Become a Camas Companion this Earth Day!

Liz Gibson, Eco CCN moderator for the Iona Community shared the following reflection in Iona Abbey, the day after Earth Hour. We share it again here on this Earth Day.   

Humans are an integral part of God’s creation but too often we put ourselves above rather than within the limits of our earthly home. Of course we’ll never be perfect but the Iona Community is able to raise eco awareness with everything we do.

One of our less known but longstanding commitments is Camas, our off grid centre just a few miles up the coast on Mull. Its future hangs in the balance. In a time of climate crisis it’s a resource we are so fortunate to have and I believe it is vital for our Christian witness.

It’s been important since the early days when it was about offering Borstal Boys different opportunities. In later years it continued to cater mainly for young people including many with challenging life experiences.

Older people have been welcomed too and, like the young people, most are deeply moved. It used to be an eco friendly place by default. Over the years it has evolved to meet appropriate standards. So now there is mains water, there are solar panels and a small wind turbine, emergency lighting and composting toilets.

What hasn’t changed is the opportunity to spend time connecting or reconnecting with what really matters, recognising our place in creation, what is sometimes known as God’s big book.

Visiting Iona turned my life upside down, and the life of my immediate family – not straight away but in the long lasting ripples. Later I could say the same for Camas which when I first came to the Abbey I didn’t see as anything more than an interesting off shoot. A regular Iona prayer is that we may find new ways to touch the hearts of all. Often what seem old ways for those of us who have been around for awhile will still be new for the majority.

Worshipping in and living in community around this historic abbey is well balanced by the simplicity of worshipping in and living in community around a historic fishing station set in a sheltered bay a mile from the main road.

Please do become a Camas Companion today and get Camas reopened and thriving.

Image: The Chapel of the Nets at Camas. Where the old fishing nets have been used to create a beautiful place of reflection and sharing for those who stay at Camas. Credit: Iona Community/W.Lloyd

We are committed to raising funds in an open and honest way as per the law by following the Fundraising Code of Practice. We are additionally members of Scottish Fundraising to demonstrate our dedication to practicing ethical fundraising.