Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany joins ecumenical Lent campaign
(LWI) - Ash Wednesday, which fell on 14 February this year, marked the beginning of Lent. During the seven weeks before Easter, Christians recall the story of Jesus’ suffering and crucifixion. Many believers fast during Lent and set aside time for reflection, prayer, and working for justice.
In Germany, the Leading Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Northern Germany, Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt, has called for a focus on climate justice during Lent. “Fasting for climate justice should focus on what we really need and don’t need, how we can be more economical and mindful in our use of resources.”
Kühnbaum-Schmidt, who is also The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Vice-President for Central and Western Europe, invited members of her church to participate in the “Fast for the Climate” campaign.
“As part of God’s creation, living with and among other creatures on this earth with a special responsibility, we must be concerned: The climate is changing at a breathtaking pace. We see rain instead of snow in winter, periods of drought in southern Europe – even in spring. When the climate changes so significantly, God’s creation is threatened,” said Kühnbaum-Schmidt in her appeal.
Fasting campaign for climate protection and climate justice
The climate fast is a church initiative of 24 Protestant and Catholic partners in Germany. Under the theme “As much as you need”, each of the seven weeks focuses on a different topic.
They touch on issues ranging from aspects contributing to a sustainable lifestyle, how individual mobility influences the climate, or how finances and investments impact climate justice.
Other weeks focus on community engagement for climate justice, for example, by encouraging congregations and church institutions to act climate-friendly and leading by example at the local level.
Finding the balance
“The motto of the first week is finding the right measure, and that’s what we need to talk about,” said Kühnbaum-Schmidt. “Finding the right balance, consuming what we really need, and simply letting go of some things.”
At the Thirteenth Assembly of the LWF, delegates adopted a resolution calling on member churches to step up their efforts for a climate-friendly world.
