Introduction to our statement
Encouragement to the church
Church leaders are encouraged to intentionally consider how to undertake their activities in a way that best cares for creation. This might include:
- encouraging the development, promotion, dissemination and use of resources for liturgy, worship, devotions, ministry to children and youth, education and outreach which emphasise the church’s role in God’s mission to care for creation, and which give praise to God for the gift of a bountiful creation
- recognising that there are already many individuals, congregations and agencies who care for creation and who strive to live and operate sustainably and encourage them to share their stories and achievements
- acknowledging that Indigenous cultures have much to share about sustainable living and care for country, and encouraging dialogue with First Nations groups and individuals.
Purpose of statement
The purpose of this statement is to affirm our responsibility as Christians to be faithful stewards of creation, and to suggest actions to support and encourage this stewardship. It is relevant to all levels of the church – from individuals to congregations, groups and agencies.
This statement is not intended to present a prescriptive list of actions that must be followed by individuals, congregations and agencies. Instead, it provides a set of guidelines and suggestions that these groups can use as a starting point for developing their own creation-care actions as appropriate to their circumstances and available within their resources.
Caring for Creation
This statement provides ethical guidance for members of the Lutheran Church of Australia and New Zealand (the church) who, in living out their shared humanity with others, care for God’s creation. This statement also gives suggestions for how the church, through its congregations and agencies, can demonstrate good stewardship of creation.
God didn’t stop creating on the sixth day. God continues to create, to heal and to restore. Unlike the despair and hopelessness that is sometimes seen in secular environmentalism, as Christians we rejoice that God is always in control. Our hope is not in human strength and wisdom, but rather our hope is in Christ who is 'making everything new' (Rev 21:5). God desires to work through us in his work of caring for and bringing healing to his creation.
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