Bishops from the Church of Sweden have issue a new missive on the climate emergency that combines scientific knowledge with pastoral care, theology and specific appeals. “Today, the spiritual and existential nature of the climate crisis is crystal clear”, said Church of Sweden Archbishop Dr Antje Jackelén.
The bishops’ missive begins with a summary of current knowledge, followed by an existential and theological reflection on threats, anxiety, hope and our role as people. It concludes by describing ways forward and making appeals to decision-makers in Sweden and internationally, to businesses and organisations, to individuals – and to the Church of Sweden and churches throughout the world.
“The bishops’ missive tackles the worry, the guilt and the questions that climate issues raise. Have we run off and left the bill to our children? How can we achieve climate justice? What can we dare to hope for? The conditions are in place for unleashing the positive energy required for action – among individuals and collectively. Love for our beloved creation can overcome both paralysis and denial”, said Jackelén.
The bishops point out that, based on a Christian view of life, there are ways forward even through crisis – but that time is scarce. The missive stresses engagement and a holistic view.
“Through contacts with sister churches throughout the world and cooperation across religious boundaries, we know that strength from the depths of our Christian faith is required for this work”, said Jackelén.
* More about the WCC work on care for creation and climate justice here
* The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, by the end of 2012 the WCC had 345 member churches representing more than 500 million Christians from Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other traditions in over 110 countries. The WCC works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church.
* World Council of Churches http://www.oikoumene.org/en
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