On 11 November, the Worcester Interfaith Forum met at Holland House Retreat Centre tolisten to Dr Martin Hodson (Operations Director for the John Ray Initiative)and Ms Katy Boom (Director of Sustainability at Worcester University) speak onthe subject of Climate change.
Dr Hodson focused on presenting the alarmingscale and significance of climate changes for both our natural environment andour civilisation. He highlighted the links between human activity and thedeepening climate crisis. Ms Boom focused on practical steps we can all take tomitigate the climate change by influencing policy and urging for behaviouralchange in how we interact with the natural environment.
Representatives from sevenfaith traditions also spoke eloquently regarding the relationship of Faith tothe Earth and the environment, all holding that the planet and its creatures,plants and animals are beloved of the Divine.
As a result of this meeting, the Interfaith Forum has issued this statement:
"Therepresentatives of the Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Quaker and Sikh faith traditions of Worcester state that, as brothers and sisters inboth faith and common humanity, we uphold the sacredness of the earth and allits dependent life, including its seas, forests, mountains and plains.
Webelieve the words of the Great Native American, Chief Seattle, (Duwamish Tribe)are true - that "Humankind hasnot woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do tothe web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All thingsconnect".
We are alldeeply concerned about the state of our natural environment and poorstewardship of it which causes the deepening climate crisis. We therefore callupon not only faith communities, but the politicians, businesses and socialcommunities of Worcester to do everything within their power to nurture andsustain the environment, for the benefit of all - both present and yet to come."
On behalf of all themembers;
Dr Yvonne Stollard,Chair of Worcester Interfaith Forum
Revd Ian Spencer,Warden of Holland House Retreat Centre.
