Why would a Christian minister work in such unlikely ways? Mr Brentnall explains: “Like many other Christians, I interpret the word ‘neighbour’ to include not just the people who live next door but all of humanity. Not just the ones who are alive now, but the ones in the generations to follow. I also include all living creatures.”
Mr Brentnall cites the various objectionable impacts of the coal mine. He is concerned about the health impacts of toxic dust; the mine’s heavy use of water in a drought-prone agricultural area; the destruction of the last remaining intact Box Gum grassy woodland, habitat for dozens of endangered species; and the destruction of various sacred sites of Gomeroi traditional custodians.
Another key area of concern is the global environment. “I am against the development of any new coal mines because the burning of fossil fuels leads to global warming and sea level rise. Between 60-80 per cent of coal, oil and gas reserves need to stay in the ground if the world is to have a chance of staying under 2 degrees Celsius warming.”
“Underlying all of the above is my Christian faith,” he says. “A narrow interpretation of ‘dominion’ in Genesis 1:28-30 gives a basis for ruthless exploitation of nature, but this needs to be seen ‘through the prism of Jesus’ saving mission’, as Christian ethicist K.C. Abraham puts it.” Violence against creation caused by greed will be redeemed in Christ.
“This is a social justice issue as well as an ecological justice issue. It is a matter of justice for my neighbours – the people of Kiribati and Tuvalu, the farmers and residents of Maules Creek, and all other communities threatened by big, dirty coal, including the other creatures living in the Leard Forest.
“As a Christian minister, a father and grandfather, I have a responsibility to do my bit to ensure that the environment in which my grandchildren and great-grandchildren live is bearable and sustainable.”
