WCC NEWS: During Finland consultation, WCC urges “embrace a theology of creation”

During the International Mission Partnership Consultation in Finland on 28 August, Rev. Dr Kuzipa Nalwamba, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme director for Unity, Mission, and Ecumenical Formation, explored what it means to “embrace a theology of creation.” Rev. Dr Kuzipa Nalwamba, World Council of Churches (WCC) programme director for Unity, Mission, and Ecumenical Formation. Photo: Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland 28 August 2024 She began by stating how the doctrine of creation is foundational to Christian theology. “From the opening chapters of Genesis, the Bible affirms God as the Creator of all things, setting the stage for a relationship between the Creator and creation,” she said. “However, in an era marked by unprecedented environmental, cultural, and technological shifts, our understanding of creation must also evolve.” Her remarks, entitled “Creation in Changing Landscapes,” explored how a theology of creation can accommodate the complexities of the contemporary world. “The doctrine of creation remains a vibrant and vital underpinning for the Christian faith in an ever-changing world,” she said. “The natural world is undergoing profound changes, many of which are unprecedented in human history.” Nalwamba also addressed how this theology can be applied to contemporary cultural landscapes.  “The church’s mission includes calling cultures back to their intended purpose as part of God’s creation, resisting the dehumanizing forces that arise when creation is divorced from its Creator,” she said. “This prophetic role also involves challenging systems of injustice that exploit and harm both people and the environment.” Technological advancements also present new landscapes for theological reflection, Nalwamba added.  “These technologies are reshaping what it means to be human and challenging traditional notions of creation,” she said. “Moreover, the rise of digital culture, with its emphasis on virtual reality and social media, challenges traditional understandings of community and embodiment.” Nalwamba concluded by describing how the doctrine of creation is not just a relic of the past but a living and dynamic aspect of Christian theology.  “The concept of creation must be re-examined and re-articulated in light of the new landscapes we face —whether they be environmental, cultural, technological, or philosophical,” she said. “These new landscapes challenge us to expand our understanding of creation and to engage with contemporary issues in ways that are faithful to the biblical witness while responsive to the realities of our time.” The International Mission Partnership Consultation is an event of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland.  In Finland, WCC general secretary reflects on the church’s mission in challenging times (WCC news release, 27 August 2024) WCC addresses inclusivity at consultation in Finland (WCC news release, 27 August 2024) WCC will share insights at International Mission Partnership Consultation in Finland  (WCC news release, 28 August 2024) Plenary: Creation in Changing Landscapes (youtube.com) International Mission Partnership Consultation 2024 - EVL Plus See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland