#244 | Cecilia Russell-Jayne | Relationship to the Earth

Submission 244
Cecelia Russell-Jayne
All Souls Indianapolis

What is your suggestion or idea?

I read the Article 2 Proposal several months ago. I have revisited it several times, trying to keep an open heart.

As the spouse of a man whose has fought his whole life to prevent environmental degradation, I am pained by the lack of a covenant statement regarding our relationship to the Earth. It’s inexplicable as our mother, our home faces irreversible damage due to climate change.

While I see racial equity as a high value in the proposed revision, the debt we owe to indigenous people is ignored.

I am grateful for the thoughtfulness and hard work that went into this. Yet, I feel compelled to express my concerns.

What is the reason for your amendment idea?

The Earth is calling to us in terror and desperation - with tornados, wildfires, droughts, floods, famine, and hurricanes.

I speak for the Earth.

Have you discussed this idea with your congregation or other UUs?

I have spoken with two trusted friends and my husband. I also mentioned it to my minister, but haven’t scheduled a meeting with her.

An unexpected death in our family reduced my time and emotional ability to go any further.

I wanted to take the opportunity to express my thoughts.

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