In 2023, Tearfund Ireland, together with Vox magazine and the Praxis movement, carried out research to understand the perspectives of young Christian adults on faith, the Church and climate justice.
‘Loving Our Neighbour’ is our report which highlights the priority that younger Christian adults place on the need for climate action and their desire for the Church to demonstrate leadership in climate justice and creation care.
Some of the key findings from the report are:
- An overwhelming majority of younger Christians are concerned about climate change
- Young Christians believe it is important to act now
- Young Christians believe care for creation should be part of the Church’s mission
- Young Christians are confused about their church’s response to climate change
- There are many opportunities for the Church
Articulating that care for creation is part of our biblical mandate to love our global neighbour, the report also recognises there are differing views and encourages humble conversation on this important topic. To read or download a copy of the report visit the Tearfund Ireland website www.tearfund.ie – or please click here.
Archdeacon Andrew Orr, Chair of Eco-Congregation Ireland spoke at the launch and has welcomed the report with the following:
“This is a really important piece of research, the first of its kind in Ireland. It shows that the young people in our churches are clear that climate change is a vitally important issue, and that they are looking for Christian leadership in caring for God’s creation. It is a wake-up call to all of us to provide hope, teaching and practical action to care for our planet.”