s creativeness. So consider what we have done with this gift! Consider our silence as others continue to destroy God’s gift.

As a reflection enjoy this clip from St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5Akz6J8Rw0

A blessed Holy week to all.

Ken+

FROM FRANCIS TO PAPUA

Encouraging words from Pope Francis at his installation service:

We are all called to be protectors: “It means protecting all creation, the beauty of the created world… It means respecting each of God’s creatures and respecting the environment in which we live. It means protecting people, showing loving concern for each and every person, especially children, the elderly, those in need, who are often the last we think about.”

Francis called on “all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life” to be protectors of creation: “To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope … Let us not allow omens of destruction and death to accompany the advance of this world.”

Taken from a FaceBook post by Dave Bookless A Rocha International

To hear such environmentally supportive language from the leader of the world’s Roman Catholics is encouraging. To suggest the role, for all of us, but especially for the world’s leaders, of protector is timely, appropriate and essential. Now to the stretagy.

How do folks move beyond a conservationist appreciation of nature/creation to a truly transformative process? I often turn to the principalities and powers of Ephesians 6 for inspiration. Forces collude–to keep things the way they are, unless there is a gospel re-ordering of things. Corporations, governments, investors, local leaders, individuals, churches, faith communities need to do things differently. The work is not easy, and there will be resistance. Brace yourself!

Just this morning, another example crossed my desk, this time in West Papua, Indonesia. A colleague wrote:

I find myself this Lent in a new place – my attention has been grabbed by the 50 year saga of West Papua – another story of resource extraction transnationals, together with the Indonesian govt who benefits, destroying the indigenous people and the environment. Even the UN avoids addressing the issue.

Here we go again . . . So we study the situation . . . We investigate in order to advocate, and consider our own connections with such activity, as investors, travellers, as members of various networks.

Here’s a link to Pedaling For Papua, a great initiative from Jeremy, from Western Canada, a totally motivated activist who puts a personal face on a nasty situation. Very cool.

See his video clip at http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz0pmwTKYHE&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DIz0pmwTKYHE

What do you think?

Ken+

GET READY FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST OF MARCH (FOCUS ON FORESTS)

OK, it’s not strictly in line with the Carbon Fast Calendar, but this year marks the first International Day of the Forest, ever. An  International Day of Forestry has been around for some 30 years, but this year, we can focus on forests on a single day. I share this a few days prior to the celebration so you can make your own plans.

Forests will play a central role in human attempts to transition towards a sustainable future. The full text of the UN resolution proclaiming the IDOF can be read at http://www.un.org/esa/forests/international-day-of-forests.html . See also the UN forum on Forests at http://www.un.org/esa/forests/ .

It’s purpose is to celebrate and raise awareness of the importance of all types of forest and of trees outside forests. We are encouraged to undertake local, national and international efforts to organize activities involving forests and trees, such as tree planting campaigns.

For those requiring further information, the third chapter in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) latest report on the State of the World’s Forests includes suggestions for future strategies in realizing the potential contribution for consideration by leaders inside and outside the forest sector at the local, national and global levels. Goto http://www.fao.org/forestry/sofo/en/

In the Anglican Community, readers of this blog will be interested to learn of the work of Land for Life, a ministry run by Andrew and Maria Leake in Argentina. Specifically they work to preserve forest lands threatened by development and support the people who depend on them for their livelihood. For these folks and their work, our prayers continue. A link to a recent newsletter is at http://www.downanddromore.org/cmsfiles/moved/files/l/Land-for-Life-Feb13.pdf

Otherwise, let’s celebrate our forests. Send us some pictures. Here is a link to some of my own in a forest area close to where I live.

http://grayintheforest.smugmug.com/Landscapes/Turkeyless-Thanksgiving-Day/14151352_fvn9N5#!i=1043961110&k=bgCsNPB

Either add a comment with a link to this post, or email me directly at rector@colwoodanglican.ca with your images and I will put up a gallery.

Ken Gray+

CHRIST AND CREAATION, TOGETHER – A WORD ABOUT THE ACEN

If blogs, email, social networking and the internet are all about connecting, here’s another connective destination, the Anglican Communion Environmental Network (ACEN).

This blog is initiated through the efforts of two ACEN members, Revs. Ken Gray and Rachel Mash. Both work full time for their respective Anglican churches in Canada and South Africa in parish or justice ministry. Both gather with other Anglicans concerned for creation, in rare instances at face-to-face meetings but primarily through electronic communication.

Anglican Communion General Secretary Canon Kenneth Kearon recently described the networks as the ‘future of the communion.’ Cynics might suggest he did so because networks are cheap. Comprised of volunteers there is only a sole coordinator position associated with networks at the communion level. A more thoughtful interpretation is that networks gather like-minded, ministry focused individuals who make ministry happen.

Such ministry however required coordination, encouragement, resources and a sense of community. The ACEN connects Anglican environmentalists globally through a list serve and through the publication of monthly digests. Digests are archived at http://acen.anglicancommunion.org/resources/digest/index.cfm

What’s in a Digest? Take a browse. Recent headings included

AN INITIATIVE – Carbon Fast Blog attracts Interest

A PUBLICATION – Gandhi, Ecology & World Religions

A MEDIA PROGRAMME – Letters to the future: Eco-justice visions in South Africa

A PROJECT UPDATE – Land for Life, Andrew and Maria Leake in Argentina.

A STUDY RESOURCE – Sabbath Reflections: Capitalism and Inequity versus a Gospel Mandate – a series of seven studies written by Bishop George

AN ACADEMIC PUBLICATION – The Spiritual Dimension of Global Change

AN ORGANIZATION WORTH FOLLOWING – A Rocha – Planetwise

The digest and this blog are a couple of ways the ACEN achieves its aims, thus:

To encourage Anglicans to support sustainable environmental practices as individuals and in the life of their communities.

To provide information about policies embraced by synods, councils and commissions, and especially by the instruments of Unity (Statements by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Resolutions and Reports of the Lambeth Conference and the Anglican Consultative Council)

To support local initiatives by providing information about ideas and best practices developed around the communion.

To share information about resources and initiatives that may be of value to Anglicans everywhere.

To provide an opportunity for interested Anglicans to meet both as a formal network, and informally via electronic media.

So friends, let us encourage one another and strengthen out witness. Let us build up these good works in our local communities, for Christ and creation, together.

Ken Gray+

O HEALING RIVER

As we complete our focus on water, and move towards week three where the theme changes to the ‘face of climate change (see image) we hear a new scripture, from Isaiah 24:4 – 6

The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers, the exalted of the earth languish. The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the  statutes and broken the everlasting  covenant.

Therefore a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt.

Therefore earth’s inhabitants are burned up, and very few are left.

As a reflection I hope you will enjoy a folk version of a hymn, now quite popular in the Canadian church:

O healing river, send down your waters,

send down your waters upon this land.

O healing river, send down your waters,

and wash the blood from off the sand.

 

This land is parching, this land is burning,

no seed is growing in the barren ground.

O healing river, send down your waters,

O healing river, send your waters down.

 

Let the seed of freedom awake and flourish,

let the deep roots nourish, let the tall stalks rise.

O healing river, send down your waters,

O healing river, from out of the skies.

Enjoy, Ken Gray+

p.s. a nice choral version is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AiHXEmsk-0U

SOLUTIONS – GREY WATER IRRIGATION

More from Canadian, Stan Parker, on water management.

(If we wait for industry, we falter; if we become industrious and are satisfied with our efforts)

There was a lot of talk a few years ago about gray water irrigation, whereby a household could use water from kitchen, laundry and bath drains for watering lawns and gardens, and thus save using good potable water for such purposes. Another step in reducing one’s footprint on this earth. We thought we’d give it a try.

Our first attempt was a very simple system: the drain hose of the washing machine was led out the laundry room window into a rain barrel, via a length of 2 ½ inch black plastic pipe and a couple of elbow fittings (to go around corners).  We added a submersible sump-pump, a length of garden hose and a garden sprinkler to save having to carry a bucket full of water from the barrel around the garden, several times to empty it.. All this material came from the local hardware store, for a few bucks. When Fall came it was a simply matter to shift the discharge hose back to its original drain, and close the window.

The year we moved to a new house, was a particularly dry summer, and at the same time, there was an influx of new residents in the area. The Regional District imposed watering restrictions, and has since decided to keep them in place permanently. Our solution was simple; just re-install the Gray Water System, unfortunately the new house, didn’t have a window in the laundry! A new system had to be devised. We found that all the drains went into the crawl-space and came together into the main sewer line before exiting the house. It was easy to see which line drained which basin, toilet, bath or appliance.  Cutting the plastic pipes from the baths, shower, wash-basins and sinks (and of course the washing machine) then inserting a Diverter Valve in each was pretty straight-forward. The diverter valves were connected via short pieces of the same plastic pipe we had used before, to a cistern. To be on the safe side we had help from a plumber friend in making sure the connections were water-tight.

The Cistern was made up from two 200 litre plastic barrels connected in series, and the sump-pump placed in the lower of the two barrels.  Closely monitoring the water usage for the first few weeks, we found the cistern needed pumping out only once a week, so a switch was fitted inside the  laundry making it a simple matter of turning on the sump-pump each time the washing machine was used. The garden hose and sprinkler from the previous system were re-used in this new one. At the end of each watering season, one has to remember that the diverter valves must be changed over to the main drains, and the cistern drained and flushed out.

One thing we still avoid, is using Gray Water for fruits and vegetables. This is because we’re not sure if the soap and detergents we use are readily bio-degradable to the extent that they can be directly absorbed by the edible plants, without causing any unwanted side-effects to the food chain. Other than that, we have reduced our footprint, kept a green and flowering garden and saved money for more useful purposes. Oh! And one more thing; green plants absorb carbon-dioxide and produce oxygen.

Stan Parker, Victoria BC, Canada