inel

‘Church must act on climate change’

Dec 22 2007 by David Williamson, Western Mail

The Church must play a leading role in pressuring the Government to face up to the challenge of climate change, according to the Bishop of Monmouth.

In his Christmas message the Rt Rev Dominic Walker said, “Christianity is not just about saving individual souls, it is about saving the world.

“We are stewards of creation, entrusted with the care of God’s world and yet we exploit it. The challenge facing the world is huge, urgent and far-reaching and I believe the Church should be taking a leading role in urging governments to take action, and in taking action ourselves.”

The bishop, who will preach at St Woolos Cathedral, Newport, on Christmas Day, is alarmed by predictions of an additional 165,000 to 250,000 child deaths per year in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa as a result of climate change. He said, “As a Church, our prime task is to bring the message of God’s saving love to the world, but we cannot do that without also recognising that the rich West is destroying the world and we need to act urgently, decisively and sacrificially.

“The birth of the Christ child in a stable in Bethlehem reminds us of God’s love for the world he created and redeemed. When we worship at the crib, it is not to be sentimental and to escape the harsh realities of life, for Jesus himself was born in an occupied country and became a refugee.”

I hope you’ll get the chance to hear the Bishop’s sermon.

Residents of the city of Newport in South Wales have the lowest carbon footprints of any in Britain, so I hear, and the city of St. David’s in West Wales is a shining example of sustainable living.  I celebrate the Welsh contribution to our climate challenge, as our former times of coal mines and steelworks have been replaced by cleaner businesses.  Let’s hope that trend picks up speed and continues, supported by positive actions by the Welsh Assembly!