“We work to integrate an ecological dimension in our living out the mission, preserving the earth and its resources. We commit to exercising responsibility for the integrity of creation. We seek to build a sustainable global society founded on respect, knowing the earth and everything in it are part of God’s creation” (Acts of Chapter, 2002).

The God of the universe story unfolds within the vastness of the unknown future in ways beyond our comprehension. It is essential to recognize the intimate, loving presence of God unfolding from within the whole universe.
— Rich Heffner, NCR, Dec. 2003

From the beginning, God spoke the world and all its parts into existence. “Let there be light,” God said, and there was light.

God continued to speak all the plants and animals, and even humans into existence. In this way, all of creation is a “word” of God. What difference would it make in our daily lives if we lived with such awareness and treated each being with the respect they deserve, as those brought to life by the ultimate Creator?

Recognizing God’s presence and gifts in all creation fills us with gratitude; gratitude means not only to give thanks to the giver, but also to live with appreciation for gifts received. In justice, we not only give thanks for clean water, fresh air, and productive soil, but we seek to ensure and protect these gifts for our sisters and brothers around the world.

Many Christians struggle with an Earth-centered spirituality (ecospirituality), a spirituality that places humans within the context of creation and not at its apex. As a modern culture, we have lost the understanding of our relationship to the rest of creation, an understanding that was common to all just a few short centuries ago.

Earth is our home. It is the stuff of which we are made, and it is the larger body that will welcome us back when we die, only to resurrect us again. We belong here, as we belong to God. Earth is an expression of the God for whom we long. Until we recognize Earth as the home that nurtures and nourishes us, we will continue to despoil, devour, foul, and desecrate her with no realization that we are doing the same to ourselves.

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