By Rev. Canon Greg Jenkins
There are few ancient texts more beautiful than the poetry of Psalm 104. Creation and Creator are in harmonious relationship, to the benefit of all life.
From coast to coast to coast, we are experiencing what it’s like when this relationship is out of balance, with everything from droughts, to forest fires, to winter weather that is undergoing noticeable shifts.
The effects on ecosystems and wildlife are of grave concern. Globally, the urgency of addressing climate change has far-reaching consequences for our commitment to sustainable development.
This is why we’re offering excellent parish resources for faith-based education. In recognizing the diverse experiences of Anglican representatives across Canada, PWRDF has crafted a comprehensive education focus to empower us in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Our inaugural focus is on "Climate Action and Food Security," mirroring the seasons of agriculture and liturgy. From the planting of seeds to disaster preparedness and its impact on food security, the five learning modules provide opportunities for prayer, learning, action, and giving.
This year, we’ve introduced the second focus, “Climate Action and Gender”. This recognizes the complexity of climate change and how it intertwines with the challenges caused by societal gender-based barriers across the world.
Look for further resources being produced later in the year that will focus on climate action and health. This year's Lent resource, by Dr. Sylvia Keesmaat focusses on this theme and our plan now is to produce two learning modules, one in May and the other in the fall.
By engaging with these resources (found at pwrdf.org/creation-care), congregations may deepen understanding of our interconnectedness, and strengthen our resolve to heal the wounds of our fragile earth, our shared island home.
We invite you to make use of these resources and take tangible steps toward positive change. For more information, please feel free to reach out to me at gregjenkins@diohuron.org, or visit the outstanding pwrdf.org website.
Thank you for your interest and participation. As we embark on this collective journey, let us encourage one another, just as 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us: "Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing."
Together, as an Anglican community, we are making a difference in the face of climate change.
Rev. Canon Dr. Greg Jenkins is PWRDF representative for Huron.