Awino Dinah*
Seventh-day Adventists globally embrace environmental stewardship, deeply rooted in their teachings. Born into this faith, I've come to appreciate its principles, especially regarding our responsibility to care for creation. My studies in Eco-theology at Kenyatta University, guided by Dr Wemali, highlighted these values. Creation Sabbath, observed by many Seventh-day Adventist churches annually on the fourth Saturday of October,[1] celebrates God's creation and promotes environmental awareness. Some of the activities undertaken on the Creation Sabbath include special worship services with sermons centered on creation themes, community events like outdoor hikes, and educational programs focused on ecological stewardship.
For example, churches such as the Loma Linda University Church and Siloam Seventh-day Adventist Church have organised community clean-up events and nature walks. Additionally, the Adventist Church in Kenya collaborates with other groups in the observance of Creation Sabbath. For example, Margaret Mckay's class in Australia has led worship services highlighting creation through music and scripture, showcasing the diverse ways congregations engage with this meaningful observance.
Adventist teachings advocate for a simple lifestyle, embracing vegetarianism and sustainability. The teachings on vegetarianism emphasise health and ethical living. Rooted in biblical principles, they advocate a plant-based diet, viewing the body as a temple deserving of the best nourishment. This approach promotes environmental sustainability by reducing reliance on animal agriculture, which is resource-intensive and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions[2]. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), animal agriculture emits various greenhouse gases, including methane and nitrous oxide, which have a much higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide. For instance, livestock farming produces 65% of the world's nitrous oxide emissions, a gas with a global warming impact that is 296 times greater than carbon dioxide.
The widespread adoption of vegetarian meals in church gatherings and health institutions fosters community and healthy eating habits. Studies, including those published in the Journal of the American Medical Association and findings from the Adventist Health Study show that Adventists often enjoy lower rates of chronic diseases, further supporting the benefits of their dietary choices.[3]
The Stewardship of the Environment Declaration issued by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in 1996 emphasises the need for lifestyle reform to combat ecological degradation caused by human greed.[4] Initiatives like the Adventist Development Relief Agency (ADRA) support the #GoGreenWithADRA movement which inspires community action, including tree planting and recycling efforts. ADRA also incorporates Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its operations, focusing on sustainable development and community welfare.
In Ongata Rongai, Adventist churches within the Kajiado region of Kenya lead stewardship programs to promote environmental awareness and conservation practices at home. My mother exemplifies this by practicing conservation farming, aligning with the Seventh-day Adventist church stewardship teachings.
Similarly, at a global scale Seventh-day Adventist churches in Maryland, USA engage in community gardening and sustainability projects, integrating faith with environmental stewardship to promote a healthier planet. By fostering a culture of conservation, both communities can inspire broader ecological responsibility.
Conclusively, Universities such as Loma Linda offer courses in public environmental health, emphasising sustainable practices and environmental awareness.
These demonstrate that there is a lot that can be achieved through meaningful faith-based partnerships.
* Green Transitions consultant, BSc. MSc. environmental studies and community development at Kenyatta University.
[1] North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, 'Join the Creation Sabbath Celebration', NAD News <https://www.nadadventist.org/news/join-creation-sabbath-celebration#:~:text=This%20event%2C%20scheduled%20a nnually%20on,On%20the%20Origin%20of%20Species >13 October 2022.
[2] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 'Environmental and Ethical Aspects of Vegetarianism', FAO Open Knowledge Repository, (2021) <https://openknowledge.fao.org/server/api/core/bitstreams/492bb0b2-8b73-4e49-b188-8176b1d8c711/content. 3 >.
[3] Gary E Fraser, 'Vegetarian diets in the Adventist Health Study 2: a review of initial published findings', The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2014.
[4] General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 'Stewardship of the Environment', Official Statements, 1996 < https://gc.adventist.org/official-statements/stewardship-of-the-environment/>.
