“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”
— Proverb, Unknown Attribution
Human exceptionalism, the idea that humanity has the right to rule over nature, has brought us to the brink of environmental disaster in the form of climate change. Clearly, it is time for the world to reject the arrogant and mistaken belief that the Earth’s resources can be consumed and exploited without consequence.
In this issue, we invite you to explore how we are called by our faith to make the fight for environmental justice a priority.
This past summer, the U.S. Congress passed a historic bill to fight global warming and promote clean energy. It was purposeful legislation, but we are still at the tipping point.
Most of the world has yet to approach this crisis with the seriousness it demands. Today 70 percent of Americans worry about climate change. Fear seems a justifiable reaction to massive extinction events, devastating storms, fires, extreme temperatures, and water and air pollution.
However, despite the apprehension we all feel, our community is committed to taking effective action. This edition of UU World examines the complexity of the choices we face in addressing the crisis.
In this issue, we invite you to explore how we are called by our faith to make the fight for environmental justice a priority. You will find a collection of articles and interviews showing how our Unitarian Universalists values guide our efforts. Each piece poses, from a different perspective, the same fundamental question: What role can we play, guided by our UU principle of interdependence, in helping redefine society’s relationship with the Earth so humanity can survive?
We are pursuing several strategies. Some communities build power by mobilizing their members, and others forge coalitions with environmental groups. The UUA’s commitment to Socially Responsible Investment seeks to put its money to work to promote our values. UUs who occupy strategic positions as elected officials, policymakers, scientists, activists, and thinkers are being guided by UU’s ethical principles.
It is clear that we need to act intentionally and with urgency.
You will read in this issue how UU the Vote is mobilizing society for the midterm elections to build power in our communities for justice, accountability, and healing. Perhaps our most effective and faith-inspired climate action is to vote with an unmistakable commitment, not just to support democracy but to cherish and protect life on Earth. It is clear that we need to act intentionally and with urgency.
Let us find inspiration in the timeless wisdom of those who have lived in harmony with nature over the ages. And let us remember the words of the late Chief Qwatsinas of the Nuxalk Nation: “We must protect the forests for our children, grandchildren and children yet to be born. We must protect the forests for those who can’t speak for themselves such as the birds, animals, fish and trees.”
The time is now.
Roger Santodomingo, Executive Editor
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