We’re glad you’re here.
We invite you to connect with us: Jan Down (Chair): acting@gippslandanglicans.org.au
To sign up for ACTinG bulletins: David Perryman: davidp@gippslandanglicans.org.au
Here’s what we’re about:
ACTinG seeks to inspire, encourage and equip Gippsland Anglicans to act for creation in our households, churches, schools and agencies; to study the theology of creation; and to pray and act for the good of Earth and all creatures.
Name change for ACTinG
ACTinG: Acting for Creation Together in Gippsland
At a recent ACTinG meeting, it was resolved to change our name from ‘Acting on Climate’ to ‘Acting for Creation’ [Together in Gippsland], which retains the acronym ‘ACTinG’.
The change reflects the Anglican Five Marks of Mission, particularly the fifth mark.
The Fifth Mark of Mission is:
To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.’
Caring for creation is essential to the gospel mission. It recognises that the mission includes not only proclamation, discipleship, and justice among people, but also the well-being of the entire created order.
Genesis 2.15 gives humanity stewardship of creation. The Psalms praise God for creation (e.g. Psalm 148). Romans 8 recounts creation’s longing for renewal. Christ is humanity’s Redeemer and the firstborn over all creation, through whom and for whom all things were created. (Colossians 1:15-20).
The Lambeth Conference in 2022 reaffirmed that caring for creation is a fundamental Anglican witness. Protecting the earth is an essential part of our gospel mission, which encompasses both humanity and the natural world.
Humanity’s impact on nature is real, affecting more than the climate.
For example, in Gippsland, pollution originating from the rivers that feed into the Lakes adversely impacts native dolphin populations.
The introduction of species for pest control and genetic modification has also created some environmental issues.
ACTinG seeks to engage Anglicans and the broader community in discussions and explore sustainable alternatives, ensuring that we protect our ecosystems while effectively sustaining our native environment.
Listening compassionately requires us to respect the concerns of local communities whose livelihoods and traditions may be impacted by policy decisions.
By shifting the focus from ‘climate’ to ‘creation’, ACTinG aims to encourage action and respectful dialogue, to foreground the theological basis for our work, and to be attentive and responsive to a breadth of views as reflected in the constructive discussion of these issues at our recent diocesan Synod.
ACTinG welcomes the opportunity to collaborate within and beyond the Diocese, as we take up the aspiration of our Diocesan Vision to act for the good of Earth and all creatures, echoing the Fifth Mark of Mission that we share with Anglicans around the world that God has wonderfully made.
Season of Creation Find out what’s happening in Gippsland during the world-wide Season Of Creation Festival (1 Sept – 4 Oct) when we are urged to pay attention to our responsibility as Christians to care for creation.
Standing Up for Climate Action Read about how Anglicans across Australia and in Gippsland have been advocating for commitment to climate action in decision-making circles. Click here to read more.
Towards Zero - Connecting Faith and Action The Uniting Church in Australia, through the leadership and work of Rev Dr Ji Zhang, has published the ‘Towards Zero’ Vimeo series. These free resources support churches to take effective action to support a sustainable climate and have been shared with permission from the uniting Church in Australia. Click here to read more.