Devotion to the Earth with Faith-Based Initiatives on Earth Day

by Kim, April 22, 2009 at 8:31am

It's a happy Earth Day, indeed.

American Catholics were exhorted to  “live [their]  faith confronting the impact of climate change,” especially its impact on the world’s poor, by the Bishop William S. Skylstad of Spokane. This is after a bishop refused to bless an incinerator in Naples and the Pope added sins to the environment to the traditional list of deadly sins.

These days, religious organizations are an increasingly powerful political force, so the fact that so many faith-based groups is cause for celebration. In addition to the "St. Francis Pledge" being promoted among US Catholics, check out this sampling of the many faith-based environmental actions occurring all over the country:

• DC Green Muslims, part of an international environmental movement among followers of Islam, have organized many local activities, including installing handrails in an inner-city park and  a clothing swap.


• Presbyterians for Restoring Creation sponsor projects on wildnerness and spirituality, neighborhood cleanups, and a bike to church initiative.


• The Episcopal Ecological Network supports of renewable energy as the  "source of light and breath," along with the "gift of water, trees of life, and covenant with Noah.


• Quaker Earthcare Witness works to meld public policy with spirituality both nationally and internationally through the Quaker United Nations office.


• The Coalition on Environment and Jewish Life works for policy change on the environment, especially energy-related issues.
  
  

Stay tuned for more updates on faith-based environmental activities.