The awareness of ecological crises, and Christian publications on the topic provided an impetus for this. Among the publications was the 2022 book “FROMM + GRÜN” (pious + green), published by Thomas Kröck and Heinrich Chr. Rust. This book presents a study investigating the concerns and sentiments of Protestant congregations towards the issue of creation care. Another study on social justice and environmental sustainability has been conducted by the research institute Empirica, due to be published in spring 2024.

Additionally, various Evangelical Alliance churches and church associations have been intentionally engaging with this topic:

The ‘Creation + Responsibility’ working group of the Evangelical Gnadauer Gemeinschaftsverband (an umbrella organisation of the Pietist congregations) was founded this year. This group aims to encourage churches to engage with this topic—part of the efforts for this includes a quarterly published newsletter.

Friends of A Rocha in Germany has also been established, and have been organising various events.

Prepared by: Dr. Thomas Kröck, Director of Studies at Christian Development Studies of AcF.

In her book, agricultural scientist Naomi Bosch explores the root causes of the ecological and social crises of our times. She also outlines biblical solutions to these, further offering a hopeful perspective by recounting inspiring stories of people who are already walking the talk. And, she provides ideas on how to help regenerate your little corner of God’s creation—both individually and as community. 

Our very own Dr Dave Bookless commends this book for your attention:

‘This is a beautiful and important book – please read it! It is filled with love for nature, biblical wisdom, challenges to our lifestyles, and realistic hope. Be warned, it may change your life!’

You can order the book on Amazon and SCM-Shop, or get a signed copy directly from the author (message naomi@plentiful-lands.com or through Instagram/Facebook @plentiful_lands).

The United Nation’s version of Earth Day, World Environment Day will be observed in many of our countries around the world on Friday, June 5. It is being officially hosted by Colombia and Germany with a theme of biodiversity. We hope you will take part wherever you are.

The World Environment Day webpage is here.

There will probably be a number of webinars and other online events marking the day. One that we are aware of is Connexions: Sustainable Food, Ecosystems and Biodiversity sponsored by the UNESCO Chair on Food, Biodiversity and Sustainability Studies.

In this webinar we’ll explore why biodiversity and ecosystems management are important components for building sustainable food systems. You’ll hear from researchers working directly with communities engaged in food production practices that are centred on biodiverse ecosystems. Drawing on community-based research in Brazil, Ecuador, and the Northwest Territories, you’ll learn about the unique challenges facing food systems actors and how communities are using agroforestry and other ecological food production principles to guide their work. 

Register for the webinar here.

If you want resources for your church, check out EFICOR’s Eco-Sunday materials here.

The “Cathedral”, made up of a tent and several seating accommodations just outside the festival area, aimed to motivate Christians to make environmental conservation a part of their daily life and faith. From informing about A Rocha and giving tips on how to live more sustainably in their personal and church life, over discussions on the biblical background of creation care and sustainable agriculture, to walks for experiencing creation, the “Cathedral” covered a wide range of topics. To make it more than mere theory, the team introduced a system of reusable dishes and cigarette butt collection at the festival.

As a highlight, Chris Naylor, director of A Rocha International, was invited to preach at one of the main sessions. All of it received a very positive echo from the festival attendants. [Report by Naomi Bosch]