By The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas In the Daily Hampshire Gazette Published: 5/29/2019 10:18:50 AM What is an emergency? Merriam-Webster defines emergency as “an unforeseen combination of circumstances or the resulting state that calls for immediate action.” Does climate change count as an emergency? Not if an emergency must be “unforeseen,” because when it comes to climate change, scientists have been sounding the alarm for decades, saying that burning massive quantities of fossil fuels could lead to catastrophe. Of course, the fossil fuel industry (#ExxonKnew) has spent millions of dollars trying to make the climate emergency as “unforeseen” as possible, for as long as possible, to as many people as possible. But the clock has run out. The time of reckoning is at hand. Foreseen or unforeseen, the climate crisis is upon us and it calls for immediate action. In early May, the same week that the U.K. and Ireland became the first two countries to declare a climate emergency, the Anglican Communion became, as far as I know, the first global religious body to recognize a climate emergency. At our annual gathering in Washington, D.C., the National Religious Coalition on Creation Care (NRCCC) released a statement titled, “Religious Declaration of Unprecedented Human Emergency.” The statement clarifies two essential facts: Humanity has an extremely short window of time in which to avert irreversible climate chaos, and religions around the world consider protecting God’s creation a moral and spiritual imperative. The stakes are high. As we wrote in the opening lines of the Religious Declaration, climate change is unlike any other challenge that confronts humanity, because it is largely irreversible for a thousand years after emissions stop, and its effects will be felt for thousands of years after that. “Human-induced climate change is underway now, and its impacts are greater and more extensive than scientific models predicted,” the statement says. “We will significantly alter the future of civilization as we know it and may eventually cause its collapse if we continue down this path.” The declaration calls for bold, concerted action: “Decades of delay on climate action have made small corrective measures and incremental approaches useless. Those who are invested in maintaining the status quo, or who put forth proposals that are clearly incompatible with what climate science demands, are condemning innocent young people — including their own children and generations to come — to a future of unimaginable suffering: the mass death of human populations and the extinction of species.” The declaration interprets the climate crisis within a moral framework: “Further delay in addressing climate change is a radical evil that as people of faith we vigorously oppose.” Regarding that assertion, one of the principal writers of the document, Dr. Richard W. Miller, professor of philosophical theology and sustainability studies at Creighton University, added later: “The manufacturing of doubt and the sowing of confusion about climate change by fossil-fuel-industry-funded think tanks, the deceptive climate-change reporting by ideologically-driven media outlets, the investing in fossil fuel infrastructure by banks and high-profile investors, the expansion of pipelines, oil, and gas wells are all radically evil actions that continue to this day. He went on, “The institutions that engage in these actions are enemies of humanity and the web of life. We will oppose these institutions from our churches and synagogues, from our pulpits and lecterns, and from our social halls and gathering spaces. We will fill the halls of power like the young people in the Sunrise Movement in their push for a Green New Deal; we will join school-age children in the streets striking for climate action; and we will rebel with the young people in the Extinction Rebellion in the race to head off the destabilizing of the climate system within which civilization developed.” Are there risks in declaring climate change an “emergency?” I will name two. One risk is that we could waste the moment, and propose solutions that are weak and ineffective. We could squander “climate emergency” on half-hearted measures, delayed action, and supposedly “pragmatic” policies that don’t address the crisis at the scale and pace required to protect human civilization and avert ecological collapse. A second risk in declaring a climate emergency is that political and corporate powers could seize the opportunity to consolidate control and shut out communities that are already vulnerable and marginalized. An autocratic leader could use a national emergency of any kind to threaten democracy and invite tyranny. Religious Declaration of Unprecedented Human Emergency falls into neither trap. It presents a menu of effective solutions. And it underscores the need to address the climate crisis and social injustice at the same time. As Pope Francis stated in his encyclical, “Laudato Si”, we must respond to both the cry of the Earth and the cry of the poor. That is why Religious Declaration supports “the bold direction of the Green New Deal, or other similar science-based proposals, as an opportunity for this country to commit to stabilizing the climate while creating ‘unprecedented levels of prosperity and economic security for all people of the United States.’ This specifically includes low-income communities, communities of color, and those that have historically been marginalized or underserved. The Green New Deal is the first resolution that addresses the climate crisis with the urgency, focus, and comprehensiveness that the situation requires. Our nation mobilized every part of society during World War II and the Great Depression. Like the Greatest Generation, we must rise to the occasion and commit to doing what science says it takes to avoid irreversible catastrophic climate chaos and make a rapid and just transition to a clean energy economy.” The declaration has been signed by Bishop Doug Fisher of our own Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts, and by religious leaders across the country, including heads of denominations, bishops, clergy, and leaders of interfaith environmental organizations. The declaration amplifies statements about climate change that major denominations have already issued. Religious groups across the United States, including the National Council of Churches, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, Central Conference of American Rabbis, National Association of Evangelicals, and the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops, have all called upon policymakers and elected officials to take strong action to address global climate change. As one of the principal writers of the declaration, I hope that it will build momentum and moral courage in our collective efforts to avert climate catastrophe. God sent us into the world to bless and heal, not to ravage and destroy. People of faith affirm that the natural world is a gift of the creator and entrusted to us to cherish and protect. We recognize that humanity is hurtling willy-nilly down a suicidal path that risks bringing down not only our own civilization but also the biosphere as it has evolved for millennia. As people of faith, we stand with the spirit of life, who calls us to build a more just society in which all God’s creatures — humanity included — can thrive. The Rev. Dr. Margaret Bullitt-Jonas of Northampton is Missioner for Creation Care in the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts and Massachusetts Conference, United Church of Christ. This column is based on a blog post on her website, RevivingCreation.org. “Religious Declaration of Unprecedented Human Emergency” can be read and downloaded at the NRCCC website. https://www.gazettenet.com/Guest-column-Margaret-Bullitt-Jonas-25707909?fbclid=IwAR38_omq8DdRtJ5NHU0z1Op29NaMeLxX3FpUnJTomi7MWT9M-3EGegeaAro The extinction of whales, birds, and other creatures that once praised God God called all of them good. Humans are rapidly destroying them. May 20, 2019 - Christian Century, Jun 5, 2019 issue A whale that washed up on a beach in the Philippines recently was found to have 88 pounds of plastic in its stomach. That event encapsulates a planetary crisis: the earth’s magnificent creatures—including the very Leviathan that God enjoys watching “sport” in the sea (Ps. 104:28)—are being destroyed by human recklessness. This destruction is happening faster than scientists had previously imagined. A panel of international experts reported in May that up to 1 million of the world’s species are in danger of becoming extinct in the next half century—some within the next two decades. That amounts to one in every eight animal or plant species on the earth. Although species extinction is always happening because of natural changes in habitat, what’s new, according to experts from 50 countries (who belong to the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services), is the rate of extinction—it’s tens to hundreds of times faster than normal. As wetlands are drained, forests are cleared, water is polluted, and oceans are overfished, animal and plant habitats shrink. Climate change puts additional stress on species, making it even harder for plants and animals to adapt. Biodiversity is in rapid decline. The loss of entire species of insects, amphibians, fish, birds, and wildlife and the habitats they depend on will inevitably make human life more precarious. For example, a less biodiverse world with fewer species of crops will mean crops are less resilient. It will be harder to feed the human population. “Protecting the invaluable contributions of nature to people will be the defining challenge for decades to come,” said British scientist Robert Watson, chair of the international panel. Watson and colleagues appeal to people’s enlightened self-interest to motivate a response to the crisis. They want people to recognize the invaluable contribution that the diversity of creation makes to human life. But this instrumental view of nature is itself at the heart of the crisis. It stands in contrast with the vision of creation found in the Bible, where the diversity of plants and animals is not simply useful for humans; it is good in itself, a feature of creation that commands respect and wonder. The divine response to the unfolding of species, as recorded in Genesis 1, is affirmation: “And God saw that it was good.” According to the psalm writers, the proper response to the diversity of creation is praise: “O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom you have made them all” (Ps. 104:24). Psalm 148 imagines the creatures themselves praising God, each in their own way, through their mode of existence: “Sea monsters . . . wild animals and all cattle, creeping things and flying birds! . . . Let them praise the Lord.” Humanity’s assault on the diversity of species is more than self-destructive. It is a denial of creation’s intrinsic worth and of humanity’s fundamental vocation of wonder and praise. A version of this article appears in the print edition under the title “Biodiverse praise.” Mother Susan's Book Recommendation 40 Days with the Holy Spirit by Jack Levison As we move into Lent the first week of March – you’ll have just enough time to order one of these books and be ready to start this (new?) habit of reading a daily devotional during Lent! You are going to love this spiritual practice of daily reading/praying, and this book guides you into that flow. Rather than a theological book, this one invites us into discovery and personal encounter with the Holy Spirit by an author (professor) I trust. Each of the 7 weeks of Lent has a theme: Breathing, Praying, Practicing, Learning, Leading, Building and Blossoming. And each day (within each week) has a format of: scripture, meditation, reflection and prayer. Join me in this invitation to be transformed by Jesus’ Spirit who lives within us and all around. If this is not the book for you – choose another - or use the Living Compass (theme: Forgiveness) which we are offering at no charge at the church. Lent is the time of “honeymoon with God;” to look at our lives and “think again.” Let’s be ready for Easter and the promise of new life… Father Nick's Book Recommendation “Why is religion still around in the twenty-first century? Why do so many still believe? And how do various traditions still shape the way people experience everything from sexuality to politics, whether they are religious or not? In Why Religion? Elaine Pagels looks to her own life to help address these questions. These questions took on a new urgency for Pagels when dealing with unimaginable loss—the death of her young son, followed a year later by the shocking loss of her husband. Here she interweaves a personal story with the work that she loves, illuminating how, for better and worse, religious traditions have shaped how we understand ourselves; how we relate to one another; and, most importantly, how to get through the most difficult challenges we face. Drawing upon the perspectives of neurologists, anthropologists, and historians, as well as her own research, Pagels opens unexpected ways of understanding persistent religious aspects of our culture.” This Lenten Prayer, written by the Rev. Dietrich Bonhoeffer in a Nazi Prison, strengthens our trust in God who will not let us go. I pray this prayer is a comfort and augments what we are discussing in our Sunday Morning Faith Forums this Season on Bonhoeffer's life and book: “Life Together.”
Lenten Blessings, Susan…+ I Cannot Do This Alone O God, early in the morning I cry to you. Help me to pray And to concentrate my thoughts on you; I cannot do this alone. In me there is darkness, But with you there is light; I am lonely, but you do not leave me; I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help; I am restless, but with you there is peace. In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience; I do not understand your ways, But you know the way for me…. Restore me to liberty, And enable me to live now That I may answer before you and before men. Lord whatever this day may bring, Your name be praised. Amen Episcopal Church Presiding Bishop and Primate Michael Curry joined the leaders of the Anglican Church of Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in preparing Devotions for the upcoming Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an international Christian ecumenical observance kept annually between January 18 and January 25. The theme of the 2019 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is, "Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue," (Deuteronomy 16:18-20). Read more...
During the January 6, 2019 Faith Forum about Epiphany we heard T.S. Elliot read his poem "Journey of the Magi" To explore and learn more read this guide. The page also includes a printed version of the poem. The audio version read by T. S. Eliot is below.
Mother Susan's Book Recommendation The Work of Christmas - the 12 Days of Christmas with Howard Thurman, by Bruce Epperly I received this important book as a gift for Christmas this year. I am so grateful for this new resource, which I will now use each Christmas! Not only does it continue the practice of daily devotional readings during Christmas-Tide, which I so enjoy during Advent, but it also feeds my soul with hope and clarity for the new year. The Rev. Howard Thurman is one of America's most trusted mystic and activist's of the last century. For each of the 12 days of Christmas this book offers scripture, an insightful quote by Thurman and a brief devotional reading by the author that helps open our hearts to all the ways God might be working in our lives. This book that inspires us to be 'light-bearers' into the new year, encourages to carry the message of Jesus' Divine justice and hope. Though the 12 Days of Christmas this year is nearly over - the work of Christmas is year-round. I highly encourage you to get a copy of this book - and take the following 12 days to savor each reading. This book - is a GREAT gift idea for your soul friends next Christmas… Father Nick's book recommendation: The Weather Detective, Peter Wohlleben In the Gospel of Luke Jesus asks, “You know how to interpret the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to interpret the present time?" But... do we really know how to interpret the weather? “In this first-ever English translation of The Weather Detective, Peter Wohlleben uses his long experience and deep love of nature to help decipher the weather and our local environments in a completely new and compelling way. Analyzing the explanations for Detective everyday questions and mysteries surrounding weather and natural phenomena, he delves into a new and intriguing world of scientific investigation. At what temperature do bees stay home? Why do southerly winds in winter often bring storms? How can birdsong or flower scents help you tell the time? These are among the many questions Wohlleben poses in his newly translated book. Full of the very latest discoveries, combined with ancient now-forgotten lore, The Weather Detective helps you read nature's secret signs and discover a rich new layer of meaning in the world around you." Here's to nurturing everyone's green thumb! This Wall Street Journal article date December 7, 2018 explains how people 70.5 years and older with a traditional IRA can reduce taxes by making charitable donations directly from their IRA account. According to the article "...IRA owners who are 70½ and older have the best of both worlds: They can get a tax break for donations and take the higher standard deduction. In fact, the standard deduction rises to $13,600 for singles and $26,600 for couples age 65 and older." You can learn more about this by talking to your financial advisor. Mother Susan's book recommendation: Boundless Compassion - Creating a Way of Life by Joyce Rupp. I recommend this book for a couple of reasons.
Father Nick's book recommendation: Faithful Families: Creating Sacred Moments at Home by Traci Smith. Happy New Year! Yes, Advent is the beginning of the church year and looking ahead, I'd like to suggest this book not just for your FAITHFUL FAMILIES personal collection but perhaps as a gift idea for someone you know. Newly revised and expanded, Faithful Families is put together much like a recipe book. So, it is not meant to be read straight through. Rather, it is designed as a resource to have on hand or to flip through, so you can pick out what is good and useful for a particular time. Broken into three parts: Traditions, Ceremonies, and Spiritual Practices, the book focuses on simple sacramental practices in conjunction with prayerful reflection. There are also hands on projects like building a red kite for Pentecost, which seeks to draw together multiple intelligences in community. Research has indicated that faithful spirituality starts in the home and hopefully, this resource could enrich, even supplement those practices already in place. Many Blessings. The Christian Century, February 19, 2014 Read the main article on a congregation's contemplative practices. Centering Prayer
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