2021 Minute of Support for Survival of the Earth and Her Inhabitants

“Together, the world’s people have been granted stewardship over the Earth, to enjoy it briefly, then to surrender it to succeeding generations. The Earth is not a possession but a trust. Those dramatic photographs from the moon showed us all what is ours to care for — a green and blue jewel shining in the blackness of space.”

Friends World Committee for Consultation, June 1978 (from the NEYM Faith & Practice from 1985)

As Friends we believe that the Earth and all life on Earth have inherent rights to existence that should be protected and revered. We believe that right relationship with Earth is critical to our testimony of stewardship.

How, then, should we respond to the current climate crisis? Despite our recognition of the damage caused by fossil fuels, we keep a death grip on the steering wheel, right foot firmly on the accelerator of our fossil fuel-powered economy. Our children and grandchildren are along for the ride. We must awaken from our fume-induced slumber.

We reaffirm our commitment to Spirit-led action that supports the survival of life on earth. From that we draw hope. And because scientists tell us we must radically change our emissions in the next ten years if we are to avoid the worst impacts of climate change, we gain the will to take action now.

Therefore, we call upon Friends to discern what actions we, individually and together, will take now, while there is still time.

To help in our discernment, the Earth Care Ministry Committee offers some specific queries that Friends may wish to consider:

• Overall, what does Spirit call us to do that will have the most impact on the climate crisis over the next ten years?
• What is our responsibility toward the people who have been most harmed by the climate crisis? All of us are vulnerable as part of God’s creation and it is difficult to open our eyes, minds and hearts to those already suffering, but how can we address the harm that the poor, people of color, indigenous communities and others have already suffered?
• How can we get involved in public policy at every level - local, state, federal, and international - to push for rapid evidence-based action to end the emission of greenhouse gases, to create nature-based solutions, and to remediate the damage already done? We may have a small window of opportunity due to current political dynamics, so focusing on this is especially important at this time.
• How can we best support Friends who take Spirit-led direct action to stand in the way of the construction, expansion, or continuing operation of fossil fuel infrastructure?
• How can we address the fact that our militarism is one of the greatest causes of greenhouse gas emitters?
• Are our personal and corporate monies supporting pension funds, banks, and insurance companies that invest, fund, and insure fossil fuel companies and operations?
• What can we do that will continue to reduce our own and our meeting’s footprint?

We trust that Friends will listen deeply to what Spirit compels us to do on behalf of the Creator’s creation and environmental justice, which are inextricably entwined. May we all open our hearts. All creation depends on our faithful actions.

Let us take action together!