Submission 404
Beki Halpin
First UU Church of Austin (Austin, TX) 7713
What is your suggestion or idea?
Strengthen the section on Interdependence
Replace section with:
Interdependence. In humility, we honor the sacred interdependent web of all existence.
With reverence, we covenant to protect Earth and all beings from human exploitation, by creating relationships of care and justice.
This states that we will protect the earth (not simply cherish, a passive verb.)
Also honors that we must bring both care and justice to our relationship with the earth and all the living beings we share it with.
What is the reason for your amendment idea?
Humans have caused the 6th extinction event in the recorded history of the earth. Over 85% of land mammals have vanished from the face of the earth due to loss of habitat and ecological destruction of vast swaths of the planet. Human caused climate change threatens all species including ourselves and is an existential threat to every living thing on earth.
Our intention as a religious people towards the earth needs to be strong action towards protection, care and justice.
Have you discussed this idea with your congregation or other UUs?
Yes. At a meeting held by our interim minister, I presented similar proposed language for this section and it got full support.