This article was written and submitted by the Cathedral's Climate Action Through Stewarding (CATS) Ministry. 

 

King Charles III has long been an environmental activist, and according to ABC news, he will be known as “the 1st climate king.”  As far back as 1970, Prince Charles was speaking about air, chemical, and oil pollution. He has a deep commitment to environment and sustainability issues and has long urged conservation.

In the British Monarch’s annual Christmas message, King Charles III was consistent to his long-term messaging. He emphasized the importance of serving others and caring for creation. Seven and half million people in the UK watched the king deliver this message, calling upon all of us to serve our communities and protect our planet. He emphasizes that people of faith have a responsibility to protect and sustain this wondrous earth that we have been given. Here are some excerpts from his call to us to be dedicated stewards of our Earth, and, indeed, of all of God’s creation. 


"... service to others is but one way of honouring the whole of creation which, after all, is a
manifestation of the divine. This is a belief shared by all religions because out of God's providence
we are blessed with much, and it is incumbent on us to use this wisely. To care for this creation is a
responsibility owned by people of all faiths, and of none. We care for the Earth for the sake of our
children's children."

“During my lifetime I have been so pleased to see a growing awareness of how we must protect the
Earth and our natural world as the one home which we all share. I find great inspiration now from the
way so many people recognise this – as does the Christmas story, which tells us that angels brought
the message of hope first to shepherds. These were people who lived simply amongst others of
God’s creatures. Those close to nature were privileged that night."


“So, on this Christmas Day, my heart and my thanks go to all who are serving one another; all who
are caring for our common home; and all who see and seek the good of others, not least the friend
we do not yet know. In this way, we bring out the best in ourselves.”

Read the King’s Christmas message in full:
https://www.bbc./news

Sources on the King’s environmentalism:
https://abcnews.1st-climate-king
https://www.nationalgeographic

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