EARTHKEEPING NEWS A NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COALITION FOR CHRISTIANITY AND ECOLOGY Volume Four, Number Five May/June 1995 MENNONITES ADDRESS THE QUESTION: HOW, THEN, DO WE LIVE? In February over 140 people from across the United States and Canada came together for a conference titled Creation Summit: Shaping an Anabaptist Theology of Living, sponsored by the Mennonite Central Committee and the Mennonite Environmental Task Force. Professor Ted Hiebart opened the gathering with an overview of the biblical contributions to an ecological ethic. Amish farmer David Kline emphasized connection with the land as the experiential foundation upon which to live out one's theology. Mennonite scholar Walter Klassen stated that the Mennonites' historic regard for nonviolence, community and the peaceful reign of God is a useful resource in addressing the social, economic and environmental problems caused by structural violence which he called "humanity's war with the earth." Laurence Hart, Cheyenne peace chief and Mennonite pastor, reminded the group of the need to repent of our materialism, individualism and overconsumption which fuel the systems of structural violence. Scattered between presentations were scheduled discussion times. Small groups gathered to discuss what they were hearing and to reflect on responses for their congregations, work and homes. The times of informal fellowship and listening to each other provided a context of sharing, in keeping with Anabaptist emphasis on community. Richard Cartwright Austin concluded the conference with the assurance that the love of God carries us to environmental awareness, personal concern and collective action. The question is, what are we going to do in our lifestyles, congregations and the broader society, to be faithful in discipleship? By Randolph DeLay, 11419 80 Ave., Edmonton AB, Canada T6G 0R6, 403/436-4898. DeLay is an educator, wilderness program instructor and currently a graduate student at the University of Alberta. Home     Table of Contents