Professional Documents
Culture Documents
LW
Lutheran World
In S
F
cl u
ud n
es da
I n f o r m a t i o n
y
1993
Climate Change –
Facing Our Vulnerability
2000
05
2008
Contents
Lutheran World Information
Foreword Youth
14.......Evident Climatic Changes in Hungary
Voices from the Regions Demand Urgent Action
4.........Tanzanian Maasai Elder Recalls Ample 14.......Nicaraguan Church Takes Small, Significant
Resources from Today’s Threatened Forests Steps in Combating Climate Change
4.........Climate Change Challenges Bangladesh’s 15.......Cyclone-Prone Madagascar Adopts Measures
Development Efforts to Cope with Erratic Weather Patterns
4.........Greenland: Call for Concerted Stewardship of 15...... From Talk to Action – Environmental
the Planet and Life Management in Germany’s Hanover Church
5.........Brazil: “We All Live in the Same Tree” 15...... LWF Staff Identify Priority Areas for Action
5.........A Lost Childhood for Future Samoan 16...... Indian Churches Promote “Greening of Faith”
Generations 16...... Canadian Lutherans Adopt a Stewardship of
Creation Initiative
LWF Survey 16...... Ethiopian Church Combines Disaster Relief
6.........Climate Change Evokes Old and New with Resource Rehabilitation
Questions of Faith
7.........Respondents to LWF Survey Emphasize Strategies
Change in Human Attitude to Creation 17.......How Can World Service Programs Become
Part of the Solution?
Regional Perspectives 17.......Cambodia’s Rain-Dependent Farmers
8.........Mount Kilimanjaro Villagers Say Water Construct New Water Gate
Sources, Animal Species Are Threatened 19.......Prize-Winning, Energy-Saving Stoves in
9.........Australian Church Reaches Out to Eritrea
Communities Affected by Prolonged Drought 19...... Climate Change Mitigation Amid Pervasive
10...... Environmental Refugees as Papua New Poverty in Zimbabwe
Guinea Islands Disappear
10...... Czech Church Advocates Environmental Climate Change & Food Security
Action Despite Political Stance 20....... An Ecumenical Perspective to Climate Change
11.......Storm Damages Raised Climate Awareness in
Sweden
12.......Unusual, Long Summer – A Sign of Climate
Change in Southern Chile? LWF Sunday 2008:
13.......ELCA Leads Community Action on Urgent Climate Change – Vulnerability,
Environmental Issues Lament and Promise................... I-IV
The Lutheran World Federation German Editor The Lutheran World Information (LWI) is the
– A Communion of Churches Dirk-Michael Grötzsch information service of the Lutheran World
150, route de Ferney dmg@lutheranworld.org Federation (LWF).
P.O. Box 2100
CH-1211 Geneva 2, The editorial board also included Unless specifically noted, material presented
Switzerland Musa Filibus, Rolita Machila, Peter Prove, Tore does not represent positions or opinions of the
Samuelsson, Simone Sinn and Judith Straub. LWF or of its various units. Where the dateline
Telephone +41/22-791 61 11 of an article contains the notation (LWI), the
Fax +41/22-791 66 30 Photo research material may be freely reproduced with
E-mail: info@lutheranworld.org Helen Putsman acknowledgement.
www.lutheranworld.org hpu@lutheranworld.org
Cover picture:
Editor-in-Chief Layout The Landsat satellite captured these images
Karin Achtelstetter Stéphane Gallay of Mt Kilimanjaro on 17 February 1993 and 21
ka@lutheranworld.org sga@lutheranworld.org February 2000. © NASA/USGS
No. 05/2008
Foreword
The images of the disappearing snows will be effective in mitigating the im- find ways of working with other faith
of Mount Kilimanjaro give eloquent pacts of climate change—especially communities to protect and preserve
witness to the reality of climate on the poorest and most vulnerable the earth and to assure a just and
change. So do the testimonies from communities. sustainable life for all.
all regions of the world collected in We are called to inspire change At its Tenth Assembly in 2003,
this special edition of Lutheran World and to reconnect communities with the Lutheran World Federation made
Information on “Climate Change cultural and traditional wisdom— the commitment to “work against
– Facing Our Vulnerability.” particularly that of our indigenous climate change and the greenhouse
The growing impacts of climate sisters and brothers—regarding ways effect, by acting to decrease the
change confront us with our vulner- of relating to and living sustainably in consumption of fossil fuel and use
ability as human beings whose lives the world that God has created. The renewable energy resources.” Let us
depend on the health of God’s pre- nature and extent of the already visi- make this commitment a reality in
cious Creation. And the increasing ble and expected future consequences our daily lives and ministries.
evidence of human responsibility for of climate change—including the This publication is a call for reflec-
climate change confronts us with our worldwide food crisis—are too vast tion on our vulnerability, for lamenta-
failure as stewards of this life-giving to be left only to the scientific and/or tion on our failure of responsibility,
planet and its fragile environment. political arenas. They constitute an and for renewing our promises of
The warnings have been sounding unprecedented ethical and spiritual good stewardship—and acting upon
for decades—in the disappearance challenge to all of humanity. them.
of species, the advance of deserts, The threat posed by climate
and the cries of Indigenous Peoples change certainly compels us, as
around the world. We cannot plead churches, to revisit our biblical and
ignorance. theological understandings of Crea-
As a global communion of church- tion, and of who we are as part of
es, we suffer with those affected in Creation. But since all faith tradi- Rev. Dr Ishmael Noko
different parts of the world and are tions recognize the sacredness of General Secretary
called to take concerted actions that Creation, we are also challenged to The Lutheran World Federation
No. 05/2008
Lutheran World Information Voices from the Regions
Voices from the LWF regions speak of changing weather patterns, rising sea levels, melting ice, destruction of forests and coral
reefs—all of which adversely affect the livelihoods of millions of people especially the poor, and push back development efforts. The
stories in this section present a concerted call for urgent action to change or stop human activity and lifestyles that threaten the survival
especially of the most vulnerable communities, and to care for the one, shared planet—Earth—and its Creator-given resources.
No. 05/2008
More than anyone else, those of Despite living in the city I too
No. 05/2008
Lutheran World Information LWF Survey
Attention needs to be given to biblical interpretation in relation to people’s experiences with respect to climate change—not
with a sense that God is punishing or abandoning God’s people, but with a sense of God’s abiding promise, which empowers
people to act. For the LWF, this includes the development of resources for reframing theological understandings in light of what
is occurring, and for teaching and preaching in local settings.
No. 05/2008
Lutheran World Information
Respondents to LWF Survey Emphasize
Change in Human Attitude to Creation
As a first stage to addressing some Response: Many feel it is a punish- Some relevant LWF
of the spiritual, religious and ethi- ment from God due to human sin. God resources:
cal dimensions of climate change, is angry. The earth is also angry because The High Cost of Food: Familiar Refrains
the Lutheran World Federation of the way in which human activity is in a New Crisis, issue no. 19 in the
(LWF) Department for Theology affecting the rest of nature. LWF/DTS “Thinking It Over” series
and Studies (DTS) is carrying out a (May 2008)
survey aimed at getting input from What has gone wrong? In the rela-
the LWF member churches in the tionship between human beings and Study Book for the LWF Tenth Assem-
different regions about their views the rest of creation? In the relation- bly, For the Healing of the World (Geneva:
and experiences with respect to this ship between people? In the relation- LWF 2002), see especially the Bible
global concern. ship with God? studies for Day 1, 6 and 10, and the
The seven questions formulated Response: Human beings have chapter on “Healing Creation”
targeted response at individual level, abused their relationship with the rest of
in communities, and the implications creation. They have a hostile relationship Guiding Principles for Sustainable Devel-
for one’s faith and the future. The with the environment as well as with opment (Geneva: LWF, 2002)
responses received are summarized God. People start by destroying the
below. environment, then one another, and in Environmental Guidelines (Geneva: LWF
the process, they completely forget God. Department for World Service, 1997)
What is different today? In recent The earth has intrinsic power, and is
years, what general changes have calling for changes in human attitude LWI No. 9/2006 Waters of Life.
you noticed in the climate in your and behavior.
area? How is this affecting the land,
the plants, the air, the animals and God? How do you feel God is related The future? How do you view the
the people? What is different from to or involved in this? What questions future, for your community, com-
what your parents or grandparents would you pose to God? How is your ing generations, and the earth as a
experienced? faith in God affected? What spiritual whole? What do you fear or hope
Response: What is especially differ- resources do you draw upon? for? What spiritual resources do you
ent is that in the past people experienced Response: God is involved in all draw upon?
more stable weather patterns, had the complex developments that are chok- Response: Overall changes in our
enough to eat and lived healthier lives in ing the life of humanity and the rest of global society are called for. Future
relatively stable families, unlike today. creation. The truth is that light does not generations are put at risk: will they
mix with darkness. Human activity has be expected to make a living ex nihilo
Who? Who or what especially is not been pleasing before God and there- (out of nothing)? Some people feel a
affected by these changes? Who fore, God has abandoned humankind. sense of hopelessness and despair—that
especially bears the burden? Who God is angered by our immoral actions in nothing can be done—and instead
or what is especially responsible for relation to the whole created world. wait for whatever will come out of
climate change? this crisis.
Response: Able-bodied people have
to migrate in search of livelihoods, put- Solutions? What needs to change
ting pressure on families, which often in your society? What trade-offs are
break up. The burden is especially heavy there? What is being done that can
on women, many of who become single make a difference? What local solu-
parents having to make ends meet for tions would you propose?
their children. In addition, women Response: Systems and policies, at-
and girl children have to walk long titudes and lifestyles need to be critiqued
distances in search of daily bread for and changed. Ecological debts need to
the families. be settled and more just policies must be
put in place.
Why? How do people explain these
changes? Why are they happening By Rolita Machila, a pastor of the Evan-
(the stories or folk wisdom as well as (Left) Rev. Rolita Machila and Rev. Dr Karen gelical Lutheran Church in Zambia,
more scientific explanations)? Bloomquist © LWF/H. Putsman currently an intern at LWF/DTS.
No. 05/2008
Lutheran World Information Regional Perspectives
Whether it is through congregational initiatives or community-based response, the different LWF regions are engaged in raising
awareness about climate change and its consequences, including networking at national and international levels to seek greater
impact. The highlighted contributions on pp. 10, 15 and 16 represent some of the efforts by churches in the different parts of the
world where the LWF is represented.
Masoka village lies four kilometers the year. Malaria is the leading cause Masoka villagers also complain
north of Tanzania’s northeastern town of death in the East African country, of increasing conflicts over the use of
of Moshi in the Mount Kilimanjaro and one Tanzanian, nearly always a shared resources such as water, as the
region. Many of the residents here, es- child, dies of malaria every five min- mountain springs have dried up. They
pecially the elderly, speak of significant utes. (Source: Ifakara Health Research attribute the drying banana plants
weather changes around the Kiliman- and Development Center, Tanzania) and destruction of other crops to
jaro area over the past five decades. lack of water. The women are forced
Mzee (respectable title for elder) to walk long distances in search of
Joseph Mushi, 72, recalls there were no clean drinking water.
mosquitoes in his village 50 years ago, Animal species adapted to the
and is convinced that accelerated changes Kilimanjaro climate and vegetation
in weather patterns have somewhat con- types are equally threatened especial-
tributed to the increase of malaria-car- ly animals that cannot move to alter-
rying mosquitoes in the area. The snow native habitats. While elephants that
on Africa’s tallest mountain has been live around the mountain can move
melting over the years, he adds. to nearby protected areas such as the
The malaria statistics are astonish- Arusha National Park, such areas are
ing—Tanzania has a population of 38 too far for the indigenous Kiliman-
million, all of whom live at the risk of Ramadhan Kupaza jaro mouse shrew, or the highland
contracting malaria for at least part of © ELCT musk shrew restricted to the grassy
No. 05/2008
habitats of the mountain. (Source: the western summit of Kilimanjaro patterns make it uninhabitable for
Liturgical Resources
Climate change is a reality for the
Lutheran Church of Australia (LCA),
as individual members and congrega-
tions are affected by the bushfires and
drought, which has led to a decline
in rural populations and community
services to outlying areas.
The LCA Web site provides links
to liturgical resources for congrega-
tional use in times of drought. The
church is also searching creative
ways to provide pastoral care and
presence in areas that no longer have
the numbers to sustain a pastor. In
Wudinna, South Australia, for ex- In Australia, Lutheran congregations are responding to climate change by establishing
ample, the LCA and Uniting Church environmental care groups. © I. Christian
No. 05/2008
that would allow congregations to who has published a series of articles on ‘I’ve read your article and now I’m using
Lutheran World Information share their different activities. climate change in the church newslet- 30 percent less fuel.’ And, after all, the
High-school student Megan Payne ter remarked: “No one rushes up to say, secular press is full of information about
helped establish the Earth Care Out- global warming and the need for indi-
reach (ECO) group at St Stephen’s Lu- vidual action. Nonetheless …like leaven
theran Church in Adelaide. An energy in the dough, we few Christians surely
audit of the church plant is in progress, have a calling to be thought leaders and
articles on reducing one’s environmental activists on behalf of God’s creation.”
footprint have been regularly published, By Tanya Wittwer, a doctoral student
recycling bins are provided for car- in homiletics, currently holding the envi-
tridges and batteries, the congregation ronment portfolio on the LCA’s Commis-
celebrates the “Seasons of Creation,” sion on Social and Bioethical Questions.
and a couple of members are involved
in the “Solar Churches” project. For further information,
At St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Ms Tanya Wittwer please go to the LCA Web site at:
Box Hill in Victoria, Peter Westhorpe © LCA www.lca.org.au
10 No. 05/008
Lutheran World Information
Storm Damages Raised Climate Awareness in Sweden
In January 2005, a storm named and moral challenge, not least for the ronment and sustainable agriculture,”
“Gudrun” traversed southern Sweden, churches. In some parishes, environ- he said. Climate change was not on
resulting in deaths, power failure, mental engagement goes back to the the agenda at the time, but measures
breakdown in telephone connections, 1970s, when, for example, Church of taken to improve the environment,
and the uprooting of thousands of Sweden youth worked against the use moderate the greenhouse effect and
trees. While forest owners watched of disposable items. reduce vulnerability are all related to
their livelihood decimated, destruc- climate change, he stressed.
tion to the forests also affected There have been other initia-
negatively the water quality and the Sustainability tives such as the distribution of
quantity of noxious insects. The Swedish Lutheran church high- so-called environment diplomas
It took 40 days to restore electric- lights sustainability as one of the among Church of Sweden parishes,
ity and telephone lines to the 341,000 three guiding principles in its recent- which started in the 1990s, as well as
affected households. Although it had ly-approved strategy for international involvement in regional and interna-
been unusually warm for the season, cooperation. “To a large extent, the tional conferences dealing with issues
when the winter cold set in, some issues of climate and sustainabil- related to climate change.
people had to be evacuated from their ity will permeate our collaboration From 28 to 29 November 2008,
ice-cold homes. Many parish houses with partners in the South,” said Mr Church of Sweden Archbishop An-
became meeting places where people Anders Ölund, policy adviser for ders Wejryd will host an Interfaith
could get a hot meal and possibility to environmental issues. Climate Summit in Uppsala, to which
take a shower, with Church of Sweden Ölund sees a direct link for ex- a group of internationally-recognized
clergy and deacons providing crucial ample, between emergency aid in opinion makers from different faiths,
counselling to those affected. the drought-stricken parts of Africa cultures and continents have been in-
Two years later a storm called ‘Per’ in the 1970s and 1980s and today’s vited. The summit seeks to influence
struck near the same area with simi- rural development. “While changes government negotiations for a global
lar effects but with less intensity. in climate have probably increased agreement to respond to climate
Both disasters had helped to pro- drought occurrence, we supported change after 2012, the target date
file again in a Swedish context the soil conservation, rainwater dams for some nations to reduce climate-
effects of climate change as an ethical and tree planting for a better envi- change inducing emissions under
Ms Ulrica Messing (with white scarf) then Minister for Communications and Regional Policy in Sweden, visits landowners in Ramsås after the
Gudrun storm. © T. Oneborg/Scanpix
No. 05/2008 11
the first phase of the Kyoto Protocol. There is still time to change the trend.
Lutheran World Information Participants will sign a manifesto to But we have to do something soon.”
Interfaith Climate Summit in Upp-
sala, Sweden, 28-29 November 2008
be presented to the December 2008 A contribution by: Agenda includes among others:
United Nations Framework Conven- • Interfaith ceremony at Uppsala Ca-
tion on Climate Change (UNFCCC) thedral
in Poland, and the 2009 UNFCCC • Signing of the manifesto
meeting in Copenhagen, Denmark, For media accreditation information:
and to other organizations including Thomas Ekelund, Press Secretary
the Lutheran World Federation. Church of Sweden
Archbishop Wejryd summed up Tel. +46(0)18-169693
the aim of the forthcoming summit: or +46(0)730-233271
“The Summit will convey hope and thomas.ekelund@svenskakyrkan.se
belief in the future but also set mini-
mum standards and expectations for More information on the summit at:
Ms Sonja Gunnarsson
global co-operation and solidarity. © J. Elfström/IKON www.svenskakyrkan.se
12 No. 05/2008
costs would also have to be considered The Lutheran Church in Chile whole community to take responsi-
No. 05/2008 13
Lutheran World Information Youth
Young people in some of the LWF member churches share their opinions about the impact of climate change in their own regions
and churches. They seek active contribution in initiatives addressing this subject.
14 No. 05/2008
Lutheran World Information
Cyclone-Prone Madagascar Adopts Measures to Cope
with Erratic Weather Patterns
Climate change is one of the great- in the past fitted well with the agri- Madagascar’s farmers, subsequently
est challenges today, attributed cultural cycles. But the erratic weath- affecting the agricultural-dependent
mainly to human carelessness such er patterns are no longer favorable for economy.
as deforestation, and harmful gas The government’s response in-
emissions from factories and cars, cludes an appeal to people to plant
among others. more trees. It has also set some strict
Madagascar, Africa’s biggest regulations aimed at curbing carbon
island off the south east, normally dioxide (CO2) emissions from cars.
experiences tropical cyclones result- By Th omas Ramilijaona, a mem-
ing in torrential rains and heavy ber of the Malagasy Lutheran Church
flooding, which affect thousands of in Madagascar, where he also teaches
people nearly each year. Sunday school. Ramilijaona, 21, is
The country has two major sea- Mr Thomas Ramilijaona
currently studying English at a college
sons: the dry and wet season, which © Private in the capital, Antananarivo.
No. 05/008 15
Lutheran World Information Indian Churches Promote “Greening of Faith”
In recent years, India has been experiencing droughts and campuses and biological farming. The challenge however, is
floods, with projections that these will increase, in a country how to foster greater collaboration and unity at congregation
mainly dependent on agriculture and farming for its 1.1 billion level. The UELCI church council is urging its members to
people, millions of whom live in extreme poverty. A case that promote an effective “greening of faith” at congregational
stands out was the high suicidal rates among Indian farmers level, and to take steps to encourage and support sustainable
experiencing repeated droughts between 2006 and 2007. farming.
The United Evangelical Lutheran Church in India The UELCI brings together 11 churches, 10 of which be-
(UELCI) continues to encourage its member churches to be long to the Lutheran World Federation. They have a combined
proactive participants in the cause to save the planet. Th rough total of nearly 2 million Lutherans.
the ecumenical National Council of Churches in India, the A contribution by Mr Timothy Melvyn, UELCI information
UELCI is part of a broader call to all its member churches to and communication officer, and the LWF area desk for Asia at the
initiate so-called “green” parish programs, plastic-free church Department for Mission and Development.
1 No. 05/008
Strategies
No. 05/2008 17
Oeun said the disaster-prone
Lutheran World Information village is likely to experience more
droughts because of the increas-
ing changes in weather patterns in
Cambodia. “That’s why we agreed
to build this water gate and hope to
reduce future disaster risks.”
Asked why drought is recurrent in
his village, he replied, “I don’t know
much about this. It may result from
deforestation.”
By Leak Ratna, communications
coordinator, LWF/DWS Cambodia.
A chain of community hands at work, as Kraingskea Thbong villagers carry baskets of stones to fill in
the water gate base. © LWF/DWS Cambodia/L. Ratna
Participatory/
People Centered/ Empowerment
Community Based
Community
Community
Organization&&
Organization Hu
sk Development m
r Ri & Development Aw an
a
e a R
st ion Ad rene ight
sa uct Human Rights vo s
i
D ed Human Rights
Awareness ca ss/
R Awareness cy
Need and Rights
Assessment
Environment
Local Food
acy
Communities
Conflict Security
c
Partner Solution
Advo
Households
Monitoring Implement.
NF e n
eEd E pr c om tio
uc im a
at ar In er
io y en
n G
Basic
BasicHealth
Health
HIV/AIDS
HIV & AIDS
“People need to consider climate change as part of the context in of a presentation titled “Climate Change—Where to Start” by
which they live. […] Sustainable and effective development plans Mr David Mueller, LWF/DWS Cambodia representative, at the
must consider all aspects of life.” This graphic and quote were part April 2008 LWF Annual Forum in Montreux, Switzerland.
18 No. 05/2008
Lutheran World Information
Prize-Winning, Energy-Saving Stoves in Eritrea
With a population of nearly 5 mil- • Fuel wood consumption by 50 The contribution of this fuel-efficient
lion people mainly dependent on percent due to its increased ef- and locally-designed stove has gained
agriculture, and an annual per capita ficiency. As a result there has international recognition and was
income of USD 190, Eritrea is one of been a substantial reduction one of the 2003 winners of the Lon-
the world’s poorest countries. in tree cutting. don (United Kingdom)-based Ashden
Wood is the main source of fuel Awards for Sustainable Energy.
for cooking and heating, but also the • Emissions of g reenhouse To ensure sustainability, help re-
most environmentally detrimental gases by 0.6 tons of CO2 per duce costs and provide income-gener-
energy source. Electricity, kerosene household per year, and ating opportunities, local artisans are
and cooking gas are either unavail-
able or unaffordable.
Since 1985, the Lutheran World
Federation (LWF) Department for
World Service (DWS) country pro-
gram in Eritrea has been implement-
ing various projects that have sig-
nificantly improved the livelihoods
of thousands of people there.
Over the past few years, DWS
Eritrea introduced more than 800
improved energy saving stoves among
the rural and semi-urban poor over.
The stove users say it is efficient and has
positive impact for the community and
environment because it has reduced:
The energy-saving stove is designed to allow free flow of air through a cylindrical fire-holder, whose
sides are built with curved ceramic hollow bricks insulated with ash or sand to minimize heat loss. The
• Work load and bu rden of
valve door and chimney minimize smoke emission into the kitchen. © LWF/DWS Eritrea/A. Fisseha
firewood collection on women
(making more time available • Addressed a critical health trained to construct their own stoves.
for women to invest in other issue by reducing the occur- The total cost per unit is USD 25, of
productive and income-gen- rence of respiratory diseases which the community contributes
erating ventures) by at least due to smoke from other types USD 8 while DWS Eritrea gives
two hours per day. of cooking stoves. USD 17. Each stove has a life span
of at least 10 years.
The project represents only a part
of DWS activities in Eritrea, which
include addressing carbon emission
reductions through other interven-
tions such as solar energy, agro-for-
estry and re-afforestation.
A contribution by LWF/DWS Er-
itrea representative Jan Schutte, and
Ms Alemtsehay Fisseha Mr Jan Schutte Ms Alemtsehay Fisseha, emergency and
© LWF/DWS Eritrea © LWF/DWS Eritrea public relations officer.
No. 05/2008 19
Lutheran World Information Climate Change & Food Security
Churches addressing climate change have especially highlighted the urgent need to shift toward a new paradigm where the opera-
tive principles are ethics, justice, equity, solidarity, human development and environmental conservation. Effective response
to this global crisis calls for a holistic approach.
20 No. 05/2008
Climate Change –
Vulnerability, Lament
and Promise
LWF Sunday 2008
June 2008
our lives, let us live to the praise of God’s glory and for the life
of God’s creation.
The LWF Department for Theology and Studies provided material for this year’s
publication. Background drawing of Mt Kilimanjaro: © kiliweb.com
Word III
Intercessions We pray for those who are most to understand what it means to be
vulnerable. Extreme droughts and human. Accompany women, men and
God of life and love, heavy floods endanger the crops of children who care for their families
Out of your love you created the subsistence farmers. Cyclones and so there might be enough food, shel-
world, out of your love you continue earthquakes suddenly bring whole ter and care for everyone.
creating. Every creature is a sign of regions into a state of emergency.
your love, every being a symbol of your Enable us to act as one human family God of hope and healing,
grace. Yet the shadow of darkness and sharing the responsibility to provide The parables that Jesus told of
death makes your creation groan. food and shelter for all. Call us out of your kingdom enable us to see your
We pray for those who experi- our self-centered worries and queries purpose for this earth, the integrity of
ence the brokenness of creation, the and grant us this sense of belonging creation and humanity in your will.
disruption of life-giving relations. together, one human communion in We pray for all who feel helpless
Connect us again to your creative, justice and peace. and paralyzed in the face of the com-
loving power that we may live out of plex reality of climate change. Give
your love, that we may turn from false God of creativity and care, us a clear mind and a faithful heart
paths and walk in your ways. The coming of your spirit at to see what we need to do, and to
Pentecost brings into being a creative, know when to trust your promise that
God of justice and peace, caring Christian communion. you will not abandon your beloved
You came into this world to bring We pray for creativity and care creation but give hope and healing.
peace on earth and just relationships so that we constructively deal with We pray for all generations and the
among all peoples. Yet injustice cries the effects of climate change. Grant generations to come.
to the heavens, violence destroys us good ideas to find new solutions Your kingdom come, your will be
the earth. Climate change starkly for ecological problems, help us to done on earth as in heaven.
displays the inequities: Those who make courageous efforts to abandon
destroy least, are suffering most. life-destroying practices. Enable us
Great Thanksgiving enlivening the barrenness, breathing bread and wine, wheat and grapes. We
spirit across the dust. You created wait for Christ to come in glory.
It is indeed right and salutary that wholeness. Holy God, holy compas- Holy God, holy Spirit God, shape
we should at all times and in all sionate God, you saw our brokenness us together in this earth of …, in the
places offer thanks and praise to you, and planted once again in the center soil and rivers, in the sunshine and
holy God, source of healing and life. the tree of life, the cross from which wind, in animal and human faces.
You brought wholeness into creation Christ rose to save and heal us. You Send your Spirit that we may share
through the caress of your hands reclaimed wholeness. Holy Christ, your bounty with the whole creation.
and the breath of your mouth. In this holy healing Christ. Help us cry out with one voice for
intimate moment of creation we join re-creation.
the song of fish and birds, trees and [Words of Institution] To you, O God, Father, Son and
flowers, humans and angels: Holy God, holy generous God, we Holy Spirit be all honor and glory,
We sing the “Holy, Holy, Holy” remember Christ’s life and death, his now and forever!
resurrection and ascension which renew Adapted from:
Holy God, holy imaginative God, you the face of the earth. We give back to Koinonia. Services and Prayers
set your tree of life in the center, you what you have given us in creation, (Geneva: LWF, 2004), pp. 158ff
www.lutheranworld.org
E-mail info@lutheranworld.org
Fax +41/22-791 66 30
Tel. +41/22-791 61 11
CH-1211 Geneva 2, Switzerland
P.O. Box 2100
150, route de Ferney
The Lutheran World Federation
Published and distributed by: