First South Belfast Churches’ Annual Lecture: “Creative fidelity for our Common Home”

The inaugural annual inter-church lecture in South Belfast took place on 4th October, the last day of “Season of Creation”.

The speaker was Rev. Dr. Allen Sleith, Minister of Hillsborough Presbyterian Church, Stewardship of Creation Agent for the Presbyterian Church & Presbyterian Rep on Eco-Congregation Ireland. The topic was “Creative fidelity for our Common Home”. Allen brought together rich theological insights and practical reflections on our role as stewards of creation. He explained the concept of creative fidelity—a commitment to living in harmony with God’s creation, mirroring God’s own faithfulness as both Creator and Redeemer. As highlighted, God created the world not only to exist but to be cherished and redeemed.

Fr Eddie O’Donnell & Rev. Allen Sleith

Drawing from Genesis, Psalm 104 and other biblical texts, the conversation explored how God entrusted humanity with the sacred task of caring for creation (shamar), a stewardship that requires skilled mastery, respect, and love. The Genesis creation narrative emphasizes God’s declaration that creation is good, and Psalm 90:1 reminds us that the earth has always been our dwelling place, entrusted to humans to care for with humility.

Allen noted that while the New Testament speaks less about creation, it nonetheless portrays Jesus as living in close connection to the earth with a lifestyle which could be described as “frugal festivity”. He lived with simplicity, celebrated abundance without waste (as seen in the miracle at Cana), and taught us that overreach—like the greed of Adam and Eve—leads to destruction. Jesus’ incarnation itself is a model of humility, reminding us to reject excess and tend to the earth with care.
The discussion also touched on key linguistic roots like “oikos,” which links ecumenism, economy and ecology. We were reminded that true economy is about sustainable use of resources, not the reckless extraction and consumption we see in the world today.
Allen then addressed the three major revolutions in human history—agrarian, industrial, and information—and their impacts on creation. The call was clear: we need a fourth revolution, an ecological one, where we resist the temptation to exploit the last remnants of fossil fuels and instead embrace stewardship rooted in faith and responsibility.
Quoting theologians like Ellen Davis and eco-theologian Larry Rasmussen, Allen acknowledged that we stand on the cusp of preserving or destroying the earth. In the words of Martin Luther, who when asked what he would do it he came to know that the world would end tomorrow, said, I would plant an apple tree today.” This statement speaks to the power of small, faithful actions that reflect trust in God’s plan.
Finally, participants were encouraged to read Scripture afresh, engage with thinkers like Rasmussen and stay informed about the challenges facing our planet. In doing so, we mirror God’s faithfulness by making everyday choices that contribute to the flourishing of all life. As we await God’s judgment, what will matter is that we have done the right thing, no matter how small or humble the effort.

Participants from South Belfast Churches at the inaugural lecture on 4th October, conclusion of Season of Creation

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