Pastoral Letter from the Pacific Conference of Churches - 50th anniversary of Earth Day

Rev James Bhagwan,  General Secretary, Pacific Conference of Churches reflects on International Mother Earth Day in the context of COVID-19. 

50th global anniversary of Earth Day calls for a return to the normal of living the Kingdom of God. 

Grace and Peace to you my sisters and brothers in the name of the Risen Christ!

 As “Earth Day” turns 50 years old and celebrates its “Golden Jubilee,” in the midst of Covid-19, among proclamations of a “new normal”, I invite us to reflect on what an Earth Jubilee might be; and, in the context of Easter and the coronavirus, what a “renewal” of our normal might offer Pacific churches and communities. Writes Rev Bhagwan.

Download the PDF to read the full  Pastoral Letter on Jubilee for the Earth  

To find out more about the Pacific Conference of Churches, visit:  www.pcc.org.fj 

Other pastoral letters from the Pacific Conference of Churches relating to faith, gender-based violence etc in the context of COVID-19 can be found at https://pacificconferenceofchurches.org/?blog=y  

An Interfaith Earth Day message in times of Covid 19 and Climate Emergency

An Inter-faith group active at UNFCCC conferences, make a response to the postponement of the COP26 - 22nd of April, Earth Day

We see the trauma, anxiety, vulnerability and loss of life around the world caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among already vulnerable communities. We are appalled by the increase in human rights violations, including racism, extreme surveillance, xenophobia, misuses of emergency powers and domestic violence. 

Download the PDF of the Interfaith Earth Day message here  

A response from NCCA President, Bishop Philip Huggins 

INTERFAITH GROUP STATEMENT IN  RESPONSE TO THE POSTPONEMENT OF COP26.

WHERE TO FROM HERE?

Our goal is still clear. A just peace for all people upon the planet; sustainable development so all species have a secure future. 

TO GET THERE, WHAT CAN WE LEARN AND APPLY FROM THIS COVID CRISIS TOWARDS UNCOP26? 

UNHAPPILY 

• There has been much suffering and anxiety resulting from COVID19. Further climate change will only add to the suffering. None of us want that.
• The suffering has known no borders but those poorer often have less access to medical care and other support.

 MORE HAPPILY  

• COVID19 19 has elicited wonderful generosity and courageous, sacrificial service. There is much that has been and is ennobling. 
• Relatedly, we are even more aware of being one human family on this planet and all needing each other’s help.
• For some there has been unexpected space for reflection; for a re- appreciation of home and loved ones. There has been some freedom to discern the influence of marketing on life -style choices.
• For those of us of faith, there is a restoring of balance, more time to read sacred texts and offer our prayers and meditations (including for those suffering and for those intensely serving, amidst COVID19). 

WHAT COMES NEXT? WHAT ARE THE STEPS BETWEEN NOW AND AN EFFECTIVE UNCOP26? 

Together we must give this question our best attention. 

Yes, emissions are falling; the planet is breathing; lethal pollution no longer hangs over Delhi. But we know we cannot prevent climate change this way. It would cause more of the poor to starve. And we know employment and housing help give dignity to human life. 

So, how do we come out of the economic shutdown and still meet the targets of the Paris Agreement? 

These coming days and weeks are crucial so that we evolve a managed, planned and fair answer to that question. 

This Statement is an encouragement for others to join the conversation and planning now, especially, understanding that many national and community leaders are still, necessarily, absorbed by the COVID19 crisis. Those of us better placed have a responsibility to think it out. 

The goal is clear. The poignancy of these past few months is vivid- a UNCOP25 of disappointments followed by this dreadful and unexpected pandemic. 

We have to shape a plan now that takes us to a successful UNCOP26. 

Please join our conversation. Let’s shape the next steps together.

Bishop Philip Huggins, NCCA President