Church attenders and environmental responsibility

Abstract

Environmental destruction, resource depletion, and the increasingly adverse effects of a changing climate have focussed the attention of publics across the globe in recent decades. The future of the Murray-Darling Basin, drought, flood, fire, food production, the oceans and water security are all part of a heightened Australian debate around our relationship to the environment and our use of our natural resources.Many of Australia’s churches are expressing their sense of environmental responsibility through words and actions. For example, some denominations have environment commissions and networks, and the National Council of Churches has commenced a new “Eco Mission” project. Growing numbers of congregations are also becoming more engaged in appreciation of and care for Creation in terms of their worship, mission, service and the operation of their buildings.