Unceded Algonquin Territory [OTTAWA]/ Territory of the Huron-Wendat, Seneca, Petun, and Mississaugas of the Credit Indigenous Peoples [TORONTO] (April 17, 2019) — On Earth Day 2019, Christian leaders from across Canada have come together to issue an urgent call to climate action.
Their collective message is clear: the global climate crisis has reached a critical stage and requires an urgent moral and spiritual response.
“In October 2018, the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released a landmark report indicating that our global community has until 2030 to dramatically change course and avoid serious climate consequences,” says Willard Metzger, Executive Director of Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ). “Now, more than ever, we believe that it is important to amplify our shared laments and shared commitments, as people of faith, to work towards climate justice.”
“Throughout scripture we read of repentance, community, compassion, and renewal: from the Genesis call ‘to work and take care of [the Earth]’ through to the Psalmist’s celebration of ‘God’s handiwork’ and the rejoicing too of the trees; recalling the prophets’ devastation at the destruction of the land, but also the Epistle message of renewal and life eternal,” continues Peter Noteboom, General Secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches. “Ever-present in the Gospels, and central to our faith is Jesus’ resurrection and promise of new life.”
“Young people from all over the world are leading the way, speaking passionately from their hearts about the state of emergency created by climate change and the need for immediate action,” says Jennifer Henry, Executive Director of KAIROS. “Inspired and challenged by their commitment, we add our voices and we commit our action, deeply aware of the spiritual crisis we face.”
The #ForTheLoveOfCreation video collaboration was coordinated by the Canadian Council of Churches, KAIROS, and Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) and will be publicly released on Thursday, April 18th. The overlap of Holy Week/Easter Monday with Earth day is significant and has inspired this initiative. The video highlights the need for urgent action by Canadians – and the Canadian government – on climate change.
The seven minute #ForTheLoveOfCreation video will be accessible from ecumenical websites and distributed through social media channels. This is a call to action in the name of the One who brings peace and right relations to all of creation.
An initiative by KAIROS, CPJ, and CCC.
— 30 —
The Canadian Council of Churches (CCC) is a broad and inclusive ecumenical body, now representing 26-member churches including Anglican; Eastern and Roman Catholic; Evangelical; Free Church; Eastern and Oriental Orthodox; and Historic Protestant traditions. www.councilofchurches.ca
KAIROS is an ecumenical social justice organization which unites people of faith or conscience all over the world in commitments to ecological justice and human rights. www.kairoscanada.org
Citizens for Public Justice (CPJ) is a national organization that promotes public justice in Canada by shaping key policy debates through research and analysis, publishing and public dialogue. CPJ encourages citizens, leaders in society and governments to support policies and practices that reflect God’s call for love, justice and the flourishing of creation. To learn more, or become a member, visit cpj.ca.
For more information, contact Deb Mebude at deb@cpj.ca or 613-232-0275 x. 225.
