The moderator of the Church of South India has called for churches across the globe to join in a “carbon fast” for Lent this year.
In a letter published online, Rev Thomas K Oommen challenges the church go “deeper” during this year’s Lenten season – which runs from 1st March – and engage in a ‘carbon fast’ “in order to reduce the actions which damage God’s Creation”.
A carbon fast typically sees people engage in actions to reduce their overall output of carbon dioxide, such as reducing use of electricity for light, power and transport.
Noting that people in India “are aware of climate change because of our warmer temperatures, swings between floods and droughts, and rising sea levels”, he said that a carbon fast “is a challenge to us to look at our daily actions, to reflect on how they impact on the environment”.
“It challenges us to take some small steps – some of which will reduce our carbon dioxide output while others will help the environment – for a more sustainable world. In the process we may come to rediscover a different relationship with God, with His Creation and with one another.”
Other church groups which are also engaging in carbon fasts during the upcoming Lenten period include the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s Environmental Network – also known as Green Anglicans. It has produced a guide with 40 actions for people to take during the Lenten period.
Meanwhile, the World Council of Churches Ecumenical Water Network has invited churches and individuals to use the season of Lent to reflect on water use around the world with a particular focus on Africa where various events are planned to take place over the period. Reflections, liturgies and other resources will be uploaded on the EWN website each week from 1st March.