On Saturday 28 May, SEI students took part in a two-hour webinar on the environment with their fellow students from Centro de Estudos Anglicanos (CEA), Porto Alegre, Brazil. This was the first joint gathering of students since the companion partnership was formed between the two theological institutes two years ago. Up to now contact has simply taken the form of shared newsletters, photographs and prayers.
Coming together around our common concern for creation, we heard from Iuri Lima from the north of Brazil who spoke passionately about the wisdom and work of indigenous people – especially women and the elderly – in the region of the Amazon rainforest, who seek to protect this area of amazing biodiversity from the multiple depredations inflicted upon it by neo-capitalist greed; and of the martyrdom suffered by those who seek to work with them in their defence of their homelands.
Iuri’s input was followed by that from Prof. Alberto (Beto) Carabajal who spoke searchingly of the link between liberation spirituality and liturgy, the former being prior to the latter; and of the need for political engagement.
The two presentations were a experience of conscientization, opening our eyes to the reality of the situation in Brazil, both humbling us and challenging us to action.
Eilidh Proudfoot then introduced the SEI students’ presentations: Dr Valerie Cameron on the Scottish Episcopal Church’s environmental work through the Provincial Environment Group, Ferdinand von Prondzynski on the Church’s work in liturgy and creation care, and Roberta Ritson on living sustainably. Roberta gave a demonstration of a meal cooked from locally foraged food, underlining the power of small steps on the road to simpler and sustainable living. This caught the imaginations of all present and brought the afternoon /evening to a lovely close ‘around the table’ in prayer and thanksgiving.
SEI thanks Revda Lucia da Ponte, CEA Co-ordinator, for her work in setting up the webinar; Prof. Paulo Ueti and the Revd Canon Dr Stephen Spencer from the TEAC Anglican Communion Office for their support and immense practical help; and Dr Felipe Buttelli, IECLB for the simultaneous translation he offered so magnificently throughout the webinar.
CEA urged SEI to hold a Day of Prayer for the Amazon; this SEI’s Student Chapter rep is already organising. Watch this space!
