London: Combining creativity, debate, stories of political activism and practical action, poetry and prayer – the free Online Festival promises to entertain, inform and inspire.
The October 23-25 festival to be held via Zoom will kick off with a panel discussion: “Re-imagining a better future” featuring Bishop James Jones, Cleo Lake (Green Councilor, former Lord Mayor of Bristol), Melanie Nazareth of Christian Climate Action and environmentalist and green business leader Sir Jonathon Porritt.
Anglican priest and writer, Reverend Frances Ward will explore how ancient Christian spiritualities of “unknowing” can set poeple free to commit radically to the present moment, and to find the promised land. Workshops will explore both practical and political action, featuring Rebecca Willis, expert lead at Citizens Assembly UK and Rachel Mander, Faith Outreach Officer at Hope for the Future, the UK’s national specialist in climate lobbying.
“All the solutions we need to address today’s climate emergency already exist. But we are close to passing ‘the point of no return’. What’s lacking is political will – and the solution to that is also in our own hands,” said Sir Jonathon Porritt, festival panelist and Green Christian Patron. He continued, “I’m really looking forward to being part of Green Christian’s Festival to explore different dimensions of today’s Climate Emergency, and what it means for us all from a personal and moral perspective.”
Above all, the festival offers a chance to dream and imagine. The presentation of Rob Hopkins, founder of the Transition movement, will set some imaginative challenges. This is followed by an interactive evening exploring poetry and environmental activism, with readings and discussion from eco-poets Caleb Parkin (Bristol’s City Poet) and Carrie Etter (Reader in Creative Writing, Bath Spa University).
Green Christian was formed in 1981, and formally constituted in 1982 when the vision was to share green insights with Christians and Christian insights with the green movement, explains the website of the movement.
“Since then the ecological crisis has deepened so we seek the more urgently to live gently on the earth, encouraging one another in discipleship which accepts our impact on God’s creation as a whole.
“We believe in a gospel for all creation. We are currently a community of ordinary Christians from all backgrounds and traditions who seek to let loose hope in this damaged, exploited and unjust world, pioneer practical discipleship in shared prayer, struggle and action, equip prophetic witness through our campaigns and resources, empower agents of change in churches and the green movement through daily prayer, daily simple lifestyle, public witness, and encouragement to one another and the provision of resources, including a magazine, groups, retreats and conferences.”
Green Christian helps its members to understand and relate these responsibilities to their faith. Members can then encourage others in their local churches and neighborhoods to think seriously about these issues.
Source:indcatholicnews.com