They live in Belgium – some in Brussels, others in the surrounding area – and have two things in common: they are Christians and they are committed to climate and social justice. They are the members of the local A Rocha Le Germoir group. A dozen people who meet regularly via video call to learn about issues linking faith and ecology, and several times a year in person for an event open to all, organised by the group itself. They come from different church backgrounds, but share a faith that drives them to take action.
Faith: the foundation of environmental commitment
ARooted in their faith, they enjoy exploring theological questions concerning our relationship with creation and with God, and reflecting on how to put into practice, in our own time, the divine command to tend the garden. Drawing on the Bible and works dealing specifically with this theme, they deepen their reflection on what it means to be a steward of creation. Thus, expressing our Christian hope through a harmonious relationship with creation enables us to avoid the pitfall of an ecology based on guilt or despair. On the contrary, their faith calls for action: a Christian commitment to ecology and climate justice that is both a light to the world and a source of joy.
Action: the natural and joyful consequence of faith
As Yves, a member of the group, explains, ‘We must act now for the sake of tomorrow: learn to share the earth amongst all of us whilst respecting it, and to humanise humanity (freedom, responsibility, fraternity). This is Christian action; this is the ecological struggle we must wage. A struggle driven (solely) by hope. ”
And Le Germoir knows how to inspire action through the workshops and discussions offered during its annual events in Brussels. A cookery workshop on creatively avoiding food waste, a carbon footprint workshop, a walk to forage for edible or medicinal plants – there is no shortage of ideas for moving forward collectively towards a way of life that respects creation and our fellow human beings.
These ideas for action are also shared in their newsletter, Germoir News, which combines book reviews, practical life tips, dates of the group’s upcoming events, and reflections on ecology, solidarity and the Christian faith.
A think tank to strengthen our commitment to climate justice
Members of Germoir regularly ask themselves fundamental questions about their group’s mission. Indeed, local A Rocha groups may choose to work to raise awareness amongst other Christians, take part in advocacy activities (such as climate marches or similar), or focus on direct actions to protect living things. Added to this is the delicate question of lifestyle: how do we deal with the gap between our convictions and the impossibility of living entirely in accordance with them? Indeed, our lifestyles depend largely on the societal structures within which we live, and over which we often have too little control.
In short, these Christians committed to ecology and climate justice wish to do their best within the constraints they face, whilst keeping this question in mind:
How can we help to restore a sense of wonder about the future and offer a positive message, nourished by our hope?