Green Christian AGM 2018 focuses on 'Hope Rediscovered'

'Hope Rediscovered' was the theme of the keynote speaker at Green Christian's Annual Members Meeting in London on 17 November. Retired Anglican Bishop Dr David Atkinson talked about his new book 'Hope Rediscovered - Biblical wisdom for an anxious world'. Around 40 people joined the lively gathering, some coming from the earlier 'Extinction Revolution' activities on London's bridges. Green Christian is an ecumenical membership organisation, founded in 1982, which currently has nearly 900 members.

Bishop Atkinson reflected that among the many causes of anxiety in today's world are global concerns to do with social and economic inequality, unsustainable development, and the climate crisis. These raise moral and spiritual questions about who we are, our destiny, what human flourishing means, and what we hope for. Hope Rediscovered is about being re-oriented in the face of such challenges. Bishop Atkinson was involved in producing Operation Noah's Ash Wednesday Declaration in 2012 - Climate Change and the purposes Of God. He feels that the themes of this Statement - such as joy, repentance, hope, justice - and not optional. They are at the heart of our identity as people of faith and the identity of our Churches. Discussion afterwards looked at such issues as how best we can bear witness to government and corporate business about the urgency of the climate threat, and how we respond to the needs of poor communities most affected by climate change.

Green Christian's Chair Paul Bodenham, who is the Catholic Justice and Peace Worker in Nottingham Diocese, introduced the annual report. There is a focus on Formation, with the promotion of daily prayer, living simply and public witness. More than 350 people have signed up to receive the monthly Prayer Guide, available on the Green Christian website, which also contains a very comprehensive diary of events nationwide. The 2018 retreat was held at the Passionists' centre at Minsteracres in County Durham. A second focus is on participation and regular road shows, which are held around the country, most recently in London, Cambridge, Derby and Bristol. Green Christian was represented at the Greenbelt Festival in 2017 and 2018. The focus on media has meant that Green Christian magazine is now illustrated with original artwork. There are now 2,380 followers of Green Christian on twitter.

The Joy in Enough project challenges Christians to join in building a just economy within the ecological limits of the Earth. The Joy in Enough website is now up and running and hosting resources, conversations and story-telling.

James Buchanan of Operation Noah, a Christian charity working specifically on climate change, reported that it is involved in planning a conference for religious communities in February 2019 looking at the climate crisis and divestment from fossil fuels.

Links:
http://greenchristian.org.uk
http://joyinenough.org
http://operationnoah.org