Poland: Churches help grow a post-carbon human identity

Fr Charles Rue, Adrian Shaw with Dr Eszter Kodacsy

'To give you a future with hope' (Jeremiah 29:11) was the Scriptural grace of God remembered in the opening prayers of the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) Assembly which began last weekend in Poland.

Rev Dr Peter Paviovic, Director of ECEN with the Conference of European Churches in Belgium, welcomed nearly 90 participants from 21 nations. The Assembly is meeting in the Polish city of Katowice, 6-10 October 2018.

The city was chosen because it is located in the region of Upper-Silesia traditionally associated with coal mining and heavy industry. However, the region is in transition to a new economy. Only two coal mines now operate but unemployment stands at a low two per cent, say local officials.

Dr Paviovic reminded the Assembly of the eight major environmental themes worked on by ECEN members over 20 years. Promoting a Time for Creation/Season of Creation headed the list. Climate Change and Eco-Justice, eco-theology and transition life styles, biodiversity and ecological sustainability were among other issues named.

In December, Katowice will host the 24th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 24). The city believes its transition away from dirty industries, plus creating new jobs and a sustainable economy it is a sign of hope for the future. City leaders purposely offered Katowice as an appropriate venue for COP 24 to meet.

The dire impacts of Climate Change and the urgent need for a major human response to reduce carbon emissions was the message presented by two scientists, Prof Mikael Fortelius from the University of Helsinki and Dr Jukka Uosukainan, member of the United Nations Environment Climate Technology Centre and Network. They suggested that within the context of this reality, Christians are challenged to present a message of hope.

Two case studies gave examples of hope. Dr Eszter Kodacsy spoke of eco-faith awareness programs operating within the 70 Lutheran schools in Hungary. German Bishop Markus Droge spoke of the role local churches were playing as coal mines and related industries closed. Churches were helping people create a new identity as the economic basis of society was being transformed.

The Assembly discussed the role Christian communities can play in helping society face up to Climate Change. It accepted as real the human part in accelerating Climate Change and also the urgency needed in addressing it. The Assembly proposes to issue a Statement in this vein.

Two local scientists and two religious leaders gave detailed presentations on the topic 'Care for Creation and Response to Climate Change in Poland'. They agreed that a "change of mentality" is needed among the people. Waste and inefficient use of resources are evident in the misuse of water and energy. Cruelty towards dogs betrays an attitude of disrespect.

Columban priest from Australia, Fr Charles Rue, attended the conference. This was facilitated by Dr Henrik Grape of Lutheran Church of Sweden who he had met at Pontifical Consultation on Climate Change at the Vatican in 2005. He was pleased to meet Dr Anna Kirchengast who said that their Catholic diocese in Austria had adapting resources on Climate Change published on the Australian Columban website.

LINKS

www.ecen.org and www.ceceurope.org