Protecting the planet and its inhabitants is a moral, ethical, and theological issue.
Hartford, CT – Every faith tradition speaks about caring for the planet and for all its inhabitants. Studying scriptural texts of the different world religions will reveal a common thread of appreciation for nature and an understanding of our role as caretakers. Religious traditions also share a call to help those who are oppressed, sick, or vulnerable.
As the CT legislative session enters its final weeks, the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network brought together religious leaders from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Unitarian faiths for a Legislative Prayer Breakfast on Tuesday, April 16 at the State Capitol to offer the moral, spiritual, and theological background for environmental action on issues including climate change, toxic pollution, food waste. Religious leaders were joined by Rep. Christine Palm, who spoke to attendees about what they could do.
The program began with the traditional blowing of the shofar by Rabbi Jeremy Schwartz from Temple Bnai Israel of Willimantic. “In the Jewish tradition, the shofar (ram’s horn) is a wake up call, a call to action, and a hopeful reminder of the peaceful and healthy world that God desires,” stated Rabbi Schwartz. “It’s a joy to join with people of many faiths to call on our legislators to act on that hope.”
In addition to Rabbi Schwartz, religious leaders included Rev. Nancy Leckerling, IREJN’s Board Chair, who offered a gathering prayer, saying beforehand, ”I pray that with God’s help I will do the best I can to help leave the Earth a habitable place for my grandchildren and their children.” Rev. Leckerling was followed by Rev. Carolyn Patierno from All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation in New London, who offered a prayer for the planet.
Other religious leaders offered prayers on different environment issues; Rabbi Joshua Ratner from Or Hadash in Fairfield prayed for clean air. Rabbi Ratner stated, “I am honored to participate in IREJN’s 2024 Legislative Prayer Breakfast. At a time when our planet so desperately needs us to act as stewards and guardians of our precious resources, I fervently hope that our breakfast will be a catalyst for transforming our prayers into constructive legislative action.”
Imam Safwan Shaikh from the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center prayed for clean water, and Venerable Shim Bo from the White Lotus Haven Zen of CT prayed for wildlife.Venerable Shim Bo said, “Buddhist teachings and practice include the truth of interdependence—the utter inseparability of all things. The way human beings exploit the natural world exposes man’s unexamined shadow toward and greed and exploitation of the world’s natural resources, ultimately to his own peril. May we each awaken from the dream of separateness and wholeheartedly commit to reversing, and not generating more suffering on this planet.”
Recognizing the call of faith communities to lift up justice and help people who are oppressed, Rev. Samuel Blanks from the Metropolitan AME Zion Church in Hartford offered a prayer for environmental justice. A longtime advocate for justice, Rev. Blanks understands the role religious communities can play in advocating for change, stating “When issues arise, it is always a blessing to know that there are so many people who understand the importance of being the voice for the voiceless and to stand in unity, seeking ways to partner with others to continue to push for a better, safer, and cleaner world.”
After Rep. Palm spoke, Rev. Darrell Goodwin, the Executive Director for Southern New England United Church of Christ, offered a prayer for action. Rev. Mia Douglas, Center for Leadership and Justice, closed the program with a sung benediction of May the Road Rise to Meet You.
IREJN’s Executive Director Terri Eickel said, “Religious communities across Connecticut are concerned about the impact of climate change and pollution on our planet and on the most vulnerable.” She continued, saying, “Houses of worship are taking action, installing energy efficiency measures and solar to reduce their carbon footprint and save money on their energy bills. They are planting community gardens to help people access fresh produce, and they are planting pollinator gardens to support the biodiversity that we all need to thrive. We call on the Legislature to pass legislation to protect public health, the environment, and wildlife.”
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Here is what IREJN Board members and Advisory Council members have to say:
“My faith challenges me to care for the planet and to reach out to those who suffer injustice because of the exploitation of our environment. My congregation, Round Hill Community Church in Greenwich, has solarized our campus and taken many additional steps to combat climate change. I call on the state legislature to pass effective policies that will protect God’s creation for current and future generations.”
Rev. Edward Horstmann, IREJN Vice Chair
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“I believe in the power of one. Each of us has a role in protecting our natural world and each other, by driving electric or hybrid cars, reducing our use of plastics and by making our own spot on the planet “greener”. We cannot wait any longer while others debate climate change. Our collective efforts will have an impact, and eventually living greener will become the norm. Our survival depends on it.”
Millie Legenhausen, IREJN Board Treasurer/Secretary
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Healing the Earth cannot be separated from healing ourselves. Having a sense of responsibility for a sustainable Earth cannot be separated from our need for universal justice.
Peter Festa, IREJN Board Member
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“We, who have contributed most to carbon emissions in recent years, should make amends by: (1) significantly lowering our carbon footprint in all walks of life, and (2) amply assisting those most impacted by climate change in low-income, vulnerable communities around the globe.”
Karim Ahmed, IREJN Advisory Council, Global Council on Science and the Environment
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“IREJN enables us to bring our differences, our diversity and our devotion under one tent in order to find together ways in which we can express our love, caring and concern for God’s creation. We inspire and motivate one another to take action and make a difference. As I enter my “Third Act,” I am moved by my faith and by the action of others to continue to address issues like climate change and public health.”
Lynn Fulkerson, IREJN Advisory Council
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“Close to 18 years have passed since the release of Al Gore’s Oscar winning documentary “An Inconvenient Truth”. Climate change continues to accelerate with global temperatures reaching all-time highs for 10 consecutive months. IREJN accordingly pledges to work together with CT faith-based communities, with CT legislators, and with all voices of conscience to advocate for Environmental Justice. The Time is Now!”
Mike Winterfield, IREJN Advisory Council
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The mission of the Interreligious Eco-Justice Network is to inspire and equip Connecticut’s religious communities and their spiritual allies to protect our planet through education, engagement, and advocacy.
