Why would God put us in charge?

In recent years, scholars have pointed to a custom found in the ancient world where a king who rules over large domains places an image of himself in distant regions. That image functions as a representative of the king in that location. Accordingly, it is suggested that human beings are like images of God the king, representing God on Earth.
If that is the case, then the image of God is not so much something distinctive within humans, but rather a distinctive function that humans may perform as representatives acting on God’s behalf. The question then becomes, what is that function?

Humanity Sunday Introduction

Read Genesis 1:26-28. What do you think being human means for our relationship with the Earth and its creatures? Are we rulers, stewards, servants, neighbours or friends? What does it mean to fill the role you have chosen? Is this how you have lived your life?
More than 300,000 harp seals are clubbed or shot to death each year in Canada. 96% of them will be less than 3 months old, and some may be even skinned alive. Is this just the activity of greedy hunters, or does it reflect an attitude in the Western world that human beings have a right to dominate creation, a right based on the reading?
What if the hunters were only taking enough to feed their family? Does the fact this is an endangered species make a difference?

A Series of Reflections - Embracing the Land

See posts below. Start with

Sunday, June 7, 2009

The Church as Redeemers of Creation

As children of God, how can we lead the way in restoring and redeeming Creation? What do we do here at Kippax that helps or harms the environment? How can we, as a community, support each other to care for the environment?

Breaking the Curse

When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit sin and death entered the world, upsetting the natural balance between man and God and man and creation. The blood of Jesus has now freed all creation from the wages of sin and we are no longer under a curse.
If the land is free of its curse, why do you think it still suffers? What role should the children of God play in breaking the curse upon the land?

God's Care for the Land

“He sends the springs into the valleys; they flow among the hills. They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. By them the birds of the heavens have their home; they sing among the branches. He waters the hills from His upper chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works.” Psalm 104:10-13
How can we emulate God’s care for the land?

Man and Nature

God created humans as good neighbours and ‘stewards’ of creation. We were to ‘tend and keep’ the land and care for it. Consider the story of the Faithful or Unfaithful slave in Matthew 24:45-51. Do you think we have been faithful to the Lord in our care for His creation? If we knew he was going to return tomorrow, how would we change?
“How long must this land weep? Even the grass in the field has withered. The wild animals and birds have disappeared because of the evil in the land." Jeremiah 12:4
Why do you think that Mankind has opted to abuse and exploit the land instead of caring for it? Do you think this will change?

Lessons from the Land

Martin Luther is quoted as saying, “God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.”
Romans 1:20 agrees: “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”

What lessons does God teach us through His creation?

The Spirit of God in the Land

The Psalmist cries:
Where can I go from your spirit?
Where can I flee from your presence? (Ps. 139.7)
The Spirit of God that gives life to all creation fills all of creation. So no matter where the Psalmist may think of fleeing, God’s presence is there. God fills the sky and the sea, the land and the distant dawn. God’s light is present in the deepest dark.

How have you experienced the presence of God in Creation?

A Series of Reflections: Earth Sunday

This Sunday we are celebrating World Environment Day at my church. This is a good time to reflect on our impact on the environment. What changes have you seen in the environment within your lifetime? What do you see as the major threats to our environment? What do you think needs to happen if our grandchildren are going to have a better environment than we have to live in?
There is a great saying that asks ‘how would you feel facing Leonardo da Vinci if you had just destroyed the Mona Lisa?’ After all, the environment is God’s masterpiece and we will face Him in the last days. In your small group, discuss what each person’s ‘worst environmental sin’ is, and what they could do to improve. Make a commitment to support each other to improve on this sin and pray. Discuss your progress at the end of the week.

Salt and Light - Issue Three

Salt and Light
Issue 3

Five Leaf Church Greening Initiative Newsletter

“We believe that Creation Care is a core Christian responsibility”
Matthew 5:13-16: "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
The aim of this Newsletter is to provide a supportive and informative link between individuals and groups that share a care and Christian responsibility for our environment. You are on this newsletter list because you have expressed an interest in the Five Leaf Eco-Awards program or have communicated with the National Coordinator - Jessica Morthorpe.
Contents
 Letter from the Editor
 Update on Five Leaf
 Events
 Current Issues
 A Stirring of Hope
 Monthly Action Tips
 New rebate information
 Reading
 Volunteers wanted!
 Call for submissions

Letter from the Editor:
Greetings everyone, I hope this newsletter finds you all well.
We are excited to be holding a Basic Certificate Information and Equipping Workshop in Canberra on the 20th of June. Anyone in Canberra interested in representing their church is welcome to come. It is hoped this workshop will encourage represented churches to become part of the new Canberra trial of the program. For more information see below.
I am also thinking about holding the same workshop in Melbourne in July, so let me know if you are interested.
Also exciting is the release of the 2009 World Environment Day Resources by the Earth Team of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania. I encourage all churches to consider how they are going to celebrate World Earth Day with their congregations. I have attached the resources for reference.
Update on Five Leaf
The Five Leaf Eco-Awards are looking to set up a trial in Canberra, and as part of that we are inviting interested church representatives and individuals to attend our upcoming Basic Certificate Information and Equipping Workshop.
The workshop, hosted by Jessica and the O’Connor Uniting Church will give participants a chance to:
• Ask questions about the program
• Learn the requirements to earn the awards
• Speak to the founder of Five Leaf
• Hear what other churches have done
• Learn about available grants and rebates for environmental projects
• Practice the skills necessary to be a environmental change leader
The workshop is on 20th June 2009 at the O’Connor Uniting Church Hall from 10am to 3pm. Participants are asked to bring a cut lunch.

For more information and to register contact Jessica on 0409 503 369 or by email at greenleafcert@gmail.com








Events:

CLIMATE ACTION CANBERRA
WORLD ENVIRONMENT FESTIVAL and
EMERGENCY CLIMATE CHANGE RALLY

Countdown to Copenhagen

1pm, SATURDAY, 13 JUNE, Garema Place, Civic, ACT.

Speakers Richard Denniss(Australia Institute), Kim Sattler(Unions ACT), CAC speaker,
Shane Rattenbury(Speaker of the ACT House of Assembly), Church speaker
MC Vanessa Morris(See-Change)

ACT’s top youth bands and comedian Mathew Kenneally
Environment and community stalls

Current Issues

Queensland plans shark attack.

The Queensland government has given the go ahead for a shark fishery inside the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage zone.
From this year, up to 600 tonnes of sharks, or around 70,000 individuals, will be specifically targeted in the state. The harvest will feed the growing demand for shark fin, which is considered a delicacy in much of East Asia.
Between 2000 and 2004 the ‘incidental’ shark take in Queensland increased four-fold, with a massive 1240 tonnes of shark being landed in 2004. Fishing is now the main pressure on sharks in the Great Barrier Reef.

Campaigns Director with the Australian Marine Conservation Society, Craig Bohm, said, "In the next few months Queensland's Fisheries Department plans to legitimise one of the most unsustainable forms of fishing on the planet - shark fin fishing. With over 90% of the world's sharks and other big fish gone from our oceans, this is an extraordinary proposal to say the least."

"Sharks are extremely vulnerable to fishing impacts. This is because their biology is more like whales and dolphins than other fish. Sharks are slow growing, have extremely low reproductive rates (producing very few young) and are mostly long lived. This means that they are very slow to recover from impacts on their populations," he said.
However, the Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) denies that there are any proposals currently in place to establish a shark fin fishery.
DPI&F Fisheries Resource Manager Mark Lightowler said that the practice of finning sharks at sea is currently prohibited under the Fisheries Act and there are no proposals to amend that.
"The legislation also promotes the full use of the shark, for example, a fisher must be in possession of the shark fins and the barrel of the shark," Mr Lightowler said.
While the practice of ‘at sea finning’, where the shark’s fins are sliced off onboard the vessel and the rest of the carcass is discarded, is banned in Australia, opponents of the legislation say it gives de facto legitimacy to the practice. Minus their fins, sharks are nearly worthless, with the vast majority being sold as flake or ground up into livestock feed and fertiliser.

While the review period has closed, Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett MP has responded to complaints by commissioning an independent review of the main fishery in question, Queensland's East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery.

Minister Garrett said that his review would specifically consider this fishery's impact on sharks, dugongs, whales and sawfish, with shark being the prime focus.

"Concerns have been raised by a variety of groups, including the scientific community, about shark fishing and about species protected under the EPBC Act,” Mr Garrett said, “I want to be assured that the World Heritage Values of the Great Barrier Reef are adequately protected."

The review is being conducted by a panel chaired by the Deputy Chief of CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Mr John Gunn, who has 25 years of experience in marine ecology and fisheries science, Dr John Stevens, a globally respected shark scientist and Frank Meere, past managing director of the Australian Fisheries Management Authority.



A Stirring of Hope
Eco-Islam: Malaysia's Imams to preach against poaching

Malaysia's Muslim preachers have been enlisted in the fight for wildlife conservation, using passages from the Koran to raise awareness and help protect some of the world's most endangered species.

After a successful campaign last year, when more than 400 mosques in the state of Terengganu held sermons focusing on turtle conservation issues, WWF decided to extend the project to support efforts to tackle poaching.

The conservation group is running workshops for local imams, explaining the importance of wildlife protection.

“There are several passages within the Koran which talk about the responsibility of humans in protecting our environment and wildlife,” said Umi A’ Zuhrah from the Tiger Conservation Programme at WWF-Malaysia.

“Religious leaders are very influential and greatly respected in this community, so they are the best people to carry this message across.”

The Malaysian peninsula is home to some of the world's most amazing and threatened wildlife including the Sumatran rhinos, Malayan tigers and Asian elephants. But these, and many other species in the region, are under increasing threat due to poaching and the demand for their body parts in the illegal wildlife trade.

All created by God

Poaching is arguably the biggest threat to tigers in Malaysia, with the current population estimated at about 500, down from 3,000 almost 50 years ago. Tigers are poached for their parts, which often end up in traditional chinese medicine shops and exotic meat restaurants in Malaysia and other neighbouring countries.

The newly modified sermons will be read at 21 mosques in the district of Jeli, Kelantan, in June this year and will talk about the need to stop illegal hunting and reduce human-wildlife conflict using specific passages from the Koran

“We hope that religious-based initiatives such as these will complement our monitoring and anti-poaching efforts to conserve Malaysia’s endangered wildlife,” Umi A’Zuhrah said.

Questionnaire surveys developed by WWF-Malaysia for those who heard the previous sermons indicated an increase in their levels of concern for turtle conservation.

“In Islam, the conservation of the environment is based on the principle that all individual components of the environment were created by God, and that all living things were created by the Almighty Creator,” Mawil Y. Izzi Deen says in an essay called ‘Islamic Environmental Ethics, Law and Society’.

“In fact, we are encouraged not to exploit the non-human world (natural environment and animals).”

http://www.panda.org/wwf_news/news/?uNewsID=162082

Monthly Action Tip
We tend to think of the seas as a limitless bounty, but pollution, global warming and overfishing on a truly massive scale are having a devastating effect on global fish stocks. It is estimated that within the next 40-50 years global fish stocks will face collapse. Next time you’re buying fish and chips for the family think about the impact your choice of flake over flathead, or a nice piece of the chronically overfished Orange Roughy (otherwise known as Red Roughy or Deep Sea Perch) over some sustainably fished Hoki, might have.
For a full list of sustainable fish and fisheries, see this handy guide from CHOICE magazine: http://www.choice.com.au/viewArticle.aspx?id=106549&catId=100228&tid=100008&p=5&title=The+facts+on+fish

New Rebate Information
For those interested in grants and rebates to assist their environmental work several new resources have become available:
The grants and rebates section of the Uniting Earthweb website has been updated, see http://www.unitingearthweb.org.au/explore/Grants-Funding/.
The Green Church page of the Uniting Church Synod of Victoria and Tasmania is also updating their information on rebates. See http://victas.uca.org.au/green-church
G Magazine, a green lifestyle magazine, has a rebates special in their May/June 2009 issue. There is also a great article about Australia’s first sustainable fishing group in South Australia and features on fair trade, and sustainable jewellery. G Magazine is a great read and well worth a look. For more information see www.gmagazine.com.au





Reading
Reading: Genesis 22

Sacrifice. Though it is a word often used in Christianity, the thought of sacrifice usually causes people to cringe. Especially if it is suggested that sacrifices should be made for the environment. 'Green' industry has picked up on this, and has created a plethora of items it sells to people as environmentally friendly. Even aside from the often rampant ‘greenwashing’ that occurs, there is a serious desire here to distract consumers from the real issue. These companies are trying to convince you that you can continue to buy as much as you like and still save the environment. People like to believe this because it is easy. They can continue living the same lifestyles and just pay a little more for 'green' products to offset their guilt.

I am not saying there are not some fantastic products out there, which really will help the environment. I am just warning that the reality of limited resources means that we cannot simply keep consuming at the rate we are, not even if most of the products we are buying are more environmentally friendly. Creating these products still uses resources.

Perhaps it is time that Western countries considered sacrificing some of their consumerism on the altar of God. The growing crisis of climate change would suggest that like Abraham, God is asking us to sacrifice something we love as a testimony to our love for him.

It's easier than you think. You don't have to give up everything- just start thinking about the impact of your actions and slowly start working on reducing them. As they say, 'sustainability is a journey, not a destination'. Start off with the easy things- like turning off light bulbs and items you aren't using at the power point rather than leaving them on standby. You might be surprised how much money you save. Turn your air-conditioner up one or two degrees. You will barely notice it, but your sacrifice will mean a lot for your energy use. Invest some money in purchasing green power or solar panels and solar heating if you can afford them.

The key is to only see it as a sacrifice if that is the only way you can convince yourself to do it. Try and move towards seeing it as an act of praise- because that is what it really is: obedience and praise of God.




Volunteers Wanted!
Positions Currently Available:
Melbourne Church Project Coordinator (Melbourne)
This position will work under the National Church Project Coordinator to run the Five Leaf Programs within the Melbourne area. This will involve supporting the two churches currently involved in the pilot award program and getting additional churches involved.
If you care about Christianity and the environment you will love this position. Not only does it give you a real chance to make a significant difference, but as one of the first staff, you will be able to influence the direction and creation of the organisation.
The chosen candidate will undergo training with the National Church Project Coordinator. The Melbourne Coordinator will then be responsible for all activities of the organisation in Melbourne.
The volunteer will need to work from home and must have access to the internet. Regular travel around Melbourne to visit churches will be involved. Some professional training may also be provided depending on funding.

Victorian and ACT Ministry Team
Additional volunteers are also needed to assist the Melbourne and Canberra Church Project Coordinators in running the Five Leaf Eco-Awards and with various projects.

Marketing Research Assistant
A volunteer is needed to assist with a marketing research program to direct the development of Five Leaf. Working with the National Church Project Coordinator this assistant will conduct extensive interviews and surveys of church members and leaders and assist in developing the strategic marketing plan. Experience in social marketing would be ideal but training can be provided. Applicant should be sociable, dedicated and eager to learn. Location negotiable.
For more information on any of these positions contact Jessica at: greenleafcert@gmail.com

Send Us Your
Church Greening Story For a Chance to
Win an Awesome Green Bible!
Churches around Australia are acting quietly to care for creation. Now, we want to know about it! Be a part of inspiring others to make their churches more environmentally friendly and reduce their impact! Five Leaf Eco-Awards are compiling a book of examples of actions churches have taken to become more environmentally friendly.

Do you have a community garden, a water tank or energy efficient lighting? Have you held services outside, run a recycling program or educational workshops on the environment? Even if you think what your church has done is small it can still inspire others so let us know.

When compiled, this book will be a very important resource for churches considering action. Better yet, now you can win your church a copy of the new Green Bible by sending us your story. This exciting prize is printed on recycled paper with soy-based ink and a cotton/linen cover. There is a forward by Desmond Tutu, essays about creation care from leaders such as Pope John Paul II and Matthew Sleeth; and over 1,000 passages of the Bible related to the environment are highlighted to equip and encourage you to see God’s vision for creation and to help you engage in the work of healing and sustaining it. For more information see www.greenletterbible.com

To enter, send us 300 words about what your church did, and any photos you have. Send entries to greenleafcert@gmail.com by the 30th of June.
Call for Churches to participate in Five Leaf Eco-Awards trial

This is an invitation to all church communities to have a go at trialling the Five Leaf Eco-Awards program in their church and help save creation. Please email greenleafcert@gmail.com for more information.

Please feel free to pass this newsletter on to any individual or group who may be interested.

If you wish to unsubscribe from this newsletter email greenleafcert@gmail.com

Sabbath Laws

Reading: Exodus 23:10-12

Laws like those set out in this passage are why I love Exodus. I like to imagine what the world would be like if we still followed these laws.

There are two very important things introduced in verse 11. Firstly, we see the beginning of crop rotation practices. Every seven years the crops were to lie fallow to give the land rest. With today's understanding of agriculture crop rotation has become a science and we can avoid leaving the land fallow by alternating between different crops - for example growing lucern in between crops of cereals as the lucern fixes nitrogen into the soil which these crops use a lot of. However this law was a way of teaching the Israelites to respect the land and preventing the degradation that can occur when land is overused. By allowing the crops to lie fallow the soil was given a chance to recover from cropping.

The second exciting thing in this verse is the second reason given for leaving the land fallow every seven years -to provide food for the poor and the animals. The Bible makes specific provision for the feeding of animals through this verse. I think this verse is chastening in light of the way we often try to exclude animals from our bounty. The drought has hit hard not only on people but on animals, yet in our desire to scrape a profit animals often become the enemy. Some farmers have even been given licenses to kill endangered species if they are 'threatening their crops'; yet they are starving too. Similar issues surround water supplies, with wild animals being prevented from accessing what may be the only water in the area. The Bible doesn't say we should let animals have all our crops, but I think it suggests it is fair to allow animals some food; and I would argue especially in the drought.

In verse twelve we have a repeat of the Sabbath day law, with a specific mention of beasts of burden being given rest, not just humans. God's rest and love is for all creatures.

Some Interesting questions

Reading: Exodus 22:1-15

My family were watching Grey's Anatomy earlier. I was appalled by the treatment of the pigs in the show. They are stabbed to provide interns with some live flesh to practice surgery on. Then at the end, after they have spent hours trying to save the pigs (the interns were almost as appalled as I was) they are convinced to put them down in order to save them the pain they would be caused by the months of recuperation necessary after what they have been through. I realise I am touching on very controversial ground here, but I just find it interesting how we have such different priorities with humans and animals. With a human life is sacred and paramount. We can put someone through years of painful rehabilitation without hesitation but letting them die is practically never an option. In contrast, with animals it is prevention of pain that seems to be sacred. We are ok if you kill an animal, as long as it is 'humane'. It is the conditions animals are kept in before they become our food that concerns us, not the fact that they are being raised simply to be killed for our food. We think it is awful to torture an animal, but it is seen as better to kill it - as long as it is as painless as possible. I wonder where exactly this double standard comes from.

So, today's reading. The first time you look at it you might just go ok, I have never stolen anyone else's animals so this reading is not applicable to me, or today's society. Actually there are quite a few gems in this passage.

I want to propose something in reference to v1 and 14. Psalm 50:10-11 says that all animals are the Lord's. Therefore, when we catch an animal, for example a fish; from the ocean we are taking something that belongs to the Lord. It is a wild animal, we have had no part in raising it, but we are taking it. This may not be stealing, but in v14 the passage says that if you borrow something (as stewards, we are essentially borrowing the earth from God) and it is injured or dies, we must 'make it good'. Fishing is an exploitative practice, which does not make it good- as the overfishing crisis makes clear. I may be stretching it, but I believe these verses would support a philosophy of giving back to the environment more than we take from it. To continue the fish example, perhaps we should raise fish fry to replace the stocks we take, or at the very least provide enough marine reserves that the fish actually have a chance to reproduce successfully.

v2 is also very interesting in light of our current laws which allow a thief breaking into your house who harms himself to sue you for compensation. Talk about ridiculous.

Finally, v6 is interesting in light of the recent Victorian fires- many of which were lit by arsonists. I believe we all hope they make 'restitution'.

Salt and Light - Issue Two

Salt and Light Issue 2 Five Leaf Church Greening Initiative Newsletter ―We believe that Creation Care is a core Christian responsibility” The aim of this Newsletter is to provide a supportive and informative link between individuals and groups that share a care and christian responsibility for our environment. You are on this newsletter list because you have expressed an interest in the Five Leaf Eco-Awards program or have communicated with the National Coordinator - Jessica Morthorpe. Contents
 Letter from the Editor
 Update on Five Leaf
 Volunteers wanted!
 Doom and Gloom
 Tips of the month
 A Stirring of Hope
 Quotes of the month
 Websites to visit
 Call for churches to participate in trial
 Call for submissions
Letter from the Editor: Greetings everyone, I hope this newsletter finds you all well. In this issue you will find an update on Five Leaf's activities at the Sustainable Living Festival in Melbourne, latest news and some information about the endangered Orangutan and how you can help to reduce their movement towards extinction by avoiding palm oil products. News wrap-up:
First and most exciting for Canberra residents, the ACT solar feed-in tarriff was introduced on the 1st of March1. Owners of solar panels will receive abouot 50c per kilowatt hour (four times the normal cost of electricity) for every kilowatt they produce, including what they use.This is great news for homeowners and small businesses with small solar panel systems who can expect to be paid around $2000 a year for the energy they produce2.
In other good news, researchers at the ANU have developed a solar powered air-conditioning system. As well as being environmentally friendly this new system has the potential to prevent blackouts caused by air-conditioner use during heatwaves overloading the system. The solar air-conditioner will also provide heating in winter and solar hot water3.
In mixed news, scientists have discovered that fish play a vital role in maintaining the PH of the oceans. The ocean absorbs massive amounts of carbon dioxide each year (the main reason runaway climate change has not started earlier), but this causes it to become more acidic. By excreting Calcium Carbonate, the masses of fish in the ocean combat this acidity, helping us to fight climate change4. I say this is mixed news because in the light of our massive overfishing crisis, not to mention the havoc we are wreaking on marine ecosystems by massacreing sharks, I think we have just found this ally against climate change in time to miss them as they disappear.
In even less encouraging news, Environment Minister Peter Garrett has refused to set up a captive breeding program for the tiny Christmas Island Pipistrelle Bat due to its tiny population. He is trialling captive breeding of a related species in the Northern Territory but experts fear that even if the program is successful it will be too late and say the government has given up to easily on the species. If the species goes extinct in four months as feared it will be the first mammal species to go extinct in Australia since 19565.
In other depressing news, I am sure you have heard by now of the massive oil spill in South East Queensland after a tanker was damaged in a storm. Not only is the coast covered in heavy grade fuel oil which is fatal if inhaled, releases hydrogen sulphide as it breaks down and can cause a host of health problems; but containers holding 600 tonnes of ammonium nitrate fertilizer are also missing somewhere off the coast. This is a tragedy and environmentalists are waiting anxiously for the results of the clean up.6
To cheer you up I have some news that has me very excited- the movie Sharkwater, a masterpiece of exciting and spectacular documentary film making, has been released on DVD in Australia. I think everyone needs to see this movie; not only to learn about the global plight of our shark species but also to learn about how we are endangering our planet more generally. I can't praise this movie enough. Beg, borrow or steal a copy and if you can't find one, I can loan you mine to show at your church's next movie night.
1 http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/26/2502504.htm
2 http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/10/2487715.htm
3 http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/02/03/2481211.htm 4 http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn16432-fish-an-ally-against-climate-change.html?DCMP=OTC-rss&nsref=climate-change
5 http://ecomedia.org.au/press/2009/02/16/government-gives-up-on-endangered-bat-species/
http://www.theage.com.au/national/garrett-rejects-move-to-save-endangered-bat-20090215-886j.html 6 AMCS email “Oil Spill Disaster for South-east Queensland” sent 13/3/09

Lastly, don't forget about Earth Hour on Saturday the 28th. At 8:30pm turn all lights off at home or work. And use candles instead. Last year I attended Earth Hour at the ANU where they had a giant earth made out of candles on the oval. I then wandered around the city and saw many restaurants had switched to candles for the night. It was great to see. I would also encourage churches to keep their lights off on Sunday morning (29th) in support of the Hour and the fight against climate change.
Yours Sincerely,
Jessica Morthorpe National Church Project Coordinator Five Leaf Eco-Awards
Update on Five Leaf
On the 20-22nd of February Jessica attended the Sustainable Living Festival in Melbourne on behalf of Five Leaf. The festival was an eye opening and fantastic experience with exhibitors and people showing up in droves to learn about how to act more sustainably and to share what they have learnt. It was amazing to see so many volunteers, ideas and groups in attendance. There were bike powered smoothies, environmentally friendly printing companies, fair trade organisations, animal rights groups, national parks associations, and devices to save water, energy, food – you name it. She also met with Nick Ray from the Ethical Consumer Group; see the reviews to learn more.
Five Leaf collected a lot of information and resources that are available to churches on request. There have also been meetings around strategic planning for the organisation and the organisation's first Green Bibles have arrived and been given to churches.
Volunteers Wanted!
Positions Currently Available:
Melbourne Church Project Coordinator (Melbourne)
This position will work under the National Church Project Coordinator to run the Five Leaf Programs within the Melbourne area. This will involve supporting the two churches currently involved in the pilot award program and getting additional churches involved.
If you care about Christianity and the environment you will love this position. Not only does it give you a real chance to make a significant difference, but as one of the first staff, you will be able to influence the direction and creation of the organisation.
The chosen candidate will undergo training with the National Church Project Coordinator. The Melbourne Coordinator will then be responsible for all activities of the organisation in Melbourne.
The volunteer will need to work from home and must have access to the internet. Regular travel around Melbourne to visit churches will be involved. Some professional training may also be provided depending on funding.
Victorian and ACT Ministry Team
Additional volunteers are also needed to assist the Melbourne and Canberra Church Project Coordinators in running the Five Leaf Eco-Awards and with various projects.
Marketing Research Assistant
A volunteer is needed to assist with a marketing research program to direct the development of Five Leaf. Working with the National Church Project Coordinator this assistant will conduct extensive interviews and surveys of church members and leaders and assist in developing the strategic marketing plan. Experience in social marketing would be ideal but training can be provided. Applicant should be sociable, dedicated and eager to learn. Location negotiable.
For more information on any of these positions contact Jessica at: greenleafcert@gmail.com
Doom and Gloom
http://www.orangutan.org.au/
“A society is measured by the way it treats those at its mercy. If we allow our closest living relatives to go extinct during our generation we will diminish all humanity.‖ Leif Cocks, President of the AOP (Australian Orangutan Project).
AOP's mission statement
" To ensure the survival of both Sumatran and Bornean orangutan species in their natural habitat and promote the welfare of all orangutans "
The Orangutan is under severe threat! For years now the predictions have been grim for our closest living relatives but now their position in the world is vanishing, along with their habitat. 300 soccer fields per hour of rainforest are being cut down for palm plantations due to illegal logging.
Wild orangutan declining more sharply in Sumatra and Borneo than thought
Created 7th Jul 2008
Science Daily July 3, 2008
Endangered wild orangutan (Pongo spp) populations are declining more sharply in Sumatra and Borneo than previously estimated, according to new findings published this month by Great Ape Trust of Iowa scientist Dr. Serge Wich and other orangutan conservation experts in Oryx – The International Journal of Conservation. Conservation action essential to survival of orangutans, found only on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, must be region-specific to address the different ecological threats to each species, said Wich and his co-authors, a pre-eminent group of scientists, conservationists, and representatives of governmental and non-governmental groups. They convened in Jakarta, Indonesia, in January 2004 to address the threats to orangutan survival and develop new assessment models to guide conservation planning. New orangutan population estimates revealed in the July issue of Oryx reflect those improvements in assessment methodology – including standardized data collection, island-wide surveys, and better sharing of data among stakeholders – rather than dramatic changes in the number of surviving orangutans. The experts’ revised estimates put the number of Sumatran orangutans (P. abelii) around 6,600 in 2004. This is lower than previous estimates of 7,501 as a result of new findings that indicate that a large area in Aceh that was previously thought to contain orangutans actually does not. Since forest loss in Aceh has been relatively low from 2004 to 2008, the 2004 estimate is probably not much higher than the actual number in 2008. The 2004 estimate of about 54,000 Bornean orangutans (P. pygmaeus) is probably also higher than the actual number today as there has been a 10 percent orangutan habitat loss in the Indonesian part of Borneo during that period. ―It is clear that the Sumatran orangutan is in rapid decline and unless extraordinary efforts are made soon, it could become the first great ape species to go extinct,‖ Wich et al. wrote. ―Although these revised estimates for Borneo are encouraging, forest loss and associated loss of orangutans are occurring at an alarming rate, and suggest that recent reductions of Bornean orangutan populations have been far more severe than previously supposed.‖ The new numbers underscore important issues in orangutan conservation. With improved sharing of data and deeper collaborations among stakeholders, the experts determined that 75 percent of all orangutans live outside of national parks, which have been severely degraded by illegal logging, mining, encroachment by palm oil plantations and fires due to a general lack of enforcement by regulatory authorities, who are either unable or reluctant to implement conservation management strategies. However, some recent conservation successes – keyed on political and financial support, media attention and advocacy by conservationists – offer cause for cautious optimism that illegal logging in protected areas can be effectively reduced and improved management of protected areas can be attained, according to the experts. ―It is essential that conservation measures are taken to protect orangutans outside national parks, and these measures will by necessity be specific to each region,‖ Wich et al. wrote. The experts reported positive signs that forest conservation is gaining prominence as a political agenda. For example, habitat loss has stabilized in some parts of Sumatra with a temporary logging moratorium in the province of Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, where most of the island’s orangutans occur, both in and out of national parks. Opportunities also exist to develop reduced-impact logging systems on the island of Borneo, where most orangutans live in forests already exploited for timber. Although other threats to orangutan survival exist, such as hunting in agricultural areas where human-orangutan conflicts exist, the biggest by far is forest destruction associated with the burgeoning palm oil industry in Indonesia and Malaysia. Together, they are the world’s largest palm oil producers with a combined global market share of 80.5 percent. Rapid expansion of the palm oil industry coupled with poor land-use planning are further pressuring forests and the orangutans who depend on them for survival. For example, in Sumatra, the controversial Ladia Galaska road project in the Leuser Ecosystem will, unless halted, fragment two of the three largest remaining orangutan populations, Wich et al. wrote. A similar project in 1982 split the Gunung Leuser National Park, and the improved access facilitated uncontrolled illegal settlements inside the park, large-scale illegal encroachment and logging, and poaching of threatened species. Also cited as an example of faulty land-use planning was a mega rice project, funded primarily by Indonesia’s reforestation fund, which eliminated 10,000 square kilometers of peat swamp forest and killed an estimated 15,000 orangutans from 1996 to 1999. ―Both are examples of ill-advised projects with few benefits to local economies but major environmental costs,‖ Wich et al. wrote. ―However, as such projects provide substantial revenue for a small group of individuals with considerable political influence, unprecedented political will is needed to prevent similar projects in the future.‖ The experts’ report includes sweeping recommendations for: * Effective law enforcement and prosecution to stop hunting orangutans for food and trade; * Mechanisms to mitigate and reduce human-orangutan conflict in agricultural areas, including large-scale plantations; * The development of an auditing process to assess the compliance of forestry concessions to their legal obligation to ensure orangutans are not hunted in concession areas; * Increased environmental awareness at the local level, following examples set by the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program and the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project that promote awareness of conservation of forests and the importance of biodiversity; * Development of mechanisms to monitor orangutan populations and forest cover, building on those in place on both Borneo and Sumatra;
* Continuation of surveys in less explored regions; and * Continued improvement of survey methodology to include nest-decay rates. ―All efforts to monitor orangutans, however, will be to no avail unless the decline in numbers is halted, and this requires a change in political will,‖ Wich et al wrote. ―It is essential that funding for environmental services reaches the local level and that there is strong law enforcement. Developing a mechanism to ensure these occur is the challenge for the conservation of orangutans.‖ Great Ape Trust Director of Conservation Dr. Benjamin Beck said the paper makes a significant contribution to orangutan conservation discussion. ―First, we have an unambiguous, scientifically rigorous answer when regulators and policymakers ask us how many orangutans really remain, and how that compares to historical population sizes,‖ Beck said. ―Those responsible for environmental stewardship cannot hide indecisively behind purported scientific uncertainty. ―Second, those answers are the results of pooled knowledge of nearly two dozen high-profile investigators who set aside their own professional reputations and agendas to collect data in a standardized format and share the results for a very high, common priority: the literal survival of the species that they study and love,‖ Beck continued. ―In addition to being a critical contribution to orangutan conservation, this paper is an exemplar of collaboration among conservation scientists and practitioners.‖ Dr. Rob Shumaker, director of orangutan research at Great Ape Trust, said Wich’s paper is historically important and verifies the crisis situation for wild orangutans. ―This represents enormous amounts of work from the authors and demonstrates their commitments to the science of orangutan conservation,‖ he said. ―It’s a particularly notable achievement for Dr. Wich and continues his extraordinary dedication to the study of orangutans. ―It is my fervent hope that these data inspire action on the part of everyone who can positively affect orangutan conservation.‖ In addition to his responsibilities at Great Ape Trust, Wich is co-manager of orangutan research at Sumatra’s Ketambe Research Center.
Science Daily July 3/08 http://www.orangutan.org.au/549.html date accessed 4/3/09
Monthly Action Tips
Helping you buy responsibly – Palm oil free alternatives
We often receive inquiries from concerned individuals asking what they can do to in the battle to save the orangutan. Many have heard about palm oil and don’t want to be complicit in fuelling demand for the product which is decimating the orangutan’s habitat.
However it is not always easy to identify products with palm oil. Under Food Standards Australia New Zealand requirements, it is sufficient to have vegetable oil in the list of ingredients on the packet, even though the product contains palm oil. As a rule of thumb, if the saturated fat content is about 50%, there is a good chance that the vegetable oil will in fact be palm oil.
Another thing to watch out for on the ingredients list is margarine. If the product contains margarine, it is highly likely that the margarine will have been derived from palm oil.
Additives and agents such as emulsifiers (E471 is a common one), while a small component of the overall product, can also be derived from palm oil.
Other names to keep an eye out for that could be or be derived from palm oil are cocoa butter equivalent (CBE), cocoa butter substitute (CBS), palm olein and palm stearine. In non-food products like soaps and detergents, the list includes elaeis guineensis, sodium lauryl sulphate, cetyl alcohol, stearic acid, isopropyl and other palmitates, steareth-2, steareth-20 and fatty alcohol sulphates – all of which may be derived from palm oil.
Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Australia http://www.orangutans.com.au/ @2008 BOS Australia, date accessed 1/3/09
Save Gorillas by recycling your mobile phone
―HOW many mobile phones does it take to save the life of an endangered gorilla? You would be surprised to know how few. Recycling just 500 mobile phones could pay the wages of an anti-poaching ranger for a whole year, and a ranger can save the lives of dozens of gorillas — maybe even help save the species from extinction.
And if the 9 million mobiles sold in Australia each year were eventually recycled, that would, at $2 a phone, provide $4.5 million for gorilla conservation efforts in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The opportunity, and the problem, for the survival of the eastern lowland gorilla is the mining of coltan. A small amount of minerals derived from coltan ore is used in every mobile phone made. But with about 1 billion phones sold globally each year, that makes for a lot of mining. And the mines are in the habitat of the endangered gorilla.‖
Janae Houghton, Want to save a gorilla? It's your call, The Age, January 4, 2009, http://www.theage.com.au/environment/conservation/want-to-save-a-gorilla-its-your-call-20090103-79hq.html
A Stirring of Hope
Summary of Guardians of the electric reef
by Porteous, James, ECOS magazine Towards a sustainable future, Guardians of the electric reef, p 10 and 12, 147 Feb-Mar 2009
In Bali's idylic north-west corner, a unique community-driven marine conservation project is using electricity to rapidly regrow damaged coral reef and restore local livelihoods. Might this technology and its profound success be a route to helping save the Earth's vital coral gardens.(p10)
The Biorock Process, a new reef restoration technolgy developed by Dr Thomas Goreau a dedicated activist for the importance of the world's reefs and the late Professor Wolf Hilbertz who was an architect, marine scientist and inventor has given hope to the struggling reefs and their communities world wide. The community at Pemuteran, five hours north of Denpasar, Indonesia have survived off their reef for generations whether by fishing or the tourism it attracts. The reef was a hit spot for divers but less than ten years ago the situation was dire. The Asian Economic Crisis in 1998 spurred massive bursts of over-harvesting, bleaching, cyanide poisoning and unsafe fishing methods by the poorer community, leaving the reef destroyed.
So, by 2000 the local community became worried about the condition of the reef because it effectively ran their livelihoods and Dr Goureau and Professor Hilbertz were asked to try their method. The Biorock Process works by sending electrical currents through the seawater to submerged structures that then crystalises the dissolved minerals and speeds up the growth of coral skeletons and shell-bearing animals. It is said to speed up the process by up to two to six times the natural regrouth rate. The process can even be powered by environmentally friendly power such as; tidal, wind power and photovoltaic solar panels.
There is now about fifty of these structures off shore that are quickly returning the reef to its former glory and the locals seeing the success have launched themselves fully into the reefs recuperation. Local businesses have helped with the finance and now that the program is set up it has even employed locals by training them to dive and employing them to help maintain the coral reef.
The success of the Pemuteran community is a clear example that there is not being enough done to preserve the world's reefs. Dr Goureau has said that, “Those who see it are absolutely amazed...” And that, “Those who have not seeen these projects continue to deny that they are possible.”
“We have already lost most of the world's corals and there is little time left to restore damaged reefs before they vanish. But the head-in-the-sand attitude of the governments and funding agencies has resulted in denial-n of both the problems and solutions- and blocking of funds by the international community to help coastal fishing communities in poor countries to grow back their rapidly vanishing living resources.”
Quotes of the month
“It seems to me that the issue of conservation of the natural world is something that can unite humanity, if the people know enough about it, and we can be persuaded to change the way in which we behave- that gross materialism and the search for material wealth are not the only things in life.”
David Attenborough, Planet Earth the Future, p234
“I fail or succeed in my stewardship of life in proportion to how conviced I am that life belongs to God.” Pearl Bartel “When you are besieging a town and the war drags on, do not destroy the trees... they are not enemies to be attacked!” Bible, Deuteronomy 20:19 Websites to Visit: Ethical Consumer Group Website
http://www.ethical.org.au/?sssdmh=dm16.365675 This great little website will help you reduce your impact next time you hit the shops. Ever stood in the supermarket and been frustrated by wanting to buy more ethical products but having no idea how to pick them out? Too much hard work to research everything before you buy it? Never fear, this awesome group has done all the hard work for you. Order one of the fantastic little pocket guides to make the best choice in whatever product you want to purchase. Evangelical Environment Network website and Creation Care magazine
http://www.creationcare.org/magazine/
This is a great site connecting faith and the environment. It has climate change updates; fact sheets and ideas of how to inspire congregations and communities to help the environment with handy tips for bible study sessions and examples from scripture.
The website also has archives of their Creation Care magazine. This is a fantastic resource and great reading.
This website is really worth exploring, have a good look.
Call for Churches to participate in Five Leaf Eco-Awards trial
This is an invitation to all church communities to have a go at trialling the Five Leaf Eco-Awards program in their church and help save creation. Please email greenleafcert@gmail.com for more information.
Call for Submissions
If your church has already begun working towards sustainability please contact Jessica Morthorpe (greenleafcert@gmail.com) and feel free to send in any photos. They will be published on The Crown of Thorns blog and you will also be eligible for an encouragement award.
Please feel free to pass this newletter on to any individual or group who may be interested.
If you wish to unsubscribe from this newsletter email greenleafcert@gmail.com

Animal Control Laws

Reading: Exodus 21: 28-36

Hey everyone, sorry about the delay - I got rather caught up with the start of uni.

This reading is challenging, I would love to know what you think. An ox who kills someone should be put to death, but only if it has a history of violence is the owner liable.

This is an issue that connects with our deepest emotions and fears. Humans have a pathological fear of being eaten. This is illustrated in our often irrational fear of species we think might hurt us. At the moment there is a frenzy of worry going on about sharks with probably imagined increases in numbers and changes in diet blamed for what is seen as a spate of attacks recently. Statistically it is illogical to fear sharks. You are 300 times more likely to be killed by a bee sting. Not to mention in a car crash. When people begin seriously fearing their cars I will think about excusing their irrational desire to kill sharks if that is what it takes to get them away from them.

However sharks bring up an interesting question about this passage. The example used in the Bible is an ox, a domestic animal. Does this mean the same ruling does or doesn't apply to sharks? Can the shark be blamed when we know it is a calculated risk to enter their habitat? Personally I have always applauded victims and their families mature enough to not seek revenge by demanding the death of the shark after an attack, but you may disagree with me. (I also think that the travelling behaviour seen in Great White Sharks makes it quite possible that the wrong shark would be killed anyway)

What if the animal involved in an attack happens to be an endangered species? Does that make a difference to how we feel? In the light of the Bible passage, should it?