Is It an Inconvenient Theology?
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February 2007 Hope and Lent Studies Palm Island: problems at lift-out do better Lakeview Page 5 Page 9 - 11 Page 15 Is it an inconvenient theology? The Uniting Church regards climate change as a serious threat to the future and integrity of life on earth. The scientifi c evidence on global warming and its potentially disastrous impact is now indisputable. Also beyond dispute is that the burning of fossil fuels and subsequent creation of greenhouse gas emissions and our worldwide failure to plan for a sustainable future are seriously exacerbating the problems we face. The threat posed by climate change therefore challenges the way we live in a fundamental way. If we are to meet and overcome the challenge we must think creatively about the organisation of our social and economic institutions, our relationship with each other across national and cultural boundaries and our relationship with the environment. It is increasingly the case that some humans consume the earth’s resources whilst other humans pay the price. As one of the world’s major producers of greenhouse gas emissions on a per capita basis, Australia must acknowledge that it has a responsibility to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. As long as we remain prepared to abuse the atmosphere and entire ecosystems for the sake of short-term economic gain for a few, we undermine our own future. More about climate change It is important that Australia’s social, economic and environmental policies begin to refl ect that social justice Page 2 Moderator and ecological justice are not competing interests, but have shared solutions. Page 6 Green is the new black It makes good economic and political sense to spend Page 7 Repentance and money ensuring the long-term well-being of our natural eco-mission world – there can be no security for humanity without a healthy ecosystem. Page 8 Super-size housing For the sake of the planet and all its people: A Uniting Church in Australia statement Page 14 Brisbane: the new on climate change. Adopted by the Assembly Standing Committee, Uniting Church Rockhampton in Australia, November 2006 Page 20 Journey asks How’s the weather where From the Editor Those who are older know how the years seem to come and go at a you are? faster rate every time around and already it’s 2007. OVER THE past week or so I’ve Those who keep track of what is happening around us are all too been reading the autobiography of aware of the rapid change of pace and an incredible redefi nition of renowned environmentalist, David Message from the values and culture that is taking place in the Australian community. Suzuki. It’s an enthralling book Those who have been part of the Uniting Church for a while recognise for a number of reasons, and it Moderator that we now face an entirely new set of challenges which will require reveals a man with a deep love for Rev Dr David Pitman creative and energetic responses if we are to be faithful to the task the natural world and a passionate that God has given us. commitment to preserve it for future generations. Here in the Synod’s Communication Services Unit we understand His book confi rms what we our role to include helping the church discover and enact appropriate already know. In many parts of and imaginative responses to the changeful context in which we live the world, the destruction of the insistence that what is “good” for for the inevitable destructive out our faith. environment has passed the point Australia sets the environmental impact on the environment and the Journey will do three things this year to meet this important of no return! Vast areas of pristine agenda is somewhat mystifying. atmosphere. challenge. wilderness have been torn apart by If “good” means economically For Christians, the current crisis First, we will look back to remind ourselves of the rich traditions mining and drilling. benefi cial then the attitude is short- is informed by our understanding and incredible resources we have been given as a church. As we Millions of hectares of virgin sighted and very misleading. of the biblical witness regarding approach the 30th anniversary of the inauguration of the Uniting forest have been cleared to meet If it means that the rest of the the creation of the earth and Church in Australia we will particularly remember those who brought the insatiable demand for timber. world doesn’t matter as long as responsible stewardship. Th e world the vision into reality and created a uniquely Australian church which Much of it has not been replanted, Australia gets something out of it, God has made is a gift entrusted to has both the resources and the ability to face the present challenges or has been converted into the attitude is totally selfi sh and our care. and those that will face us in the future. unproductive farms. irresponsible. Th e use of the words “subdue” Rivers and lakes have been so We are one world! What and “have dominion” in the Second, we will engage with the present. We will endeavour to fi nd badly polluted by the runoff from happens in South America, or creation story found in Genesis the connecting points between our faith and what is happening in industry and mining that all life Chapter 1 do not infer the right our world, and will tell the stories of how Uniting Church people are forms in and around them have We should be in no to ravage, exploit or destroy. Th ey resourcefully engaging with their local communities as individuals and congregations. disappeared. “ doubt. The problem are words that establish the biblical Th e air in many of our major is real, it is urgent, notion of responsible stewardship. Third, we will look to the future. Journey wants to be part of creating cities is now so toxic that it and it demands a God not only saw that everything a vibrant and dynamic Uniting Church that demonstrates ingenuity represents a constant threat to the unifi ed approach he had made was “good”, God and faithfulness in being witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ. health and wellbeing of those who from the nations of entrusted what was good into the We won’t always get it right and we guarantee to step on toes on a live in them. the world. care of the human race. regular basis, but it will always be done out of a love for God and a Global warming and climate In the beginning, God saw strong commitment to the Uniting Church in Australia. change are the inevitable result of Africa, or Antarctica ultimately” that what the divine wisdom had environmental degradation and the impacts on everyone. brought into being was “good”. Thanks as always to the many, many people who make each issue of pollution of the atmosphere. When our Government (along In his letter to the Colossians, Journey happen: our writers, reviewers, photographers, cartoonists, Responsible environmentalists with the USA) refuses to sign the the Apostle Paul reminds us that proofreaders, printers and distribution workers. have done their best over many Kyoto Protocol, it distances itself Jesus is the Lord of creation. It’s an amazing team and a regular inspiration to us. years to alert us to this rapidly from a joint commitment to reduce As Son of God he was present developing threat to our collective the level of greenhouse gases in the and active in the creation of the Bruce Mullan future. atmosphere, and acts as if we can earth. As the risen Christ he will Mardi Lumsden Th eir warnings, as so often do as we like without reference to be present and active when God Osker Lau happens, have often been scoff ed anyone else! brings everything in heaven and at or ignored, especially by those We should be in no doubt. Th e on earth to its ultimate and perfect intent on making a great deal problem is real, it is urgent, and it fulfi lment. of money very quickly, and by demands a unifi ed approach from In the meantime we have a governments more concerned with the nations of the world. special responsibility to care for the the next election than the future of Th e response called for includes earth and its people. Sign of the Times the planet. a commitment by wealthy nations Th e stewardship of creation is Although our own Prime to address the economic inequities not just for now. It remains with us TOOWONG TEAparty congregation had noticed the recent excitement Minister has recently acknowledged that encourage poorer countries until Jesus comes again! in Journey about the Christmas - We are not alone postcard campaign and that the problems are real and to engage in rapid industrial How’s the weather where you one Saturday afternoon before Christmas Naomi Waldron came up with must be addressed, his continued development, often without regard are? an idea as they were watching the cricket. Th e idea was to make a Christmas banner (using the We are not alone theme) to temporarily replace the Toowong church sign. Just 24 hours later the sign was complete and by the start of Sunday evening worship it was proudly adorning the front of the church property. Within an hour of the sign being up two new people had come to church, but the TEAparty are not sure if that could be attributed to the Journey is published 11 times a year for the Queensland Synod of the Uniting Church in Australia.