The next meeting of the Eco Network in Northern Ireland will take place on Saturday 19th March from 10am to 12pm at Glenvarna Christian Centre, 34A Ballynure Rd, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT36 5SW.*
We will have access to a designated room and, if you would like breakfast, come a little earlier!
All are welcome to this get together, so why not invite a friend?!
The last meeting took place in October 2015 at Drumalis Retreat and Conference Centre, County Antrim with members of nine churches taking part. Eco-Congregation Ireland and A Rocha UK were both represented.
The meeting convened as usual with tea and scones (!), which gave people a chance to become reacquainted before moving to the Thomas Berry room to share and listen.
Sr. Margaret-Rose told us about some of the history of Drumalis and the projects and issues challenging them, including the recent installation of photovoltaic cells. This led to a varied discussion on alternative energy harnessing and storing, including nuclear and wind power. It was good to have some participants from government departments who could give us some insights we otherwise would not be aware of. With the input from some folk from farming backgrounds conversation moved from the impact of super-farms on the countryside and the smaller farms to the effect of the severe manicuring of hedges on our natural wildlife.
Some participants reported on what their local church and community were able to do in the way of giving thanks for the bounty of our earth and share that goodness with their neighbours. Others shared how they encouraged recycling and gave wildlife on their grounds a helping hand by making nest-boxes.
On the global side participants welcomed the Laudato Si encyclical from Pope Francis. We hope that this will have a positive impact on all denominations. Discussion moved on to various events in Belfast and Dublin supporting the churches’ voice and impact on the COP21 talks in Paris this December.
An outline for the presence in Northern Ireland of an intern to advise and help churches, community groups and farmers manage pieces of ground in order to improve biodiversity and generally raise awareness of the place of creation care in faith based groups. It is hoped this will be brought about by a partnership between Arocha UK and the Corrymeela community.
Throughout the meeting there was a feeling of passion for our wonderfully designed environment and frustration for the destruction and damage happening around us.
Participants aired their individual struggles with action or non-action of government bodies and different church denominations.
The meeting finished with some participants taking a tour of the beautiful grounds and others having a tour of the wonderfully maintained historic building.
The group is really keen for other individuals, groups or churches who may be interested in promoting eco/care of creation issues in their churches/church groups to come along. Please email Kerry Nicholson at [email protected] to get added to the email list for more information about the next meeting.