#281 | David Musser | Clearly Recognize Dependency on the Web of Life

2023 Article II Amendment Idea Submissions Amendment Ideas
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Submission 281
David Musser
First Unitarian Universalist Society of Albany, New York

What is your suggestion or idea?

The Article II Study Commission’s proposal for the Interdependence Value is as follows, with our proposed additions in brackets:
““We honor the interdependent web of all existence. We covenant to cherish Earth and all beings by creating and nurturing relationships of care and respect. With humility and reverence, we acknowledge our [dependent] place in the great web of life, and we work to repair [the] harm and damaged relationships [we have caused].””

What is the reason for your amendment idea?

We feel it is important to clearly recognize our dependency on the web of life, to recognize that our actions have caused great and probably irreparable harm, and to recognize the work before us to repair or mitigate the harm we have caused.

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

Members of our congregation’s Green Sanctuary Committee (John Cooley, Carol Butt, Martha and David Musser) proposed this amendment idea to the full committee, who voted to approve it for submission to the Article II Study Commission.

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It is time to acknowledge that our actions and ever-increasing population has inflicted great harm on the biodiversity of the Earth and threatens not only our existence, but all life. These changes are good in that it places the responsibility on us.

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I support this change because we need to accept responsibility. As Robbin Wall Kimmerer says: “To love a place is not enough, we must find ways to heal it.”