What does the Bible have to say about the ecological crisis?

For in him (Jesus Christ) 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. Colossians 1.16

Richard and Margaret Kemp, much appreciated speakers at the Haguenau centre get-together of the

APC/FPC on Saturday 27th April (for young people) and Sunday 28th (for all ages), began by recalling the foundation: the earth, as indeed the whole universe, is the property of the creator God. Human beings’ role in the creation is not to exploit it but to look after and administer it as a good steward ought to do. Most of the problems stem from the fact that human beings behave as if they owned the place and misuse it. This also applies to the ecological crisis.

But the Bible also gives us grounds to hope. Jesus Christ entered our world the first time to solve once and for all the problem which makes us behave badly: sin. If we believe in Jesus, He forgives us, saves us and liberates us. He is going to come a second time, not as a child but as King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will restore all that we have spoiled. What an incredibly good news! It gladdens all who believe and hope in Him.

In the strength of this hope we are all summoned to take care of the planet. After presenting the association A Rocha, which aims at preserving biodiversity, Richard and Margaret shared with us all kinds of practical ways we can do our share at our modest level.

During the day we also had the pleasure of praising our creator God with the group LPC, to hear reviews of excellent books on the topic of ecology and news of the FPC mission,, the APC union, of Vilodec and Tim4.

The members of the Haguenau centre of the APC/FPC churches were certainly encouraged by this day together.

Sandrine Laporte

Photos: Jonathan Hirschler