Canadian Mennonite
Abbotsford Assembly Special Report
July 4-7, 2007
Delegates debate caring for creation
What does God’s command to subdue the earth and have dominion over every living thing (in the famous language of the King James translation of Genesis 1:28) mean for the Mennonite church today? “We seem to be stuck [with these words],” said Scott Brubaker-Zehr of Rockway Mennonite Church, Waterloo, reporting for his group. “We have to realize more and more, we are dependent on the systems of the earth and we don’t know as much as we think we do.”
The church’s Faith and Life Committee (FLC) provided theological reflection on how they see the church relating to the environment and then delegates responded, passing the related creation care statement and suggesting specific responses.
FLC recognised that Mennonite concern for how we care for the air, water and soil is not new. In particular, they recognized the work of Mennonite Creation Care Network, which has been bringing attention to this issue for many years.
FLC itself presented a 20-point theological response to this issue.
In summary, first, Scripture teaches that God created the heavens and the earth and creation still belongs to God and has value in God’s eyes. Our “dominion” over the earth doesn’t mean we can abuse nature. We need to follow how Jesus Christ humbled himself even when he was our Lord. Like Jesus, we are to carry out God’s intentions for creation by being stewards and caregivers of the earth and its inhabitants.
Second, God’s salvation plan isn’t something that happens just in a new heaven and earth. Part of God’s saving activity happens here and now. Part of our call to justice, peacemaking and loving our neighbour comes out in how we care for the earth. Our desire for oil leads us into wars. Increasing use of corn-based bio-fuels raised the price of corn and lead to much hardship among the poor in Mexico. Climate change leads to more drought in Africa.
Third, God desires to redeem both us and creation. Revelation 22 shows the heavenly city descending to earth, not us leaving earth to go the heavenly city. “Our responsibility is to work to end the suffering of creation, even as we wait for God to redeem it,” said Betty Pries, FLC member.
Clare Neufeld, of First Mennonite Kelowna, suggested we take advantage of the “knowledge and personal passions for the environment” our young adults have. Helen Kruger of Zion Mennonite in Swift Current, said that we had things to learn on this topic from native peoples, Amish and Old Order Mennonites. Delegates requested resource material to help with theological clarity and practical applications. “Let’s move onto applications,” said Kathleen Rempel Boschman of Douglas Mennonite Church, Winnipeg. Jason Hildebrand, Hope Mennonite in Winnipeg, suggested asking for a voluntary $20 contribution on next year’s assembly application form as an emission offset that would go towards helping congregations do energy efficiency renovations.