Creation Challenge

Creation Challenge newsletter

Welcome to the November edition of Creation Challenge!

The new website is now up and running, and being updated much more regularly than previously. So we really want to hear from you! We want to hear your stories, reflections, and opinions about what is being shared.

This Advent as we prepare for Christmas is made even more poignant as world leaders gather in Copenhagen to make preparations for the next global response to Climate Change so please read the JPIT briefing.

The network exists to support the work of individuals and churches throughout our denominations so please share any news, tips, experiences or questions that you have where churches’ and your own engagement with the environment are concerned.

Best wishes,

Dave Coaker

Creation Challenge, Coordinator

Unavoidable climate change will cost Africa at least 1.7 per cent of its GDP by 2040 – US$26.35 billion a year at current rates – and leave millions more people suffering from hunger, diseases, floods and water shortages, a new study warns. Read more.

On Wednesday November 18th 2009, forty John Ray Initiave associates and invited guests met at the Arthur Rank centre in Stoneleigh for a Pre-Copenhagen Consultation. John Weaver chaired the consultation. Read more.

A new John Ray Initiative briefing paper by Sir John Houghton links the biblical story of Joseph in Egypt and modern issues surrounding climate change. You can download Joseph, Pharaoh, and a Climate Crisis.

Three UK groups studying climate change have issued a strong statement about the dangers of failing to cut emissions of greenhouse gases across the world.

The Royal Society, Met Office, and Natural Environment Research Council (Nerc) say the science of climate change is more alarming than ever. Read the statement

Stop Climate Chaos’ new Wave video site is causing a bit of a storm – they’ve had well over 350 videos submitted now, see the short highlights video which you can share with friends on Facebook, etc.

More than 100 MPs have so far signed an early day motion calling on the UK government to urge the EU to take a stronger stand in tackling climate change.
It was tabled on behalf of Stop Climate Chaos, a coalition of more than 100 UK organisations, including Christian Aid, with a combined supporter base of more than 11 million. Read more

John Weaver (Principal of South Wales Baptist College) took part in a BBC Wales Conference with three other faith representatives last week, part of which was recorded for a religious affairs programme on Sunday. If you want to hear it, it can be downloaded from BBC audio, ‘All Things Considered’ this week or from our South Wales Baptist College website www.swbc.org.uk after that.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/wales/radiowales/sites/allthingsconsidered/updates/20091108.shtml

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This letter comes to you as a joint letter from the Conference of European Churches (CEC) and the Council of European Bishops’ Conferences (CCEE). It addresses one of the key concerns we have together to face.
Climate change is an issue for each one of us. It affects the life of the whole planet. Earth and all its ecosystems is a precious gift which we have received from God.
In the face of global crisis – economic, environmental or any other – , we are called to live in the way that shows the Faith and Hope and Love which we bear towards God, as well as our respect for the whole of God’s creation. Read full letter.

A joint statement from Bishop James Jones and Sir John Houghton, particularly aimed at influencing key American Christian leaders pre Copenhagen, and of wider relevance. Climate Change, Copenhagen and the United States