[Dialogue] What a Time to be Alive

[Richard via Dialogue]

Dear Colleagues, wrote this to my local newspaper and it was printed. Wow, two in a row.This is a portent of the ICA/Acc77 Sustainability and Faith Forum planned in the fall. Getting faith and environment together seems like a natural. Just like the NRM and the NSV.
What a Time to be Alive

The One Earth Film
Fest, in its closing event at Unity Temple, showed a powerful movie, named The
Wisdom to Survive. The
film features thought leaders and activists in the realms of science, economics
and spirituality discussing how we can evolve and take action in the face of
climate disruption. . The  quote
that stuck with me was by Joanna Macy: “If you want an adventure, boy, what a
time to be alive!”. We live in a time of a major change in civilization as we move
from a carbon economy to one that is finding a less destructive relationship to
nature.

 It becomes clear to me that things are
changing when I look at awareness and changes taking place in our faith
institutions, typically a conserving dynamic in society. 

Examples include the
much anticipated encyclical on climate change from Pope Francis. . Through this
communication he will  provide spiritual
guidance to the world’s 1.1 billion
Catholics. The Pope is timing the letter to influence this year’s crucial
climate treaty talks in Paris. The transformational step may well be a massive
mobilization of public opinion by the Vatican and other religions for
collective action to safeguard the well-being of both humanity and the
environment.

Another example is the statements made by Katherine Jefferts Schori
Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church of the United States  who has stated that to deny climate change based on "political
interests" or "willful blindness  is “Sinful".  It’s decidedly wrong to use resources that
have been given into our collective care in ways that diminish the ability of
others to share in abundant life. 


My own  United Methodist Bishop, Rev.
Sally Dyck has published a book titled, A
Hopeful Earth, in which she concludes, “we call on communities of faith to
come together in small groups and as congregations to support and encourage one
another as they do no harm, do good and stay in love with God in regard to
carrying for the earth”.


In order to renew the commitment of
area faith communities to be custodians of creation Oak Park Euclid Avenue
United Methodist Church along with Faith in Place, the Interfaith Green Network
and the Office of Peace and Justice for the Archdiocese of Chicago are
sponsoring a different kind of revival, an Earth
Revival, May 1 and 2. Friday night guest speaker, Rev, Dr. Otis Moss III,
senior pastor at Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, and an exceptional
prophetic preacher will be present to launch the revival.  Saturday afternoon a series of of workshops
will be offered for congregations and individuals to help reduce our  carbon footprints.  All events are free and open to the
public.   More information and
registration is available at  www.euclidavenueumc.org

 

Submitted by Richard Alton

Oak Park resident
and member of Euclid Avenue United Methodist Church


Richard H.T. Alton 166 N. Humphrey Ave, Apt, 1N
Oak Park, IL 60302
T:1.773.344.7172
richard.alton at gmail.com

Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back 
   Babe Ruth 		 	   		  
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