The Church and the Environment excerpt
"We believe a consensus now exists, at the highest level of leadership across a significant spectrum on religious traditions, that the cause of environmental integrity and justice must occupy a position of utmost priority for people of faith." [1991 United States Joint Appeal by "Religion & Science for the Environment."] In May of 1992, a consultation of 50 religious leaders of major faith groups, 50 Nobel laureates and other prominent scientists took place in our nation's capital. This "Mission to Washington" became a unique forum in which leaders set aside ancient differences for the higher goal of preserving the planetary environment. One month later, an event of unparalleled significance occurred in Rio de Janeiro - the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED '92) - the first Worldwide Conference to bring together world political and religious leaders, NGO's, business executives, educators, students and grassroots workers in the hope of finding common ground upon which to face the increasing challenge of protecting the environment while respecting the basic right of all peoples to development."
"In conclusion, a new level of consciousness must be reached whereby global environmental agreements stem from an awareness of the sacredness and harmony of the created order and are not viewed as obstacles to economic gain. In contrast to the 1980's often portrayed as the greedy decade, a new era must dawn in which greed is seen for what it really is - a divisive force detrimental to all which ultimately ends in destruction and decay. There is a growing momentum worldwide to heed the words of religious and humanitarian leaders and opt for a holistic approach to the environmental crisis based on mutual respect and tolerance for one another and the requirements of nature. No longer is it possible to say, "Every man for himself or every nation for itself" - for it is becoming crystal clear that "United we have a chance to stand; Divided we will most certainly fall." |
