Climate change the focus of EMU talk

“Ankle Deep in Reality Tour: Christ, Compassion and Climate, A Call for JUSTpower,” a speaking tour on the issue of climate change, is coming to Eastern Mennonite University Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 9-10.

Rev. Lusama Tafue, from the island nation of Tuvalu, will speak about the moral imperative of Christians to be active on the issue of climate change 3:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 9, in room 104 of EMU’s Suter Science Center. Admission to the presentation is free.

Rev. Tafue is the chair of the Tuvalu Climate Action Network (TuCAN) and program secretary of the Department of Peace & Justice, Christian Church of Tuvalu.

Accompanying Rev. Tafue are Amber Collett and the executive director of “Restoring Eden,” Peter Illyn. They will also speak in several classes and meet with Earthkeepers environmental club and members of the university’s Creation Care Council during their time on campus.

Restoring Eden is a network of people working to become a grassroots movement within the church. The parachurch ministry is dedicated to encouraging faithful stewardship of the natural world as a biblical, moral, and wise value. Specific efforts focus on nature appreciation, environmental stewardship and public advocacy.

Tuvalu is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean midway between Hawaii and Australia. It is one of those places on earth that is most vulnerable to the affects of global warming. The threat of sea level rise may bring complete disaster to the 10,000 Tuvaluans residing on nine extremely low-lying coral atolls.

“This speaking tour is a way for Rev. Tafue and his colleagues to reach out to fellow Christians, educate them and provide meaningful dialogue about climate change,” said Tara L. Kishbaugh, associate professor of chemistry. “It is particularly important for Christians to be involved in the discussion on how best to care for God’s creation and the world’s poor who will be most directly and severely affected by climate change.”

“Our belief and hope is that this presentation will open hearts and minds and will offer an opportunity for individuals to take further action on the issue,” Dr. Kishbaugh added.

The visit is sponsored by the Shenandoah Anabaptist Science Society (SASS), an organization of faculty, scholars and community members concerned with science and religion and their impact on life and faith.

For more information on the presentation, call 540.432.4400.