EMQ » April–June 2023 » Volume 59 Issue 2
Summary: As disciples of Jesus Christ in 2023, how must we live in order to halt the disasters that are devastating food security and destroying the web of life on which we depend? How do we preach the good news of the gospel in this context? What is the mission to which God is calling us? The Green Anglican movement, which started in Southern Africa, is responding to these pressing questions on three levels – spirituality, local actions, and advocacy.
By Rachel Mash
We are living in a world in crisis. As we emerge from COVID-19, the reality of climate change and biodiversity loss is more evident than ever. Devastating floods, wildfires, and heatwaves are the face of climate chaos.
In Africa, climate change is not a future crisis, it is a disaster that many millions live daily. For example, northern Kenya has had no rain for four years.[1] Children are so malnourished that they are too weak to walk to school.
In Durban, South Africa, a rain bomb[2] washed away homes and infrastructure killing at least 300 people. Many of the bodies have yet to be found.[3] Recently, Cape Town suffered three years of drought and was threatened by what they called “Day Zero” when all the taps would be turned off.[4]
Hunger is on the rise. Deserts are encroaching.[5] Fertile soil is being eroded faster than it forms.[6] Fish stocks are threatened by ocean acidification and overfishing.[7],[8] Living rivers are toxic and polluted.[9]
As Christians we, know that discipleship includes feeding the hungry and helping the destitute (Matthew 25.35). However, the challenges for us in today’s world are more complex. As disciples of Jesus Christ in 2023, how must we live in order to halt the disasters that are devastating food security and destroying the web of life on which we depend? How do we preach the good news of the gospel in this context? What is the mission to which God is calling us?
