A dash of thought - November 2021

Quiet nature?

When I need peace and quiet, I often say to my wife: let's go for a walk. Fortunately, we live close to fields and forest. Outdoors, without traffic and without urban hustle and bustle, I can relax. It's not quiet in nature, though. I love to hear the birds chirping or the sound of footsteps on the forest floor. It is not quiet, but it is calming.

However, nature can also become unsettling. Anyone who has experienced flood disasters or forest fires or volcanic eruptions in recent months knows how frightening it can become. We feel at the mercy of others. We no longer have everything in our hands. And yet many of these disturbing events are linked to human causes. Since the rising of the industrial age, the domination and use of nature has led into an exploitation of nature, the negative effects of which we are beginning to feel.

In these November days, there will be many reports about the World Climate Summit in Glasgow. Young people from Methodist churches have been using videos and actions for months to point out the importance of the care for creation and the need for concrete agreements between governments at the World Climate Summit. I recommend everyone who understands English to watch the short videos from different regions of the world. On November 6 and 7, Methodist services will be livestreamed from Glasgow. With conviction, I have also co-signed the "World Declaration" of the action group of young Methodists.

It will remain a topical issue beyond Glasgow to make our contribution to creation justice and care.

Bishop Patrick Streiff
 
Blog: http://climatejustice4all.com
Website: https://worldmethodistcouncil.org/cj4a/

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