New ecological church liturgy produced for Halloween
-31/10/05
An ecological liturgy for use at Hallowe’en and All Saints will be used for the first time today.
The new liturgy, which is developed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) suggests that toxics represent the new dark forces of Hallowe’en: the ghouls and demons traditionally believed to be let loose on earth at the end of the old pagan year.
The liturgy recognises these forces, but also recognises the Community of Saints – defined as all whose human beings who, through time, have stepped in to protect the earth.
The liturgy states; “October 31st was the last night of the old pagan European year. It was believed that on that night, all the forces of evil walked the earth seeking to destroy and corrupt. The Church took this ancient fear and faced it head on.”
“It made that fearful night the eve of its celebration of the continuity of life. A Celebration of the Communion of all those Saints who have guided and loved all life down through the ages and who still exist in communion with us today as we will exist in communion with those to come. An unbroken chain, which neither fear nor evil could break. From the fears of Halloweíen, the Church calls all to celebrate the triumph of life.”
“In the past, our fears found expression through demons and devils, witches and ghosts. They represented the reality that the balance and harmony of life is threatened. Today, we have new forces. Forces which are of our own making. For we have unleashed new powers upon Godís world. Powers that are eroding Creationís balance and poisoning the very fabric of life. Most of these forces were originally designed to make life better. But we have allowed them to go beyond our control.”
There is also a shorter version designed for use throughout the season.
Until now, European rules mean that chemicals registered before 1981 do not have to be assessed for safety or toxicity. These constitute some 90 percent of the chemicals on sale in Europe today. It is likely that some chemicals are extremely toxic, causing cancer, abnormalities of the endocrine system, and damage to wildlife and plants. Without any legally enforced testing, we cannot be sure which ones these are.
The proposed legislation has met strong opposition from sections of the chemical industry, who have suggested that it will result in high prices and job losses. And that they are capable of self-monitoring. However, in the long term, WWF and other environmental lobbyists have suggested that its introduction will bring in considerable savings, in healthcare, and in a healthier natural environment.
The new liturgy comes before the European Parliament debate a critical piece of legislation to combat toxins in November.
Titled “REACH”, the bill concerns itself with the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of chemicals.
WWF and ARC have combined forces with churches in Europe to campaign for the acceptance of REACH through the liturgy for All Saints and Hallowe’en.
The ecological liturgy can be read here
New ecological church liturgy produced for Halloween
-31/10/05
An ecological liturgy for use at Hallowe’en and All Saints will be used for the first time today.
The new liturgy, which is developed by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Alliance of Religions and Conservation (ARC) suggests that toxics represent the new dark forces of Hallowe’en: the ghouls and demons traditionally believed to be let loose on earth at the end of the old pagan year.
The liturgy recognises these forces, but also recognises the Community of Saints – defined as all whose human beings who, through time, have stepped in to protect the earth.
The liturgy states; “October 31st was the last night of the old pagan European year. It was believed that on that night, all the forces of evil walked the earth seeking to destroy and corrupt. The Church took this ancient fear and faced it head on.”
“It made that fearful night the eve of its celebration of the continuity of life. A Celebration of the Communion of all those Saints who have guided and loved all life down through the ages and who still exist in communion with us today as we will exist in communion with those to come. An unbroken chain, which neither fear nor evil could break. From the fears of Hallowe’en, the Church calls all to celebrate the triumph of life.”
“In the past, our fears found expression through demons and devils, witches and ghosts. They represented the reality that the balance and harmony of life is threatened. Today, we have new forces. Forces which are of our own making. For we have unleashed new powers upon God’s world. Powers that are eroding Creation’s balance and poisoning the very fabric of life. Most of these forces were originally designed to make life better. But we have allowed them to go beyond our control.”
There is also a shorter version designed for use throughout the season.
Until now, European rules mean that chemicals registered before 1981 do not have to be assessed for safety or toxicity. These constitute some 90 percent of the chemicals on sale in Europe today. It is likely that some chemicals are extremely toxic, causing cancer, abnormalities of the endocrine system, and damage to wildlife and plants. Without any legally enforced testing, we cannot be sure which ones these are.
The proposed legislation has met strong opposition from sections of the chemical industry, who have suggested that it will result in high prices and job losses. And that they are capable of self-monitoring. However, in the long term, WWF and other environmental lobbyists have suggested that its introduction will bring in considerable savings, in healthcare, and in a healthier natural environment.
The new liturgy comes before the European Parliament debate a critical piece of legislation to combat toxins in November.
Titled “REACH”, the bill concerns itself with the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of chemicals.
WWF and ARC have combined forces with churches in Europe to campaign for the acceptance of REACH through the liturgy for All Saints and Hallowe’en.