Press Releases
‘Caring for Creation’ – BACI launches 2020 Lenten Study
The Biblical Association for the Church of Ireland (BACI) launched their 2020 Lenten Bible Study yesterday (Tuesday January 21). The study, entitled ‘Caring for the Garden of the Earth’, has been written by scripture scholar Margaret Daly–Denton. It was launched by the Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Revd Dr Michael Jackson, in Church House, Dublin.
Dr Daly–Denton has written a book (‘John: An Earth Bible Commentary’) which focuses on the Gospel of St John and its connection to Creation. Launching the study, Archbishop Jackson said that she had drawn on her expertise to highlight the relationship between theology and the Fifth Mark of Mission of the Anglican Communion which centres on care for Creation. The series also makes the connection between Gethsemane and Paradise, he added.
Referring to a line in Amos 8:5 [‘When will the Sabbath be ended that we may market wheat?], Archbishop Jackson said that this quote went to the heart of consumerism and the impatience of the free market economy as well as the monetisation of the earth’s resources.
“People who use this resource will be greatly enriched by it,” he stated. “One of the delightful things that Margaret does is to turn scripture into prayers and we can all try this approach too. A lot of work has gone into these studies and it is demanding but those who engage with them will get a lot out of them.”
BACI chairman, the Revd Dr William Olhausen, said that the study exposed the layers of Jewish and Christian wisdom which Dr Daly–Denton draws on to broaden out the readers’ understanding of who Jesus was. He added that while the series picks up the Fifth Mark of Mission it also draws readers back to the first – to proclaim the good news of the Kingdom.
He thanked the editor of the Bible studies, Canon Dr Ginnie Kennerley, for her excellent work on presenting the series in a way which is accessible to parishes.
‘Caring for the Garden of the Earth’ is divided into five sections: What must we do to perform the works of God?; Supposing Him to be the gardener; ‘My Father is still working and I am also working’; God, the Lover of Life; and Jesus feeds five thousand people.
The Bible Studies can be purchased at €3.00 or £2.50 (plus postage) from BACI treasurer Barbara Bergin at berginba@gmail.com. The Bible Studies will also be available for download from the BACI website bibliahibernica.wordpress.com.
BACI exists to serve as a ‘bridge’ between clerical and lay, academic and faith–based approaches to the Bible within the Church of Ireland and in conversation with ecumenical partners. The Honorary Patrons of BACI are the Archbishop of Armagh and the Archbishop of Dublin.
Report and photography by Lynn Glanville, Dublin & Glendalough Communications Officer
BACI exists to serve as a ‘bridge’ between clerical and lay, academic
and faith–based approaches to the Bible within the Church of Ireland
and in conversation with ecumenical partners. The Honorary Patrons of BACI are their Graces, the Archbishop of
Armagh and the Archbishop of Dublin.
Biblical Association for the Church of Ireland
bibliahibernica.wordpress.com