A Resolution to endorse
The Earth Charter
Resolved, That the 177th Convention
of the Episcopal Diocese of Vermont concur with the 76th General
Convention in endorsing The Earth Charter including its Preamble,
and be it further
RESOLVED, That, the 177th Convention
encourage parishes, agencies and individual members to seek
understanding of and inspiration from The Earth Charter, and
to take actions consonant with The Earth Charter.
EXPLANATION
The theme of our 176th Diocesan Convention was Earth stewardship,
demonstrating sustainable practices, and developing intentions
to continue practicing stewardship at all levels of our communal
life. To deepen and extend that stewardship we now have support
from the national church in their endorsement of The Earth Charter.
Endorsed
by towns, cities, nations and NGO's all over the world, the
Earth Charter sets out a vision of Earth Community in which
human beings commit themselves to realigning their relationship
with the Earth and all living things so that life on Earth may
continue for all and for future generations. To quote from the
Explanation for Resolution C064 of General Convention:
"The Earth Charter is a declaration
of fundamental ethical principles for building a just, sustainable
and peaceful global society in the 21st century (www.earthcharter.org).
It developed from the grass roots, not the U.N. or NGOs and
is the result of the most inclusive and participatory worldwide
process ever associated with the drafting of an international
declaration. The Earth Charter seeks to inspire in all people
a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility
for the well-being of the whole human family, the greater community
of life and future generations. It is a blueprint for local
and global ministry, a vision of hope and a call to action...
"Now is a critical moment
in the history of God's creation, a time when we must choose
our future. Our common destiny calls us to seek a new beginning,
a fundamental change of heart and mind, a clear recognition
of global interdependence and universal responsibility. We must
act now to achieve sustainability, justice and peace."
The Earth Charter can be found at
www.earthcharterinaction.org/content/pages/Read-the-Charter.html.
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