In Spring 2017, the Society of African Missions (SMA) Dromantine Community issued an invitation to anyone with an interest in caring for creation, ecological matters or the spirituality underpinning these issues to come together to share thoughts, ideas and experiences on this vitally important subject. About a dozen people attended the first meeting and a very lively and full discussion took place about what interests, inspires and concerns people on the issue of caring for creation.
Everyone agreed that having a space in which to talk and where ideas could be shared and developed would be a positive development and the group which has been growing in size, now meets on a monthly basis. The Eco-Spirituality Group expresses itself thus: “A gathering of interested people who want to create a space in which we can explore how best to live our relationship with God, with each other and with creation, ensuring we will hand on a better world to future generations. We will explore a variety of practical ways in which we can give expression to all of this.”
Through the initial meetings, reflections and discussions, the Group have now identified five key areas on which to focus: waste management, organic gardening, networking, energy conservation and biodiversity. These five areas will be the focus for the various sub-groups and form the core of the work and reflection which the Group undertakes for the coming year.
The Group can be contacted through Dympna Mallon, Laity Coordinator, African Missions, Dromantine, 96 Glen Road, Newry, CO Down, BT34 1RH, (028) 3082 1024, or email [email protected].