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THE CHURCH & THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGE: CHRISTIAN ACTION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT (CAFE), A PROJECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS ACTION/ FRIENDS OF THE EARTH, NIGERIA. RETURN TO EDEN (IN THE WEB OF LIFE) On the occasion of the World Environment Day which had as its Theme: "Connect with the Worldwide web life", Christian Action For the Environment (CAFE), a project of Environmental Rights Action (ERA) held a seminar at the Auditorium of the GLIM BIBLE COLLEGE situated at #87, First Federal Road, Benin City. 30 participants from different churches were in attendance. Participant agreed that from Genesis 1: 27-31, it is clear that God created everything and gave man the responsibility of taking care of the earth for its own sake and so that present and future generations may live on it and enjoy its fruits (Genesis 2:15). Wondrous complexity, interdependence and beauty mark God's creation (Genesis 1:1). Dominion (Verse 28), did not give man the license to destroy the environment, because one man's error could result in suffering for many and that degradation such as global warming knows no territorial boundaries. The Bible gives the hope that when we are careful of what we have, it gives rise to multiplication. The critical issues facing the world today as a result of man's interaction with it includes: Effect of global warming and sea level rise, deforestation, unclean energy, pollution and improper waste disposal etc. Participants agreed the scripture is clear about Christian response to this challenge. We believe that this historic challenge is before us all, foreseen by our scriptures, and freshly vivid in these signs of the times. So we must act fast. No man can destroy the earth and hope to sneak into heaven. Participants unanimously declared as follows: 1. God created the universe with all things interlinked and interdependent. God's people must act now to sustain this web from needless harm 2. Environmental justice should be ensured for all Nigerians. Our legislatures and relevant Government agencies must take up their responsibilities. 3. Churches should organize periodic rallies to help bring to the awareness of people what the environment was, is now and what it will be in the future if not protected, and how we can return back to EDEN. 4. Ministers of God should use their pulpits to teach the truth of how we can live comfortably in our environment without infringing on God's design for it. 5. The Church should engage in environmental evangelism vis-à-vis educating the people of the negative outcome of thoughtless actions on the environment. 6. Church groups should be set up to watch over and protect their environment. 7. Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) should take upon herself the urgent task of instructing Churches on their role as to sustaining our God given heritage. If Christ tarries and the environment is not protected, the future generation will have no home. 8. Government, whether at the state or national level should embark on creative projects that will lead to sustainable development, rather than projects that are environmental destructive. REV NNIMMO BASSEY PASTOR TESTIMONY ERIAMIATOE Director, ERA. Project Officer, CAFE. JUNE 6, 2001 +++++++ INSIST ON: * A CLEAN & SAFE ENVIRONMENT * ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS * RESOURCE CONTROL BY THE PEOPLE ENVIRONMENTAL RIGHTS ACTION/FRIENDS OF THE EARTH NIGERIA # 214 USELU-LAGOS ROAD, BENIN CITY, NIGERIA Tel/Fax: + 234 52 600 165 eFax: +1 413 431352 e-mail: eraction@infoweb.abs.net Addresses: Post message: NDPA@egroups.com Subscribe: NDPA-subscribe@egroups.com Unsubscribe: NDPA-unsubscribe@egroups.com List owner: NDPA-owner@egroups.com URL to this page: http://www.egroups.com/group/NDPA
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