Page 33 - Eggs and Ashes pages

32 Eggs and Ashes

Introduction

When Saint Columba sent his monks out from Iona to convert the peoples of
northern Europe, his instructions to them were very simple: Go and settle in a
community and let them see the way that you live. No door-to-door evangelism, no
preaching on street corners; Columba felt that their lifestyle would speak for itself –
and it did.
At the first World Summit on the Environment in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the
world powers, organisations and experts agreed that the best way forward on
environ mental issues is through local initiatives. At the summit they drafted Agenda
21, known for its motto: ‘Think globally and act locally.’
Lent is traditionally a time for greater discipline in our lifestyles, in order to focus
more on God’s priorities. In 2003, the Bishop of Wolverhampton, Michael Bourke,
spoke about wanting to explore environmental issues during Lent, because we now
know that we have been living in a way that has damaged God’s creation and need
to change (repent). In response to Bishop Mike’s concerns we developed this Lent
discipline, which, of course, can be used as an environmental challenge at any time
of the year.

Following the Lent discipline

In each of the six weeks of this Lent discipline there are suggested environmental
actions for you to take on. Some are quite small things, some are challenging. Some
are actions that you could do as a family or household, some are individual. You
may well be doing some already.
Each week has a theme corresponding to one aspect of concern for the environ-
ment (transport, water, energy, waste, shopping thoughtfully, and improving biodi-
versity). You are invited to take on two or three items from the action list each
week. If you feel able, you may want to try carrying on one of these items through
the whole of Lent. But remember, everything that we do for the environment,
however small, is a vital contribution and a witness to our belief in God the Creator;
this environmental challenge is for you to experiment with, not to be oppressed by.
One of the most important contributions you can make to caring for the
environ ment is to be informed about the issues. In the material for each week you
will find a short list of actions for research and campaigning (for which you will
need to be informed). There are some organisations listed on pages 71–72 that can
help you with this.