The Baltic Sea is one of the most polluted seas in the world. It suffers from eutrophication and hazardous pollutants have been emitted and are still being emitted into the sea, causing severe ecological problems. Many pollutants accumulates in sediments and in the top of the nutrient chains and although the emissions decrease, the hazardous substances remain in the system for a long time. The accumulation of harmful substances in species at the top of the food chain affects not only the biota but has also a longterm negative effect on human beings, who consume these species. Hazardous or negative impact on the environment is continuously being created in the Baltic Sea Region. The growing use of cars and air and road transportation, inefficient use of energy, industries lacking cleaning technique and unsustainable agricultural policies result in eutrophying and hazardous compounds and pesticides. All these activities contribute to regional environmental degradation. Moreover it contributes to global environmental problems such as climate change.
The social and economic situation for many people living in the Baltic Sea region is strained and difficult. The large gap in wealth and richness between individuals as well as between countries in the region constitute a potential risk for future violence and conflict in our region. Although political solutions can be found to some of these issues, more dramatic changes are warranted. We believe that only a real metanoia, a paradigm shift in our lifestyle and attitudes will allow the Baltic Sea area to develop and become a sustainable region.
We live in a time when the common values of the society are questioned and where many people feel rootless and have lost their hope for a better future. The ecological and social problems highlight the deep ethical and spiritual crisis that our society faces. The development in our region poses a great challenge to the churches. Our task is to demonstrate the love and mercy of Christ through word and practise. Our task is to take seriously our stewardship in the creation of God.
According to scripture we are called to be stewards of Gods Creation. The churches must give a credible witness in their own daily life. The churches must be a credible witness through choices and behaviour in daily life. The churches ought to set examples by practising a sustainable lifestyle which reflects the wholeness and holiness of life. In addition the churches must proclaim a message of hope. Insight into the ecological crisis might lead to paralysing frustration and a lack of hope in the future. The churches belief in the Kingdom of God, God´s grace through Jesus Christ and the renewing capacity of the Spirit can be a source of joy, inspiration and encouragement.
The ecological and social problems are without boundaries and need to be dealt with through cooperation. If the churches in the Baltic Sea region through word and practice works together for a sustainable development in the region, it will become an important witness for hope and reconciliation.
The network should be an independent network, recognised, encouraged and supported by the Christian churches in the region but not a formal organisation that can speak for the churches in the region. Each member of the network should be independent and no member should be able to speak on behalf of the network. The network should not elect a board but need to be coordinated by an enabling group, representing different countries and confessions. In addition, the network should seek cooperation and share information with other NGOs in the region, however the church network should be independent from these.
The network should organise annual conferences in different parts of the Baltic Sea region. The purpose of these meetings should be information sharing, capacity building in issues of ecology and to create a deeper knowledge and understanding of each other. A system for internet communication should be developed, including a home page. However, since not all members have access to these means, information must also be available in written form.
The environmental network for churches in the Baltic sea region should develop close connections to the ecumenical environmental network in the “Barents Sea Region“ and look upon itself as a part of the Environmental Network of European Churches.
Karin Lexén, Programme Officer Ecology
Christian Council of Sweden, Box 1674 11187 Stockholm
E-mail k.lexen@ekuc.se
Phone +46-8-453 68 23
Fax +46-8-453 68 29
Preliminary plans for the project "Human security in the Baltic Sea Region" (1995)
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european christian environmental network
Peter Pavlovic | Conference of European Churches Ecumenical Centre | Rue Joseph II 174 BE-1000 Brussels | Belgium tel : 00 32 2 230 1732 | fax : 00 32 2 231 1413 email : ecen@cec-kek.be | web: www.ecen.org |
