God’s creation needs a voice

The conclusion from the previous articles in this series, and the context of the ‘big picture’ we see all around us, is that we have become separated from the way God intended us to live and use the resources he provided. We have not always lived up to our responsibility to care for creation and have not done what was asked of us.

People in Britain are concerned and worried about climate change. According to 2025 research, 74% feel the issue is important (Climate Outreach). People feel sadness and concern about the impact we are having on the planet, despite plenty of seemingly competing and serious concerns like the cost of living crisis, health worries, and international conflicts, to name a few. Yet alongside these challenges, so much positive and effective work is going on, but the negative can drown out the positive news!

Celebrating ten years this year, our own Eco Church programme, for example, now has over 9,600 churches registered and taking action across England and Wales. More than half have achieved awards - either Bronze, Silver or Gold. Here in Wales, over 650 churches have joined! So there is much to shout about!

We hear so many encouraging stories from churches that have installed bird boxes, built bug hotels, sown wildflowers and stopped using pesticides on their land. Some have moved their bank accounts to more ethical providers, switched to a genuine green energy provider, or lobbied their politicians on national environmental issues. Others have hosted events like sustainable flower festivals and second-hand fashion shows, held film showings, or are carrying out regular litter picks in their community. Many have improved their lighting, heating and insulation and are opening their buildings as ‘warm hubs’ or ‘cool spaces’ depending on the time of year! The list goes on!

These examples show that positive change is already happening, and that many of the steps we can take are practical and fairly simple too, especially when we work together as a community.

We know that people in our communities care, but we may need to work together to share more hopeful stories and solutions. We need to show that we’re already ‘on the case’ and working on it, but of course we would welcome more to come and join in. Let’s find better ways to explain why caring for creation matters and the difference it will make for the natural world, our neighbours, communities, and future generations.

God’s creation needs a voice. The voice of ‘the Church’ in the UK, with approximately 3 million regular churchgoers in over 50,000 congregations, offers a huge opportunity to influence, act, and offer hope. Our churches, both collectively and individually, are uniquely positioned to respond to the climate and nature crisis. We are called to care for God's creation, protecting and nurturing it because it belongs to him. We are called to put this into practice and respond to the biblical mandate to care for creation.

I really hope you’ve found time to visit the Gaia installation at the Minster and that you’ve been able to reflect and ponder. Of course, we cannot tackle everything, but let’s do what we can, where and when we can- this is our time!

“For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.
He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

(Colossians 1:16-17)

This feature is part of our coverage of Gaia at Swansea Minster. Read more about the installation.