Christians in Oxford asked to commit to protecting environment
by Matthew Taylor, Guardian:
Christians being confirmed or baptised in the Oxford diocese will henceforth be asked to commit to protecting the environment as part of the church’s formal liturgy.
The addition to the ceremonies is supported by the Right Rev Steven Croft, bishop of Oxford, and asks people being baptised or confirmed to “strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the Earth”.
The move, thought to be the first of its kind in the country, comes amid growing concern about the climate and ecological crisis among religious leaders. Earlier this year, more than 500 church leaders signed a letter to the government calling for no new fossil fuel developments, and Christian activists have been at the forefront of many climate protests in recent years.
Steven, who is a member of the Lords select committee for the environment and climate change, said the church had a key moral and spiritual role to play in addressing the climate and ecological emergency.
Revd Marcus Walker comments (via Twitter) : This, for the benefit of the uninitiated, is what you swear now. It is about CHRIST, the person into whose body the candidate is about to be grafted. This is bigger than any here-today-gone-tomorrow issue. Which other political issues make the cut? Denouncing republicanism?
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