Praying for Our Planet
Seven scientists talk about their science, their faith and the climate and ecological emergency
Dr Admos Chimhowu
Global Development Unit, The University of Manchester
Developing policy for sustainable development
7:30pm, Thursday 1st July
Biography (link to his webpage at the University of Manchester)
Having started his working life with a regional Non-Governmental Organisation in Zimbabwe, Admos has spent the last 26 years researching, teaching, and consulting in the field of Development Studies. The last 16 of these have been spent working as an academic at the University of Manchester where he is an Associate Professor and Deputy Associate Dean for PGR. Over the years he has worked with and formed collaborative links with development actors working to eradicate poverty and inequality in the Global South.
As a social scientist and global development specialist the focus of his current work is understanding the ways in which national planning processes help countries to manage forces of economic globalisation and implementation of the UN sustainable development goals. Admos is an ordained local Minister in the Church of England.
Abstract
The World pledged through Sustainable Development Goal numbers 1 and 2 to: Eradicate poverty in all its forms everywhere; and End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture". Admos will talk about how the social sciences can support policy development for a more just world particularly in relation to agriculture and food security. He will reflect on how the biblical concept of sabbath as a structural constraint on selfishness and a long-term vision of wellbeing can help us to construct more sustainable aspirations.
Video
The video time bar is divided into sections to allow you to find particular parts of the recordings - or use the timings in the list below.
| Time | Item | Speaker |
|---|---|---|
| 0:03:52 | Opening Devotions | Rev Sarah Parkin |
| 0:06:05 | Introduction to speaker | Dr Richard Baker |
| 0:07:52 | Main talk | Dr Admos Chimhowu |
| 0:52:39 | Q&A | Dr Admost Chimhowu |
| 1:02:11 | Reflection on prayer | Dr Admos Chimhowu |
| 1:09:32 | Discussion | Dr Admos Chimhowu |
| 1:22:11 | Closing devotions | Dr Richard Baker |
The video time bar is divided into sections to allow you to find particular parts of the recordings - or use the timings in the list below.
Andrew’s Hymn
In response to Admo’ abstract Andrew wrote this hymn
Just imagine death and illness,
overtaking life and health,
poverty of moral action
favouring our human wealth.
Politicians take decisions,
what is their priority:
Love of neighbour? Economics?
What does Christ expect of me?Every person on this planet,
worthy of the dignity,
dignity of healthy living,
heir to our prosperity,
needs the food to answer hunger,
pure, fresh water for her thirst;
but injustice threads through choices
hoards the best, then trades the worst.Conflict, climate, infestation,
ruined crops, polluted streams;
sign the time for human action:
not just words or empty dreams.
Faith and politics together,
people of each race and clime,
we must join in one endeavour:
save this earth while there’s still time!
Andrew Pratt 23/6/2021
Words © 2021 Stainer & Bell Ltd, London, England copyright@stainer.co.uk . Please include any reproduction for local church use on your CCL Licence returns. All wider and any commercial use requires prior application to Stainer & Bell Ltd
Metre: 8.7.8.7 D
Tune: BETHANY (Smart); LUX EOI
More hymns from this series on Andrew’s blog.