The environmental movement has a powerful ally in faith communities, such as Three Rock Churches’ Environmental Group (TRCEG) – a group of more than half a dozen churches working together in South Dublin.
That is the view of Catherine Martin – a teacher and keen environmentalist – who spoke at TRCEG’s prayer and meditation Harvest Time service in Taney Church of Ireland parish on 8 October 2013.
“Christianity has always been concerned with the environment and we cannot underestimate the value of faith communities in promoting a more ecologically and socially just and sustainable future,” she said. “This is ‘living’ the scripture – giving praise to God for the gift of this world and treating it with love. Actions always speak louder than words and that is why it is wonderful to see more and more religious groups actively emphasising ecological protection and acting on those beliefs in very practical ways.”
Catherine was in no doubt that groups like TRCEG could make a difference. “It is the little things in life that can cause some difficulty and division,” she said. “But it is in the big things in life, the immense challenges, such as climate change, where we can be as one.”
Christians need to inspire others to find the will to protect the planet. “We are smart. We know what we should and shouldn’t do,” she said. “We don’t need to lecture communities about what can or cannot be done, but rather to motivate them to look at the environment in a different perspective …. A brighter sustainable future can be achieved collectively, together …. It is up to each and every one of us to play a proactive role to realise this vision in every way possible.”
Christians need to sow a seed of joy and hope for all those who are suffering and, as well as reaching out to them with compassion, we must also identify the roots of injustice and chaos. “This is a tremendous responsibility as we are facing problems that we’ve never seen before,” said Catherine. “However, each of us is duty bound to do what we can. The urgent global and catastrophic challenge that peak oil and climate change present is something that we simply cannot turn away from. We can never have it said that we stood idly by, that we did anything less than our level best to secure our children’s safety and future.”
Catherine said that where she saw challenges she also saw opportunity and hope: “We need to harness that hope. I see hope for our environment every day in the hearts and minds of the students whom I teach. Huge potential lies in cultivating a love of this earth and an appreciation of the gift of life among our youth.”
Catherine teaches music and English in St Tiernan’s Community School, Dundrum, where she also heads up a Green Committee of 40 students. “I saw the pride that these students took in their school receiving that award but, more importantly, I witnessed their dedication through their efforts to embrace a greener approach,” she said. “Education was the first step. Positive change in attitude followed. I am confident that they can transfer that care for their environment from the school playground into their home communities.
“I also saw hope when Oscar Academy winner Glen Hansard took the time to come to our school to commend our students for their environmental work, to raise their green flag, to celebrate that flag through song, and to inspire them to do even more. That day he reminded them of the need to think globally but to act locally.”