Call to Environmental Action

The 6th Assembly of the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) in October 2006 called for emphasis on sufficiency, efficiency, use of renewables and planet perspective in everyday life. Churches in Europe are now strongly encouraged to raise their voice in the debate on energy and climate change and to support the initiative of the European Commission and link it to the specific Christian perspective on the subject. ECEN is providing tangible support for that work through its many contributions.

The Evangelical-Lutheran Church of Finland has already responded to this call. Speaking at the national bishops’ conference on 13 February, the Archbishop Jukka Paarma stressed the need for ecological responsibility. What we do, or do not, has an influence on the life of the God’s creation, he said. He reminded the conference that climate change hits first and hardest the most vulnerable. He went on emphasising that good life should not be based on high level of consumption and material living standards but on caring for others, mental balance, spiritual security and the joy of human relationships and God’s gifts. It also involves ecologically responsible citizenship.

The ECEN is also strongly encouraging local churches to observe 'A Time for Creation' in their worship life.

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