Already a light in its corner of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), UCBC is positioned to set an example of biblical discipleship through caring for the created world. DRC boasts rich and biologically diverse forests, extensive waterways, and vast mineral deposits. However, greed for these natural resources has fueled conflict, and endemic poverty perpetuates practices that degrade ecosystems. Conservation policies that protect people and natural resources are absent or ineffective. In cities such as Beni, where UCBC is located, garbage litters the streets and smoke from trash fires clogs the air. Drivers wash their cars and motorcycles in streams and leak gasoline into the water. Trees fall to charcoal production. Contamination degrades the ecology and puts individual and community health at risk.
It is in this context that UCBC organized Creation Care: Campus Conversations last academic year 2013-2014. Before going out into the community, UCBC needed to articulate its own vision about environmental stewardship. Raising awareness about the biblical mandate to care for the created world and facilitating discussion about UCBC’s responsibilities were the focus of Campus Conversations.
Vision
To sustain an inclusive Creation Care Movement that models Christian environmental stewardship for the transformation of the wider community.
Mission
A Group of UCBC leaders who coordinate Creation Care activities for the UCBC community and work to incorporate Creation Care priorities into wider university goals and development.