The Australian Religious Response to Climate Change is organising a series of multi-faith vigils in Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane this weekend in support of Earth Hour while China's Baoding Catholic diocese is promoting the event as part of Lenten abstinence.
The Earth Hour vigil on March 28 will be held at Observatory Hill, the Rocks, Sydney, an ARRCC statement says.
"Religious people are increasingly concerned and active on climate change, reducing our individual carbon footprints, running practical projects at our places or worship, and calling on our governments to take stronger action," ARRCC president, Thea Ormerod, said.
"From our various perspectives, we acknowledge our moral responsibility to care for the Earth and all its people - especially those who are most vulnerable to the effects of climate change and who typically bear little responsibility for the problem."
"But Earth Hour is not only an expression of responsibility to care for the Earth. It is also a celebration of our diversity and our common humanity, and a sign of hope in our future," said Ms Ormerod. "Everyone is welcome at the vigil, and we also encourage people of faith to observe Earth Hour in their homes and faith communities," she said.
The venue was also chosen to coincide with this year's International Year of Astronomy, the ARRCC says.
"Observance of the heavens has always been a strong theme in religious traditions, as a source of appreciation and inspiration," said Ms Ormerod. "Taking time to reflect on the night sky can help to encourage us in our journey of caring for the Earth."
Multi-faith Earth Hour vigils will also be held in Adelaide, organised by the Ayn Academy, and in Brisbane, organised by the Griffith University Multi-Faith Centre.
Earth Hour Lenten abstinence for Chinese Catholics
Meanwhile, Catholics in Baoding diocese located in northern China's "power valley" are also calling on the faithful to participate as part of their Lenten abstinence. While Catholics are urged to pray, be thrifty and do acts of repentance during Lent, participation in Earth Hour helps them reflect on human stewardship of nature, said Father Wang Yongsheng.
The priest, who is chairperson of the pastoral committee of Baoding diocese in northern China, added, "Joining this lights off action shows we cherish the natural resources God has given us."
His committee sent a circular to all parishes on March 16, encouraging Catholics to turn off lights and electrical appliances at that hour. The committee also advised all parishes to conduct prayer gatherings for the earth at that time. On his part, Father Wang said he would pray and meditate in front of the Blessed Sacrament then.
The circular reminds Catholics that God created the earth for humankind, who therefore should love nature, prevent environmental damage, and help maintain the ecological balance.
Thus, Christians, should "fully support Earth Hour," it adds.
SOURCE
Multi-Faith Climate Network "Switches On" to Earth Hour (ARCC Media Release)
Baoding Church to take part in 'Earth Hour' as Lenten observance (UCAN)
LINKS
Australian Religious Response to Climate Change
Earth Hour