It was only a few months ago that an Anglican Church leader in London spent his time blessing iPods, laptops, netbooks, and various other electronics, but now it’s time for sacrifice.  For Lent, a period in which Christians traditionally give up something or another in the name of penance and reflection, the Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, and the Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, are urging what they call a carbon fast.  They believe it will be both good for the environment and good for the soul to give up electronics for Lent.

Really, their reasoning is sound.  Giving up electronics was just one of the things they urged in their carbon fast, along with other sensible advice like flushing less often, wasting less water, and cutting food into thinner slices so it cooks faster and uses less resources to prepare.  Said Bishop Jones of the advised Lent changes, “Instead of giving up chocolate for Lent, why not fast for justice … to help those suffering from the effects of climate change.”

It’s interesting to see church leaders of various stripes embracing the modern world, but here’s the question:  could you actually give up your electronics for a day of Lent-style carbon fasting?  I’m not sure I could do it, but that’s just me.

Tags: Lent, Anglican Church, giving up iPods for Lent, carbon fast, London, Liverpool, England, United Kingdom, Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, church and technology

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