The Flyfords Family

How do we build communities which contribute to a sustainable world?

01/06/2010

I have chosen a graphic image of the world in our hands for this month’s theme. It is probably the most important issue we face in our lifetime. I believe that the building sustainable communities is a good place to start as it shows commitment to both our relationships with human beings and the natural world. One of the aims of this group of churches is to encourage communities to work together for the common good. If we can sign up to this principle it may help us to develop models which can address the bigger picture.

As we reflect on the bigger picture and our future both as individuals and as communities, we have a dilemma. If we regard ourselves as the most important beings in creation it has the unfortunate effect on both the earth and humanity itself. The human species, if it continues to act in isolation, is in danger of becoming irrelevant at best, and at worst a terrible calamity for life on earth comprising a rogue species of rapacious bipeds bent on destruction. What then is the proper place of humanity on the planet? Scripture offers three possible roles for us: prophets, priests and kings.

A prophet is a seer: one who perceives things as they truly are, that is, shown by God, and who speaks of what he or she sees. It is a prophetic role to speak of the beauty and goodness of the creation; to make people see things as they really are; and to free the earth (in this context) from the oppression of exploitation, ignorance and plunder.

A priest is primarily active. This role encourages people to use the earthly gifts of God rightly. The role encourages human beings to realize their potential as communicators of God's reality. Human beings should transform nature with the understanding that it is a gift from God and when it has been transformed it should be offered back to God. Christ is the supreme exemplar of the priestly role as he bridges the gap between the relationship between humankind and God.

Kingship is the third role for human beings. The servant - king defends the rights of the poor and disadvantaged. Kingship also implies dominion. However a wrong understanding of dominion over the earth has had devastating consequences. Dominion is an exercise of vicegerency: Lordship under God.

Perhaps Christ offers us a simple conclusion to this complex debate as he says, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never grow hungry and he who believes in me will never go thirsty”. His message, in the context of sustainability, is that we need to reflect on his life, ministry and mission. It was spent in very small communities, around lake Galilee which were very similar in size to our own villages. His ministry was successful because he spent all his energy on building sustainable communities.

What is your contribution to the sustainability of our villages?

Rector of the Flyfords Family