https://www.newsday.com/long-island/religion/asking-the-clergy-faith-and-climate-change-1.50317196

Recent wildfires and floods have been linked by scientists to changes observed in Earth’s climate primarily driven by human activities, particularly the burning of fossil fuels. This week’s clergy discuss why climate change should also concern the faithful.

Minister of Lifespan Religious Education, Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Shelter Rock, Manhasset

The Earth is a gift. We honor the creator, what we call spirit of life, by protecting this creation.

Science tells us that human activity does damage to our Earth. A faithful, moral and reasoned response to climate change acknowledges human interconnectedness and responsibility for the Earth. Let’s choose to take on the role of planet protectors.

Our faith demands that concerns for our families, communities and justice be central to our response to climate change. We must support individuals and communities experiencing climate disasters now and prepare to prevent future disasters. We must listen to the voices of young people who are climate activists. Unitarian Universalists work to reverse the damage of human activity in small and simple ways like recycling and reducing plastic use. We also work to understand how heat waves, floods, drought, disease, hunger and migration issues are all part of climate justice.

The Unitarian Universalist Side With Love campaign connects all of our justice work. It asks that we choose love over fear as a spiritual practice, that we stay spiritually grounded, that we work with generosity, humility and courage, and that we develop concrete skills to combat the damage of climate change.