Voices from Melanesia Help Lead Lament at Eco Church’s 10th Anniversary Celebration
The Melanesian Mission UK (MMUK) was delighted to be invited to lead the time of lament at A Rocha South West celebration marking ten years of the Eco Church programme, held last Saturday at the Mint Methodist Church in Exeter.
More than 100 people from a wide range of Christian denominations gathered to give thanks for a decade of Eco Church, which has inspired thousands of churches across the UK to deepen their care for creation as part of their Christian discipleship. More joined online to watch the service.
Representing MMUK were Executive Director Katie Drew and Trustee Fr Steven Martin, who introduced a moving Litany of Environmental Lament written by members of the four Anglican religious orders in Melanesia: the Melanesian Brotherhood, the Society of St Francis, the Community of the Sisters of the Church and the Community of the Sisters of Melanesia.
Introducing the prayers, Katie reminded those gathered that the climate crisis is not a distant concern for communities across Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and New Caledonia:
“For people in Melanesia, caring for creation is not an abstract issue. Many communities are already experiencing the effects of the climate emergency through rising seas, coastal erosion, stronger cyclones, changing weather patterns and threats to food security.
In a region that has contributed very little to global carbon emissions, people are living with some of the world’s most severe climate impacts.
These prayers come from that reality, expressing both lament for the damage done to God’s creation, and hope that God can renew our hearts and guide us towards a more just and sustainable future.”
The litany gave those present an opportunity to reflect prayerfully on the environmental challenges facing our world, while hearing directly from Christians living on the frontline of climate change. It was a powerful reminder that care for creation is both a local and global calling, and that Christians around the world are united in stewardship of God’s world.
Alongside participating in the worship, MMUK also hosted an information stall throughout the day. It was a joy to meet and speak with so many people from different church traditions about their own Eco Church journeys and their commitment to environmental action within their communities.
Many visitors were keen to learn more about the Anglican Church of Melanesia and the ways in which climate change is affecting island nations in the Pacific. The conversations highlighted the growing desire among churches to listen to and learn from those communities already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate.
MMUK is grateful to A Rocha UK for the invitation to contribute to this significant celebration and for the opportunity to share the voices and experiences of our Melanesian sisters and brothers. As we marked ten years of Eco Church, it was encouraging to witness such a strong commitment across the churches represented to caring for God’s creation and working together for a more just and sustainable future.
Litany of Environmental Lament
The full litany used during the service is reproduced below.
