This week sees the start of something new for me – I’m stepping into the Management Team of A Rocha UK (ARUK) and officially becoming a Director. I’m still only part-time with them (two days a week), leaving me free to continue the other things that I do, but as of now I’m stepping up to the plate and taking on some responsibility for the organisation as a whole.
There is one main reason why I decided to say yes when asked to do this: A Rocha is unique. To put it quite simply, there is no other organisation in the world that does what it does.
Originating in Portugal 30 years ago (A Rocha is Portugese for ‘The Rock’), A Rocha works for the protection and restoration of the natural world and is now in 19 countries around the globe, from Brazil to the Czech Republic, Uganda to Canada, New Zealand to Ghana. Take a look at its international work here.
What makes A Rocha unique is its combination of practical conservation work with its Christian basis: it stands on the firm belief that there is a biblical mandate to care for this world, and that doing so demonstrates hope and love.
And it believes that agreeing with that last sentence isn’t enough – we actually have to do something about it!
And so A Rocha UK seeks to do this through practical involvement in nature conservation projects and ecological research, by campaigning on biodiversity issues, and by engaging with churches, schools, communities and individuals – educating, equipping and inspiring them to delight responsibly in, and to participate in caring for, the earth and its resources. Do take a look at what A Rocha UK does here (and please consider supporting its work – it can only do what it does because of the support of individuals).
We’ve got some exciting developments beginning this year, with a new urban project (this is what Wolffields looks like at the moment…) and a new national species recording programme starting up. My role within it all is to develop the theological thinking that underpins what we do; equip and coordinate the small team of speakers that lets others know about ARUK’s work, and find ways to help people live out a love for this world in the everyday way that they live their lives.
That should keep me busy!
19 Comments
Brilliant news, Ruth, you will be superb in this post.
You’ll be in my thoughts and prayers in the next few weeks.
Liza x
Thanks Liza, love to you too x
Congratulations Ruth – looks like a great organisation!
Thanks Mike, it is!
Congratulations! That’s great news,
Karen
Thanks 🙂
Hi Ruth,
Grace and peace! As your new task gets under way, we have a simple (?theological?) question – does A Rocha have a position on receiving funding from the lottery? Our fund-raiser (i.e. for SDS) feels there might be a possibility of getting funds from the Freemasons and from the lottery. We are unanimously opposed to seeking funding from the Freemasons, but have varying opinions and are discussing whether we want to seek funding from the lottery – and wanted to ask A Rocha if they have faced this question, and come up with a response. (Answers on a postcard!!)
Blessings and full shalom in Christ, Alan
Alan & Jean Chilver
‘Albarka’
26 Manor Road
Upper Beeding
STEYNING
BN44 3TJ
Tel: +44(0)1903 369909
GSM: +44(0)7743 972 762 (Alan)
+44(0)7743 971 747 (Jean)
e: alan.chilver@talktalk.net
jechilver@talktalk.net
I”ll email you…
Congratulations Ruth, such a strategic role, blessings Karen
Thanks Karen, hope you’re well x
Hi Ruth
It’s great to hear this news. I know you’ve been involved already, but I hope the transition to this new role goes really well.
Thanks Antony, I appreciate that.
I finished my Masters in Managing Sustainable Rural Development last year and one of the topics I covered for a Human Ecology question was the damaging meme that Christian organisations were anti-enviromentalists. It was saddening to see so much anti-environmentalism within Christian circles and trying to tease out some of the reasons for the antagonism. I was encouraged along the way though by some outspoken people who both loved Jesus and cared for their environment, Tri Robison being one of them, a Vineyard pastor from Idaho. I concentrated on American Evangelical voices, but only because they are often the loudest in this area, but I still here the echoes in other circles too, closer to home. It does encourage me to hear of such work as yours to reclaim the lands and make them better places to live, so God bless your endeavours
Hi Joanna, thanks for being in touch here. It sounds an interesting topic that you were looking at. For sure, Christians have not historically been good at responding to these issues, but it is encouraging to see change, and even in North America some of the ‘big’ leaders are changing their views. All the best to you.
It was fun responding to my atheist tutor’s scepticism with reasoned argument and some good examples. Glad to hear their are more changes going on
Blessings in your new position!
Thanks so much!
Dear Ruth
Sounds great – congratulations.
Helle, Denmark
Thanks!