"Creation- not for sale"
This sub-theme of the global reformation anniversary has been discussed at the European Leadership Consultation in Trondheim, Norway.
At the 13 May 2015 panel session, the European young reformers were to engage the European church leaders in intergenerational conversations about theological insights on climate justice, and about action that churches could take to initiate or strengthen policies to become carbon neutral by 2050. They also wanted to learn about practical measures that could be adopted including re-learning good practices from the older generations.
All photos by LWF/ Ryan Roderick
LWF climate justice officer Mr Martin Kopp from France opened the intergenerational panel with an introduction to the urgency of Climate Justice.
He invited European church leaders to join the global interfaith initiative "Fast for the Climate" on every 1st day of the month.
A short panel session interviewed three generations abotu their own churches experience.
Julia Braband form the Central Church of Germany shared:
" Following the inspiration by the last LWF Assembly, my church started several cliamet justice initiatives. One among them was to reduce the carbon footprint of our church through personal CO2 savings. Together,we managed to save 700.000 tons of CO2 in one year."
Ms Karin Rubenson from Sweden and Ms Patricia Boeckmann from Farnce asked:
"What theological insights help you to reflect on climate justice?"
Some reflections from the intergenerational group
The need to study theology of justice and theology of creation
We need to focus on our own sinfulness and greed
We pay to get out of our guilt and to ease our conciousness.
Through Christ and saved by his grace we see all these questions through a Christological lense.
We are all members of one body in Christ. if one part of the body hurts all of the body parts are suffering and should act.
Mr Gints Graudins from Latvia:
"How can we make climate justice a question for everyone, not a question of being “liberal” or “conservative”?
How can your church take action to initiate or strengthen policies to become carbon neutral by 2050?"
Discussion on the question:
"How do climate injustices impact our life as a communion?
Some member churches are a part of high-emitting societies while other member churches live in highly-affected societies."
Some reflections from the group:
We also need to be honest that we depend on the economic system we live in currently. Are we in Europe really free to change it?
As churches, we can be more proud of what we actually know and can do abotu climate justice- through our global communion and relationships.The church is the most grassrooted global organisation, our members live it every day.
Churches should check their investments and discuss divesting from fossil fuels.
We need to remind politicans that this is a moral question about justice
As a faith-based organisation we should never lose hope.
Ms Triin Salmu from estonia asking the question on personal behavious:
"50% of the carbon footprint depends on personal/individual decisions. Which very practical measures can we adopt? What can we learn from each other: which good practices can we re-learn from past generations? Which new eco-friendly practices can be passed on by the young generation?"
Mr Tim Sonnemeyer from Bavaria/Germany challenged the participants with the question
"Reflect and share on the sustainability of your church right now. How can your church take action to initiate or strengthen policies to become carbon neutral by 2050?"