Cultivating Peace: DOV in Australia

Key Issues:Caring for God's Creation

Climate Change Initiative

The NCCA DOV initiative has been working with Catholic Earthcare, the Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn's Environment Commission, and others, on a climate change initiative. This is designed to help take forward the NCCA's environmental statement ('Sustaining Creation') and specifically the call to the Australian Government to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. The initiative has already involved an ecumenical gathering in Canberra during the visit of David Hallmann, the World Council of Churches' Climate Change Programme Coordinator, who was visiting after a major conference in Kiribati on this issue.

click here for a Climate Change update - April 2005

Renewing Creation: DOV Lent Study course

Listening for the groans and hopes of the Earth

Renewing Creation is a Study series produced through the South Australian Council of Churches, addressing the seventh circle of peace and reconciliation in the DOV in Australia approach.

These studies are a reflection on the passion of our Lord in the context of the environmental crisis of our planet. Each study focuses on specific ecological crisis in the Australian context and concludes with indications of renewal; ways in which a particular disaster is being handled and can – hopefully – be overcome.

For more information, and to order copies, check out the Renewing Creation website.

and what about the Animals?

The NCCA itself has no particular policy on animals issues, but the national DOV initiative recognises that Christian faith involves responding to God's call to share in the care of all of God's creatures. In relationship to DOV in Australia, a number of Christians are therefore working on exploring issues of violence towards animals and how we may more effectively respond. Such responses will involve deeper reflection on Christians scripture and theology and dialogue with a variety of groups and interest groups (agricultural and food industry, environmental and other).

for more information on animals and violence, please contact Philip Purcell.