Creation, Climate and Conservation Recap
Creation, Climate and Conservation Recap
Summary of our inaugural climate event
On March 10th, we hosted a panel discussion on the nature of faith-based ecological duties and the role which faith groups can play in current and future sustainability efforts. We would like to offer our warmest gratitude to all those who came - particularly to our wonderful speakers: Rabbi Mark Goldsmith, Maria Faundez, Sarah Howard-Jones, Tom Welsh and Rabbi Dr Frank Dabba Smith and to Nidhi of Brahma Kumaris for her invaluable help in keeping the event as frictionless as possible.
Here are five key points from the discussion
The importance of stewardship - This is a concept shared throughout all faiths. It is vital to remember that we have a duty of care to creation and the natural world and that we must strive to coexist with nature. Nature does not exist for us to assert our dominion over it and we should make sure our consumptive habits reflect this
Many religious virtues and practices can also be ecological virtues - There are a number of ways in which religious practice can indirectly inform your environmental efforts e.g. contemplation of the advantages of rest and fasting can help you examine and alter the impact of your consumption on the world around you
The pivotal role of faith communities - Faith groups and faith leaders have a huge role to play in sustainability efforts - The moral authority and reach of communication offered by faith leaders as trusted community figures means that faith groups are particularly well situated to amplify and drive sustainability efforts - this is especially true in a borough where a strikingly high number of people practice a faith.
Key areas for action - In partnership with the council, we have identified five key areas for initial focus: recycling, creating green energy champions (community leadership), divesting from fossil fuels, promotion of green energy sources, adoption of parks/green spaces. We are currently in the process of expanding and refining these efforts.
The importance of faith, hope and charity - These virtues are pivotal in helping incumbent environmental efforts. A good example of this is the importance of faith and hope in helping stave off any climate-based nihilism and maintaining the belief that true progress can be made, or the importance of charity in winning over the hearts and minds of those who are less aware of what they ought to be doing.
Further, Tom Welsh has provided a number of valuable resources to help better guide your ecological efforts:
· Climate Change and My Religion Photography Exhibition
· Brent Environmental Network sign-up
· Climate Emergency Web Page – this has links to the full strategy
· Brent Together Towards Zero Small Grants Scheme (please ignore the 31 March deadline, we have secured the money for longer now)
· https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare/net-zero-carbon-church/practical-path-net-zero-carbon-churches. This may also be of interest - the learnings and resources might be applicable across different religions/religious settings.
This was our “Climate, the Environment and Disaster” group’s inaugural event and we are very excited for what is to come - if you would like to get in touch regarding the work we’re doing or would like to get involved with future efforts, please get in touch via info@brentmultifaithforum.org.uk.