Press Releases31 Dec 04

'We need to take stock of nature' - Bishop Jackson

'WE NEED TO TAKE STOCK OF NATURE' ? BISHOP JACKSON

In 2005 the world needs to think differently and to take stock of nature following the tsunami quake disaster in the Indian Ocean.

Speaking tonight in St Macartan?s Cathedral, Clogher, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Jackson, Bishop of Clogher, said: ?Biblical pictures of Noah and the Flood come to mind. But to our discredit as God?s children many of us have long ago moved such stories from being Bible stories to bed-time stories. Maybe it is time for us to take stock of nature itself because far too much of our religious thinking has to do with human nature alone. We are obsessed by sin, we are over-run with arguments about individual and personal salvation, we are dragged down by the current of self-righteousness and sectarianism.?

Bishop Jackson said that what we have learned from the Asian disaster is that ?nature just happens?. He added: ?We have harnessed so much of physical force to our great advantage but ultimately we cannot prevent the movement of nature. It is not of itself destructive. It simply does what it does and destruction ensues. The devastation which it caused in terms of loss of human life most of all, livelihood and housing throughout the coastlands of the Indian Ocean remain incalculable.?

In remembering the thousands of people caught up in the quake Bishop Jackson called for a practical and generous response by supporting the Church of Ireland Bishops? Appeal which is now channelling funds to relief agencies in the disaster areas.

?In 2005 let us resolve to see in the face of our international neighbour the face of Jesus Christ and to respond in goodness and generosity,? he said.

Donations may be sent to the Church of Ireland Bishops? Appeal at either Church House, Donegall Street, Belfast 1 or Church of Ireland House, Church Avenue, Rathmines, Dublin 6.

Cheques should be made payable to ?Church of Ireland Bishops? Appeal?.