The United Methodist Church and Eco-theology, Nyakatsapa Mission Farm in Zimbabwe
摘要
The chapter examines the nexus between eco-theology and the practices of the United Methodist Church (UMC) at Nyakatsapa Mission Farm. The study highlights the importance of integrating religion and environmental conservation. Environmental degradation is one of the challenges which the world is grappling with. Even church owned land is not spared. The Nyakatsapa mission farm in the Mutasa area, owned by the United Methodist church, is not an exception. Squatters and even some local people in the area are causing more harm than good to the environment. There is gross evidence of environmental degradation, deforestation, soil erosion, biodiversity loss, siltation of water bodies and stream bank cultivation. Instead of being good stewards of the environment, humanity is plundering and destroying its surroundings. In the Nyakatsapa mission farm, there is a need to take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. There is also a need to protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reverse degradation and biodiversity loss. The study is qualitative research that utilises in-depth interviews to highlight the potential of eco-theology in fostering environmental stewardship in the Nyakatsapa mission farm in Zimbabwe. The study also utilises eco-theology as a theoretical framework. It assesses the nature of environmental damage and the possible reasons behind this catastrophe. The article concludes by coming up with recommendations on how the church can help to foster environmental conservation and also to restore the lost pride of the church owned mission farm.