EcoChurch: Caring for God's Creation

To coincide with the season of Creation Care, Wil James reflects on why concern for the planet is at the centre of our faith

Luke Jerram’s artwork Gaia has been touring the world for a number of years now, including visits to many of our cathedrals. It is not without controversy – some people have objected to a “secular” attraction being hosted in a place of worship and the allusion it makes to Greek mythology.

To me, such objections reflect a strange theological narrow-mindedness. Surely an exhibition that highlights the beauty and fragility of our planet is like a big flashing arrow pointing directly to the mysterious divinity of our creation. If we truly believe that God has made us custodians of this extraordinary place, we  don't have much to fear from churches being “invaded” by a "secular" concern for the environment. It is our concern too!

The responses in the video above certainly suggest that there is much spiritual value to be gained by engaging people on this subject. A recent study of the artwork’s reception in Lincoln Cathedral found seeing Gaia had inspired people to think more deeply not just about our relationship to the natural world, but  about their spiritual lives more broadly.

Concern for God’s creation belongs at the heart of how we define our Christian identities. Before God established his covenant with Abraham, he had already established a covenant with Noah, making humans stewards of the earth (Genesis 9.9-11). Reflecting on this is a fruitful channel for talking about the roots of our faith and bringing more people into our community.

As we enter the Harvest season, we are all invited to prioritise thanksgiving for the bountiful world that sustains us, and without which life would be impossible. This is a season when we also lament the destructive impact humanity has had on our planet and I hope, through prayer, feel galvanised to consider what actions we can take to ensure a more sustainable future for our world.

At St Giles, this means our participation in the national EcoChurch programme, looking at ways to make our buildings more environmentally friendly while also thinking more about our Christian duty as custodians of the earth. The PCC recently agreed to start exploring a major refurbishment of the church building and this will need to include environmental measures to save energy and reduce our carbon footprint. Meanwhile, at a “grassroots” level, the biodiversity of the churchyard is gradually being transformed through the good works of our gardening volunteers.

This is stewardship in which everyone can play a part. So if this is a ministry that speaks to you or where you have particular skills or experience, we need your help! You can speak to me or our EcoChurch Champion Abi Sampson about getting involved and, in the harvest season, do make time to pray for God’s earth.