Mon, 14 Feb 2005
Is God Green?
When God created the world, he looked at it and said that it was very good (Genesis 1:31). So what does God feel about
the way we have treated the earth thus far?
This coming weekend, scientists, theologians, conservationists and others from all over the country, will gather
together in Auckland for a landmark Christian environmental conference.
The conference, called 'Creation, Crisis and Conservation', starts at 8:30am on Friday the 18th of February, at the Old
Government House in the grounds of the University of Auckland.
Top international scientist and former director of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), Dr. Simon Stuart will be
presenting one of the keynote lectures, along with internationally acclaimed New Zealand conservationist, Dr. David
Given. Each has just received top honours at the November 2004 IUCN conference in Bangkok. Their focus will be the
relationship between a Christian ethic of stewardship and the current global environmental crisis.
Other scientists, theologians and conservationists from around the country will present papers on a broad variety of
topics to do with the relationship between Christian faith and environmental concern.
The aim of the conference is to provide a forum to promote discussion on a Christian response to environmental
problems, and to be a catalyst for the growth of a Christian environmental movement in New Zealand.
"Many Christians out there share our serious concerns for the welfare of this planet, but are not necessarily aware that
their faith has anything to offer", said spokesperson and conference director, David Pattemore, "If all this conference
does is to emphatically affirm that good stewardship of this planet is an integral part of the Christian faith, then we
will have achieved our goal".
The conference will run all day Friday and Saturday, and will conclude with a special service on Sunday, followed by a
field trip to the Ark in the Park restoration project in the Waitakere ranges.
A highlight of the conference will be the special public lecture evening on Saturday night (the 19th). Starting at 7pm,
Dr. Simon Stuart and Dr. David Given will give their key note speeches.
"Although many people may not be able to make it for the entire conference, the Saturday evening session will provide an
opportunity for the public of Auckland to hear some of the world's top conservationists speak on this topic", said Mr.
Pattemore
Prices for the conference are $80 for waged delegates and $40 for unwaged, not including meals or accommodation.
Admission for the special Saturday session on its own will cost $15 per person. Meals will be provided for those who
indicate and pay for it at registration.
For more information, including the schedule and abstracts of the talks, see the website:
ENDS