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Lake Erie Yearly Meeting Committee on Ministry and Nurture
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Query for 2004: Earthcare How long, O God, how long must we remain complacent in our spiritual and physical relationships with earth and sun which sustain us? How may we alter these relationships in a restorative way?
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Detroit Friends' Response to the Query Discussion centered on a Friend’s responsibilities to both this and future generations on Earth. Much was said about how individuals in the wealthy societies of the world tend to take for granted the immense advantages and privileges that come with their everyday lives. The huge disparities between those of us who have "everything" versus those having "nothing" implies a sinful imbalance in consumption. Earthcare implies the need for a global rather than parochial awareness of life and responsibility. The right sharing of the world’s resources is a goal that we all share, but it is very hard to know how to approach solving such a massive problem. Simplicity calls for Friends to be self-aware in their way of life. They should be mindful of their responsibilities as keepers and stewards of the Earth’s resources for future generations. In this society this poses a dilemma for Friends because the way of life practically dictates unbalanced use of resources. Concern directs us to find the will for personal action and movement toward simplicity as well as for collective effort. The group decided that a reasonable and practical goal would be to attempt to call for an ecumenical effort toward Earthcare. This call for an ecumenical effort will be brought before Meeting for Business [in January] for further discussion. FOR THE GROUP: |