Earth Day: A time for faith

The Dalai Lama using modern technology for an ageless message.

Leaders of the world’s religious faiths are   urging a new commitment to environmental healing on this 51st anniversary of Earth Day in the US.

In Rome, Pope Francis I said: “We have been becoming more aware that nature deserves to be protected, even if only because human interaction with God’s biodiversity must take care with utmost care and respect.”

From Dharamsala, India, the Dalai Lama said in an Earth Day statement:
“The earth acts like a mother to us all. Like children, we are dependent on her. In the face of such global problems as the effect of global heating and depletion of the ozone layer, individual organizations and single nations are helpless. Unless we all work together, no solution can be found. Our mother earth is teaching us a lesson in universal responsibility.”

In Britain, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby told an international gathering of faith leaders that the fight against the climate crisis would benefit from the relationship between science and faith.  Welby said (in March, 2021) that “the relationship between science and faith presents us with a very real and a powerful route to lasting, major change. Our global reach, our commitment to local communities and our hope combined with the knowledge and expertise of science can forge a powerful alliance.”

In Israel, the biggest concern of all, according to Rabbi Aaron Lerner, is the future of the world’s environment. “As we celebrate Earth Day and the abundance our planet provides for us every day, we must redouble our efforts and work together to protect our only home,” Lerner said. Meanwhile,  Hebrew University announced   its new Center for Sustainability.

For more announcements, prayers and reflections, see the Earth Day 2021 web site.