The United Churches of Olympia, WA

SIX ECOJUSTICE PRINCIPLES

In a recent project called The Earth Bible, a team of theologians, environmental scientists, and other scholars devised a set of ecojustice principles to guide their work in exploring biblical texts. They wanted to counteract a history of interpretation that served the selfish interests of humanity.

http://www.webofcreation.org/earthbible/earthbible.html

http://www.webofcreation.org/earthbible/ebprinciples.html

Earth Bible: Eco-Justice Principles

The Principle of Intrinsic Worth:
The universe, Earth, and all its components have intrinsic worth/value
The Principle of Interconnectedness:
Earth is a community of inter-connected living things that are mutually dependent on each other for life and survival.
The Principle of Voice:
Earth is a living entity capable of raising its voice in celebration and against injustice.
The Principle of Purpose:
The universe, Earth and all its components are a part of a dynamic cosmic design within which each piece has a place in the overall of that design.
The Principle of Mutual Custodianship:
Earth is a balanced and diverse domain where responsible custodians can function as partners with, rather than rulers over, Earth to sustain its balance and a diverse Earth community.
The Principle of Resistance:
Earth and its components not only suffer from human injustices but actively resist them in the struggle for justice.

From The Earth Bible Volume One: Readings from the Perspective of Earth, ed. by Norman Habel.

CARING FOR CREATION

Sometimes we tend to think of creation as “out there” – animals, parks, oceans, trees, mountains. But creation includes everything that God made, including people, and the things that people have made. Cities, automobiles, telephones, and toys are part of creation, too. When we are called to exercise dominion over creation, we are invited to take responsibility for helping maintain a balance of things in the world. Explore some ways you can do that:

• Discuss ways in which people and nature interact in your community. What good things can be celebrated? What other things can be changed?

• Make connections with those who produce the food we eat. Children may think that food comes from shops and markets. While this may be true, the food had to come from other places first. Try to find out where your food comes from, especially fresh produce. Look at labels. Visit farms if possible. At mealtimes, wonder about the people who produced the food you are eating, and pray for them.

• Learn about local companies that are creating new things. How well do they balance their work with the rest of creation? How do they treat their workers? How do they treat the land, the air, and the water around them?

• How does your church interact with creation. Are you welcoming? How do you reduce waste and your general impact on the environment? What are ways you can help bring about harmony in creation?

Source: Seasons of the Spirit Curriculum, June 5/6, 2004

Useful Websites

The Earth Bible Project

http://ehlt.flinders.edu.au/theology/institute/earthbible/

The Earth Charter Initiative

http://www.earthcharter.org/

http://www.earthcharter.org/files/charter/charter.pdf