Saturday, September 23, 2006

Respect the Earth

Our lives are a miracle. Our planet home is the only place in the universe known to support life. The Earth is just the right distance and position from the sun to allow for the laws of gravity. The atmosphere is just the right proportion of gases to sustain life. Not only does oxygen animate all living beings, the atmosphere acts as a protective shield from the rays of the sun. The Earth is also at just the right tilt to allow for the change of seasons which in turn provides for the regulation of temperature and plant cycles.
The polar ice caps have an essential role to play in maintaining the atmosphere and regulating the climate. The cycle of water and the ocean currents are intricate systems that keep the globe habitable.

This delicate balance is being threatened. Our climate is changing due primarily to the burning of fossil fuels. The release of increasing levels of carbon dioxide is having a negative impact on the systems that have kept our planet habitable for billions of years. The evidence is indisputable. Temperatures are rising. Storms are becoming more severe. Glaciers are melting. These trends if they continue will have devastating effects that will be difficult to reverse.

Our lives are at stake. In order for our own survival and that of future generations, we must not take the Earth for granted. In reverence for the beauty of the earth and the sacredness of all living beings, human beings must resolve to work together to change the way we live.

At the 2006 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association, delegates approved a Statement of Conscience on Global Warming and Climate Change. The following is a preamble to that statement: “Earth is our home. We are part of this world and its destiny is our own. Life on this planet will be gravely affected unless we embrace new practices, ethics, and values to guide our lives on a warming planet.”

This statement has inspired the Social Justice Committee of Channing Church to explore climate change in depth. As people of conscience, we want to educate ourselves about the science. We want to understand how public policy has shaped this issue. We want to take action that will reduce our use of energy and encourage corporate social responsibility. Most importantly, we want to find ways to join with people beyond our congregation to form partnerships and make a difference together.

In the first week of October, Channing Church is joining with 350 congregations nationwide in showing “An Inconvenient Truth”, a powerful film exploring “The planetary emergency of global warming and what we can do about it”. This event is sponsored by Interfaith Power and Light who is committed to promoting study, discussion, and action in response to climate change. This will be a first step in examining this issue closely, sharing resources, and taking action.

The change of season from Summer to Autumn is an ideal time to give thanks for the wonder of this planet. Truly it is a miracle that the Earth is just the right distance from the sun, the ocean waters caress our shores, the breeze carries air that animates our bodies, the soil supports the growth of plants, and organic nutrients sustain us. In response, we must commit to respect the cycles of nature. Together we must take action to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide. This will require changes in the way we live our lives but the health of the planet and future generations depends upon it.

Rev. Amy Bowden Freedman is the minister of Channing Memorial Church, Unitarian Universalist in Newport, RI

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