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Melting glaciers are one of the most visible effects of climate change. Photo: Shutterstock

Earth Day 2016 letter from Anglican and Lutheran leaders

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Published on 
April 20, 2016

April 20, 2016

Dear friends in Christ:

As we observe Earth Day on April 22, we commend to you the Storforsen Appeal, the statement from the conference The Future of Life in the Arctic: The Impact of Climate Change. Indigenous and Religious Perspectives held on Sami Territory in Sweden in 2015.

The appeal calls on all of us, “to take brave action and make bold decisions on promoting climate justice.” It asks us to rededicate ourselves, “to stand in solidarity and support the peoples in the North, who are now already survivors and leaders in responding to climate change.”

We pray for the humility and discipline to use the earth’s resources wisely and responsibly; to take action with care for those who will come after us; and to continue to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.

Yours in Christ,

The Most Rev. Fred Hiltz
Primate, Anglican Church of Canada

The Rev. Susan C. Johnson
National Bishop, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

The Rev. Mark MacDonald
National Anglican Indigenous Bishop, Anglican Church of Canada

Acknowledging the land and God’s creation

This acknowledgement is crafted in light of the Principles of Reconciliation by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, as we seek to live faithfully in Christ and in right relationship with all. 

We give thanks to the Creator for this land, its waters, forests and all living beings, and for the abiding presence of Christ among us. From coast to coast to coast, these have been cared for and nurtured by First Nations, Inuit and Métis through countless generations. 

We honour the enduring relationship Indigenous Peoples have cultivated with these lands and waters, and the treaties and agreements that reflect these sacred bonds. We acknowledge the harms caused by colonial expansion, through frameworks like the Doctrine of Discovery and structures like the residential school system. We recognize our past failures as a Church, including disruption of connections to the land and suppression of Indigenous spiritualities. 

Guided by the gospel of Jesus Christ, we confess our need for healing. We commit ourselves to seeking truth, pursuing reconciliation and nurturing harmony with all creation. We place our trust in Christ, through whom all things are reconciled to God. 

May God strengthen us to live faithfully as stewards of the Earth. Let us walk in love, justice and reconciliation, joining in God’s work to restore all creation.