introduction to awd

Whose responsibility is it to care for the

earth?

We believe that:

God created the heavens and the earth.

God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.

…all things have been created through him and for him.

God so loved the world….

Problem?

What problem?

The Barmen Declaration

“To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” Karl Barth

Is climate change a confessional issue?

A confession is a decision of the church to take up the struggle at a particular time, and it involves repentance on the part of the church.

•Climate change now threatens the well-being of life on earth•The current global economy is the principal driver of climate change•The Church appears far too happy to side with the global economy.

Wide support"This prophetic document from 'Operation Noah'  comes at a kairos moment for the Churches, as a second Earth Summit is being prepared ….  

For Christians,  the themes of this statement  -  joy, repentance, hope, justice and so on  -  are not optional:  they are at the heart of our identity as Church.   

Mary Grey, theologian and writer 

Find joy in creation!‘How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures… Psalm 104:24

‘The love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit,’ (Romans 5:5)

overflows in our love and care for all God ’s creatures.  

Listen!‘I appointed watchmen over you and said; “Listen to the sound of the trumpet!”’ Jer. 6:17

Prophets are those who speak uncomfortable truth to their generation.

Repent!‘Jesus said; “The time has come. The

kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”’ Mark 1:15

God grieves over the destruction of creation and so should we.

Humans, made in God’s image, have unique responsibility for the wellbeing of creation.

Genesis 1:26, 2:15

Take responsibility

We must use our power wisely to promote the flourishing of future generations and the diversity of life on earth.

‘The Lord loves righteousness and justice;’ Ps. 33:5

Act Justly

Love our neighbours

‘So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.’ Matt. 7:12

‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Romans 15:13

Act with hope!

Sign the pledge

Find resources to help spread the word:

www.operationnoah.org

“The ultimate test of a moral society is the kind of world that it leaves to its children.”

Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Ash Wednesday Declaration