The following is an excerpt from a memo on April 13, 2022 from Dr. Edward Viljoen, Spiritual Leader, Centers for Spiritual Living:
"We envision a world in which resources are valued and cared for."
"We must resist the easy path of quoting from scripture, mediation, or manifestation on one day and then accepting the destruction of our climate the next. We must act on our values and beliefs together, as people of diverse faiths and spiritualities, for our common home.” ~ Greenfaith.org
"Holi. Vaisakhi. Ramadan. Passover. Holy Week and Easter. Vesak. Naw Ruz. Ridvan. Billions of people attend these spiritual observances from March 17 to May 6 each year. Also occurring during this time are Earth Day, World Water Day and Equinox, and Centers for Spiritual Living’s recommended global theme for April 2022 is "Living Everyday Wonder: Creativity."
"During this season of spiritual observances worldwide, we see the opportunity to join GreenFaith’s multi-faith invitation to connect climate justice and planetary wellness with our spiritual principles, values and CSL's Global Vision. (GreenFaith is a worldwide, multi-faith, climate and environmental movement that encourages spiritual responses to global issues.) "
"Although climate change causes continue to be debated, it is still a matter that calls for people across cultures and religious traditions to work together to find a solution. Therefore, we invite our communities to respond to this call in three ways that connect our principles, values and Global Vision to action: Acknowledge the imminent danger to life that global warming poses. (See the resources collection from GreenFaith here. By talking to friends, neighbors and family, we help raise the awareness of something important to all of us."
"There is an inherent discomfort in talking about matters so significant in scope and complex in nature. Still, without the potent creative power of sharing our thoughts, concerns and aspirations for our planet, it is easy to let this critical matter remain unattended. An effective way for members and friends to contribute to a solution is to talk about climate change by expressing their thoughts, not as representative of an organizational perspective, but because each voice has something of value to contribute to our understanding. (From the CSL Global Vision: We envision a world that respects and honors the interconnectedness of all life.)"
"Encourage political and business leaders to join in a robust and responsible response to global warming. By taking your concern to the people who represent you and who do business with you, you exercise your power of influence for good. Drawing on our core values and in a spirit of compassion, love and justice, we expand the narrative of emphasizing the good to include appropriate action."
"We can join our Science of Mind voices with those of our multi-faith friends who call for an end to new fossil fuel projects and deforestation and a rapid, just transition to a sustainable future."
"We can add our messages or sacred rituals for planetary wellness to this holy season."
From the CSL Global Vision: We envision a world where personal responsibility joins with social conscience in every area of the political, corporate, academic and social sectors, providing sustainable structures.)
"And, most importantly, engage in focused spiritual practice with a clear sense that all these actions can and do have a positive, beneficial effect on the future of life on our planet. Members and friends of CSL are activated by a vision of a healthy, loving world — one in which there is an emphasis on sound planetary stewardship. A clear sense of this vision can guide the focus of our prayer, and prayer, we hold, is the primary tool for shifting consciousness."
"Therefore, we invite members and friends of CSL to contemplate the Global Vision, to allow it to shape your prayers and thereby inform you as to which appropriate actions are yours to make. If you and your CSL community plan to host a Sacred Season for Climate Justice event and would like to have it listed on GreenFaith.org, please use this online form to register your details: Organize an Event | GreenFaith"
We envision all people, all beings and all life as expressions of God.
We see a world in which each person lives in alignment with their highest spiritual principle, emphasizing unity with God and connection with each other; a world in which individually and collectively we are called to a higher state of consciousness and action.
We envision humanity awakening to its spiritual magnificence and discovering the creative power of thought; a world where every person discovers their own personal power and ability to create an individual life that works within a world that works for everyone.
We envision a world in which we live and grow as one global family that respects and honors the interconnectedness of all life; a world where this kinship with all life prospers and connects through the guidance of spiritual wisdom and experience.
We envision a world where personal responsibility joins with social conscience in every area of the political, corporate, academic and social sectors, providing sustainable structures to further the emerging global consciousness.
We envision a world where every person has enough food, a home and a sense of belonging; a world of peace and harmony, enfranchisement and justice.
We envision a world in which resources are valued, cared for and grown, and where there is generous and continuous sharing of these resources.
We envision a worldwide culture in which forgiveness is the norm.
We envision a world which has renewed its emphasis on beauty, nature and love through the resurgence of creativity, art and aesthetics.
We envision a world that works for everyone and for all of creation.
Spiritually Motivated Social Engagement Committee Resources
Climate Change Is Threatening the Fight to End Extreme Poverty: United Nations (globalcitizen.org)
Why Climate Change and Poverty Are Inextricably Linked (globalcitizen.org)
How Are We Going to Kickstart Global Climate Action? (globalcitizen.org) Statement_COP21 (actalliance.org)
Loss of Biodiversity: The Burgeoning Threat to Human Health - PMC (nih.gov)
The Crisis of Planetary Health: Reflections From the World Religions (georgetown.edu)