17.01.2020
Archbishop of Dublin Appoints Environment and Ecology Adviser
Archbishop Michael Jackson has appointed an environment and ecology adviser to provide him with information on environmental issues and to help shape diocesan initiatives on caring for Creation.
The Revd Brian O’Reilly, has accepted the position which is new to the dioceses. Brian, who is Rector of Rathdrum and Derralossary with Glenealy, has been spearheading a biodiversity project in the Diocese of Glendalough over the last year. He and parishioner and former Birdwatch Ireland chief operations officer, Oran O’Sullivan, have been visiting churchyards in the diocese to assess their suitability for biodiversity projects, such as the provision of bird and bee boxes.
Announcing the appointment, Archbishop Jackson thanked Brian for taking on a role which will assist the dioceses in caring for our planet and responding to the challenges of climate change.
“The environment and climate change were very much to the fore around the globe in 2019 and are destined to remain so in the coming years. As we watch in horror the devastating effects of bushfires in Australia and floods in Indonesia, we as Christians are reminded of our responsibility to care for Creation,” he stated.
“We have seen the power of climate change to bring together both the religious and secular, in particular through the prophetic voices of Gretta Thunberg and Pope Francis. We in Dublin & Glendalough want to continue to raise awareness both within our parishes and in our wider communities. Many parishes throughout Dublin & Glendalough have undertaken initiatives to reduce their impact on Creation and to promote biodiversity. We hope with this new role to build on these and enable more parishes to see what they can do,” he added.
The Revd Brian O’Reilly said he felt privileged to be chosen for the role. “Climate change is one of the defining issues of our era and I look forward to assisting the Archbishop and advising the dioceses on practical steps we can take, both as church communities and individuals, to make a difference in our approach to the environment. I hope to explore ways of equipping and empowering people to make positive changes,” he commented. “This is the last place I expected to be and I very much look forward to learning more and sharing that information to raise awareness of practical, positive and manageable steps we can take.”