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<div class="moz-cite-prefix">Well,<br>
For starters here is an address by the Presiding Bishop and
Primate of The Episcopal Church<br>
<br>
<p><strong>The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori<br>
</strong></p>
<p><br>
<img class="author_photo"
src="cid:part1.04020501.00070100@gmail.com" alt="The Most Rev.
Katharine Jefferts Schori" height="120" width="120"></p>
<p><strong><br>
</strong></p>
<p> Episcopalians have a prayer that names "this
fragile earth, our island home."<a id="_ftnref1" name="_ftnref1"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn1">[1]</a>
We've been praying it for nearly 40 years, yet many are only
beginning to awaken to our wanton abuse of this planet. We
profess that God has planted us in a garden to care for it and
for all its inhabitants, yet we have failed to love what God has
given us. We continue to squander the resources of this earth,
and we are damaging its ability to nourish the garden's diverse
web of life.</p>
<p> The collective impact of the human species on
this planet is prompting many to name this the Anthropocene age<a
id="_ftnref2" name="_ftnref2"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn2">[2]</a> -
an era characterized by human changes with global impact. We
are unwittingly redesigning the earth on time scales that are
infinitesimal compared to previous geological and evolutionary
rates. The carbon dioxide and other gases being pumped into the
atmosphere are creating an insulating blanket that accumulates
heat faster than it can be radiated into space. Most of those
gases come from burning fossil fuels, removing forests, and
producing animal protein for human consumption.</p>
<p> Scientists have been studying human impacts on
our global biosphere for decades, and today there is clear
consensus about the effects of these gases on the mean
temperature of the planet. There are a few very loud voices who
insist this is only "natural variation," but the data do not
lie. Those voices are often driven by greed and self-centered
political interests, and sometimes by willful blindness. The
Judeo-Christian tradition has always called those motivations
sinful. It is 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. It is equally wrong to
fail to use resources of memory, reason, and skill to discern
what is going on in the world around us. That has traditionally
been called a sin of omission.</p>
<p> Why do we call this a crisis? The planet's
regulatory system is being altered. Like a human being with a
runaway fever, the malfunctioning thermostat causes a body to
slowly self-destruct as inflammation erodes joints, causes nerve
cells to misfire, and prevents the digestive system from
absorbing nutrients critical to life. This planet is
overheating, its climate is changing, and the residents are
sick, suffering, and dying.</p>
<p> Climate is a broad description of weather
variability and environmental conditions. We are experiencing
more extreme weather and more frequent hurricanes, tornadoes,
floods, and droughts. Sea level is rising, because ice sheets
are melting and because a warming ocean expands. As sea levels
rise coastal flooding becomes more likely and severe storms more
destructive. The damage done by Katrina and Superstorm Sandy
are examples, as is the unusual winter much of this continent is
experiencing. </p>
<p> Shifting climate alters our ability to grow
food crops in historical locales, often leading to food
shortages and famines. Deserts are expanding, snow pack
declining, and drought plagues a drying West, where wildfires
are more frequent and more damaging, and fresh water is
increasingly scarce. Commercial agricultural practices in the
developed world contribute more carbon to the atmosphere, when
wiser ways could be storing large quantities of carbon in
healthier and more productive soils.<a id="_ftnref3"
name="_ftnref3"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn3">[3]</a>
Historic conditions are changing so quickly that species adapted
to particular environments over geologic time spans can't
adapt. Warmer conditions are prompting species to seek cooler
environments, with limited success, by moving higher on mountain
slopes, deeper in the ocean, or closer to the poles. </p>
<p> Life in the oceans has additional challenges.
Species that build skeletons of calcium carbonate find it harder
to build or maintain their shells as increasing amounts of
carbon dioxide dissolve in sea water and make it more acidic.
Several kinds of plankton<a id="_ftnref4" name="_ftnref4"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn4">[4]</a> are
already challenged. As their populations begin to shrink, other
parts of the food chain get hungrier or disappear. More CO2 in
the atmosphere ultimately means fewer fish, shrimp, whales, and
seabirds. </p>
<p> Coral reefs, which take centuries to build, are
also in imminent danger. As sea temperature rises, corals often
respond by expelling the symbiotic algae that provide much of
their food.<a id="_ftnref5" name="_ftnref5"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn5">[5]</a>
Debilitated corals may not grow fast enough to keep themselves
in reach of sunlight,<a id="_ftnref6" name="_ftnref6"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn6">[6]</a> and
dying reefs are quickly destroyed by waves and storms. Coral
reefs rival tropical rain forests as the richest and most
diverse ecosystems on the planet.<a id="_ftnref7"
name="_ftnref7"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn7">[7]</a>
Both shelter countless numbers of yet-undescribed species. That
diversity is a wondrous gift of life in itself, and is
increasingly recognized as a potential source of healing
pharmaceuticals.<a id="_ftnref8" name="_ftnref8"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn8">[8]</a></p>
<p> The human population explosion of recent
millennia, accompanied by exploitation of fossil fuels in recent
centuries, have moved this planetary system out of dynamic
equilibrium. Human appetites are responsible for the collapse
of that equilibrium,<a id="_ftnref9" name="_ftnref9"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn9">[9]</a> particularly
in developed nations, and many species are threatened with
diminishment and loss of life. We are making war on the
integrity of this planet. The result is wholesale death as
species become extinct at unprecedented rates, and human beings
die from disease, starvation, and the violence of war unleashed
by environmental chaos and greed.</p>
<p> We were planted in this garden to care for it -
literally, "to have dominion" over its creatures.<a
id="_ftnref10" name="_ftnref10"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn10">[10]</a> Dominion
means caring for our island home, the <em>oikos<a id="_ftnref11"
name="_ftnref11"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn11"><strong>[11]</strong></a></em> that
gives birth to <em>economy</em> and<em>ecology</em>.<a
id="_ftnref12" name="_ftnref12"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn12">[12]</a>
This is housekeeping and husbanding work - caring for what
sustains us all. We are meant to love God and what God has
created, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Jesus insists
that those who will enjoy abundant life are those who care for
all neighbors, especially "the least of these"<a id="_ftnref13"
name="_ftnref13"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn13">[13]</a> -
the hungry and thirsty, the imprisoned and sick - and that must
include all the species God has nurtured on this planet. </p>
<p> God's presence among us in human form changed
the nature of relationship with all creation. Even those who
cannot understand the duty to care for birds and sea creatures
must recognize that the life of human beings depends on the
health of the whole planet. The poorest human beings are
soonest and most deeply affected by climatic changes, and least
able to respond. Ultimately human beings with the most
resource-intensive lifestyles are causing the hunger and thirst,
displacement, illness, and impoverishment of climate refugees
and those without resources to adapt. There is no escape from
that death and destruction, for our fate is tied to the fate of
all our neighbors - the salvation of each depends on the
salvation of all.</p>
<p> A crisis is a decision point, a time of
judgment. We can choose to change our destructive and overly
consumptive ways, or we can ignore the consequences of our
actions and slowly steam like proverbial frogs in a soup pot.
We still have some opportunity to choose, but that <em>kairos</em> moment
will not last long. We have before us this day life and death.<a
id="_ftnref14" name="_ftnref14"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftn14">[14]</a>
Which will we choose?</p>
<hr size="1">
<p><a id="_ftn1" name="_ftn1"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref1">[1]</a> <em>Book
of Common Prayer</em> p 370</p>
<p><a id="_ftn2" name="_ftn2"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref2">[2]</a> E.g., <em>The
Sixth Extinction</em>, Elizabeth Kolbert. Holt, 2014.</p>
<p><a id="_ftn3" name="_ftn3"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref3">[3]</a> For
a brief introduction, cf. Norman Wirzba, "Carbon and Compost," <em>Christian
Century</em> 4 March 2015, 28-29</p>
<p><a id="_ftn4" name="_ftn4"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref4">[4]</a> The
tiny plants and animals that provide much of the food for larger
creatures in the oceans</p>
<p><a id="_ftn5" name="_ftn5"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref5">[5]</a> Often
referred to as "bleaching"</p>
<p><a id="_ftn6" name="_ftn6"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref6">[6]</a> <a
href="http://www.reefresilience.org/coral-reefs/stressors/climate-and-ocean-change/sea-level-rise/"
target="_blank"><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.reefresilience.org/coral-reefs/stressors/climate-and-ocean-change/sea-level-rise/(link">http://www.reefresilience.org/coral-reefs/stressors/climate-and-ocean-change/sea-level-rise/(link</a>
is external)</a></p>
<p><a id="_ftn7" name="_ftn7"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref7">[7]</a> <a
href="http://coral.org/coral-reefs-101/coral-reef-ecology/coral-reef-biodiversity/"
target="_blank"><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://coral.org/coral-reefs-101/coral-reef-ecology/coral-reef-biodiversity/(link">http://coral.org/coral-reefs-101/coral-reef-ecology/coral-reef-biodiversity/(link</a>
is external)</a></p>
<p><a id="_ftn8" name="_ftn8"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref8">[8]</a> <a
href="http://coralreef.noaa.gov/aboutcorals/values/medicine/"
target="_blank"><a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://coralreef.noaa.gov/aboutcorals/values/medicine/(link">http://coralreef.noaa.gov/aboutcorals/values/medicine/(link</a>
is external)</a></p>
<p><a id="_ftn9" name="_ftn9"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref9">[9]</a> Beginning
with the hunting of large animal species several tens of
thousand years ago.</p>
<p><a id="_ftn10" name="_ftn10"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref10">[10]</a> Genesis
1:26,28</p>
<p><a id="_ftn11" name="_ftn11"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref11">[11]</a> Greek
for "house" or "home"</p>
<p><a id="_ftn12" name="_ftn12"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref12">[12]</a> Economy,
'house rules' or 'home management'; Ecology, 'study of the
house'</p>
<p><a id="_ftn13" name="_ftn13"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref13">[13]</a> Matthew
25:45-46</p>
<p><a id="_ftn14" name="_ftn14"
href="http://www.episcopalchurch.org/posts/publicaffairs/climate-change-crisis-forum-now-available-viewing#_ftnref14">[14]</a> Deuteronomy
30:19</p>
<p> </p>
<br>
<br>
<br>
On 10/13/2015 1:29 PM, John P Cock via OE wrote:<br>
</div>
<blockquote cite="mid:D242E015.AED1%25jpc2025@triad.rr.com"
type="cite">
<pre wrap="">Thank you, Karen. The below Islamic news/attachment ARE encouraging. What
have we heard from Christians other than Roman Catholics--from whom we¹ve
heard much via the Pope¹s encyclical and his US Congress and United
Nations talks? What have we heard from other religious bodies/groups?
John and Lynda Cock
On 10/13/15, 3:58 PM, "Karen Snyder via OE" <a class="moz-txt-link-rfc2396E" href="mailto:oe@lists.wedgeblade.net"><oe@lists.wedgeblade.net></a>
wrote:
</pre>
<blockquote type="cite">
<pre wrap="">Recently I have found it difficult to keep up with good news re climate
change.
For example, in August I read that Islamic leaders representing 20
nations wrote the ³Islamic Call to Action on Climate Change²
(<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/aug/18/islamic-leaders-issue">http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2015/aug/18/islamic-leaders-issue</a>-
bold-call-rapid-phase-out-fossil-fuels). Attached is a one page
Œsummary¹ of the declaration with the declaration itself following.
As I went to email this to you, I discovered that October 8-9 was the 6th
Islamic Conference of Environmental Ministers, who also issued a
declaration. I have not yet seen it; but my guess is that it is built
upon the attached declaration.
The declaration attached is short, clear and practical. I find myself
hope-filled knowing that the faith community is now responding so
dramatically with the Catholic church (with the Pope¹s encyclical) and
Islamic community (with this declaration) calling for rapid local and
global responses. I will be interested in your reflections on this.
Peace,
Karen Snyder Troxel_______________________________________________
OE mailing list
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:OE@lists.wedgeblade.net">OE@lists.wedgeblade.net</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net">http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net</a>
</pre>
</blockquote>
<pre wrap="">
_______________________________________________
OE mailing list
<a class="moz-txt-link-abbreviated" href="mailto:OE@lists.wedgeblade.net">OE@lists.wedgeblade.net</a>
<a class="moz-txt-link-freetext" href="http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net">http://lists.wedgeblade.net/listinfo.cgi/oe-wedgeblade.net</a>
</pre>
</blockquote>
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