This article introduces a short environmental survey created to help South Australian Anglican parishesassess and strengthen their care for God’s creation. It also highlights the biblical basis for creation care and how your parish can take part.
Care for creation is a primary value in Scripture. In John 1:1–5, Christ is described as present at thebeginning of creation. In Romans 8:19, Paul writes that creation “waits with eager longing” for its restoration. This deep connection between Christ and the created world invites the Church to reflect on its responsibility to care for the earth.
The early church was described as an ecclesia, a dynamic space for faith, community, and sharedpurpose. Paul adopted and adapted the term ecclesia from Hellenistic culture as a way of capturing the open and dynamic nature of the Christian faith community (e.g., Galatians). Inspired by this, the ClimateAction Task Group encourages every parish to see itself as a green space actively involved in environmental awareness and action.
The Environmental Survey was adapted for South Australia by the Anglican Creation Care Network (ACCN). It’s based on a tool developed by Eco Church: an A Rocha UK Project, part of a global Christian conservation organisation.
The survey explores how Anglicans in South Australia are integrating creation care into parish life. Ittakes about 7–10 minutes to complete. The survey covers four main themes:
The survey consists mostly of multiple-choice questions and can be completed individually or as a group. Doing it together is encouraged, as it sparks discussion and helps raise awareness of what’s already being done and what more can be done.
Some parishes may already be well along the path, while others may be starting out. Either way, there’s always more we can do, especially if we work together and share ideas.
The Anglican Creation Care Network (ACCN) is based in the Diocese of Adelaide and includes members from across South Australia.
We welcome new members who want to be part of strengthening our parishes’ response to creation care. For new ACCN membership queries, please email lachlangraham@bigpond.com.
