About JRI
The challengeNature provides resources for human sustenance and activity and a rich environment for human creativity. It also evokes wonder and worship of God whose personality, power and creative genius are evident throughout creation.
Environmental damage and non-sustainable development are of widespread concern, but progress in translating words into action is constrained by many competing interests. The priorities of society are largely determined by the underlying values of its members whether as individuals, organisations, business or government.
The Church has a key role to play in shaping the values of society and thus in addressing environmental issues. However in recent times its voice has not often been heard, nor has it generally been to the fore in contributing to the environmental debate.
Agenda 21 of the Earth Summit calls on all sectors of society to work together towards sustainable development, the challenge being to balance the growing needs of human communities against the need to care for the environment.
Christians believe that God places great importance on all parts of his creation and has given to people a clear responsibility to be stewards of nature. There is an urgent need for us to translate our wonder at nature into practical care. Scientists, educators and Christian leaders have a unique opportunity to work together in partnership to encourage this and to help equip professionals in all walks of life with an ethical foundation for making decisions that affect the environment.
