Dear Pollinators,
“…a savior who put an end to war and established all things…” If this sounds like a line from a Christmastime ode to Jesus, well, it is not. The quote does come from that ancient period, but the “savior” being referenced is Caesar Augustus. As the biblical scholar Joel Green notes, there are clear parallels in the language used to describe Jesus and the Roman Emperor. In the gospels, the parallels do not point to a fawning mimicry of the powerful, but rather to a provocative contrast with the powerful. The baby born in imperial backwaters arrives as the exact opposite of the one found on the throne in Rome. Indeed, as Mary indicates in her song of joy, the birth of Jesus evokes the God who "has brought down the powerful from their thrones.”
In reading the story of Jesus’ birth this year, what I find particularly compelling is the response of the shepherds. For those who are literally and figuratively on the margins of society, the manger becomes a point of convergence. Where the divine becomes manifest, those listening to the angels coalesce and gather. The question for us this Christmas is where are we to converge? Amid systems of power that have forced our society into crises of climate and inequality, where is the divine becoming manifest?
Over the past month, I have sensed the beginnings of a convergence that will ultimately compel our government in the direction of justice. The Creation Justice Webinar for January is fittingly entitled “What’s Possible?: Faith and Climate Policy in 2021.” We are entering into a moment charged with potential. From wherever we might come, let’s converge together.
With gratitude for your ministry,
More Details about the Next Creation Justice Webinar—What's Possible?: Faith and Climate Policy in 2021
After the Georgia Senate runoff election on January 5th, we will know the legislative landscape for the new Congress. What will be possible for climate policy? Aside from congress, what might President Biden accomplish through executive orders? This webinar will address these questions with an eye toward what faith communities can do to put their values into action in pressing for the kind of climate policies urgently needed in this time of crisis and inequality. The featured panelists will be Anthony Rogers-Wright from the Climate Justice Alliance, Emily Wirzba from the Environmental Defense Fund, and Clarence Edwards from the Friends Committee on National Legislation. Register now!
Call for Public Comments: Say No to Oil and Gas Leasing the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Write a public comment to the Bureau of Land Management urging them to halt leasing in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Oil and gas industrial activities in the refuge are opposed by the Gwich'in people, who have lived off this land for more than 10,000 years. Industrial activities of the fossil fuel industry will disrupt the calving grounds of the Porcupine Caribou herd, a place the Gwich'in call "the sacred place where life begins." Take this opportunity to learn more and offer a public comment.
MomentUs: A National Campaign for Climate Justice
MomentUs is a national campaign led by ecoAmerica calling for ambitious climate policies at local, regional, and national levels that will eliminate carbon pollution, restore thriving natural systems, and prioritize justice and equity. These solutions must halve carbon emissions each decade going forward, begin removing existing carbon pollution and correct racial and economically based inequities and injustices. Join the effort and become a signatory of the MomentUs Statement.
Join the Campaign to Stop Enbridge Line 3 Construction
Today, the Rev. Christian Briones of Mayflower United Church of Christ in Minneapolis is joining with Winona LaDauke and others to prevent construction on the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline. On Monday, 22 persons were arrested for blocking equipment and refusing to leave. Our partners at 350.org have created at action alert for persons throughout the United States to contact their representatives in Congress in calling for them to take a stand and speak out against the pipeline.
Faith and Environmental Justice in the Media
This past week Sojourner's magazine published an article online entitled "Biden's Cilmate Agenda Is Ambitious, But Clergy and Activists Want More." A number of perspectives are offered from the Rev. Kelvin Sauls, the Rev. Fletcher Harper, the Rev. Dr. Leah Schade, Denali Nalamalapu, Brenna Davis, John Paul Mejia, and the Rev. Dr. Brooks Berndt. Recently, the Real News Network began a new four part video series entitled "Faith and the Fight against Climate Change." The first video features Abdul Rehman Malik of Yale Divinity School.
Digital Potluck: Chickpea and Rice Soup
While churches are unable to gather for potlucks during the pandemic, we can still share our sacred love of heavenly delectable gifts online. Through this regular feature of the Pollinator, we are sharing recipes that reflect the UCC's Kairos Call to Action which notes that eating plant-rich foods is good for both the body and the planet. Today's recipe comes from the Rev. Michael Howard who serves as the Minister for Faith in Action for the Living Water Association of Northeast Ohio. While still cherishing memories of the chicken and rice meals enjoyed as a child in Kentucky, Howard and his family have created a new tradition with vegan chickpea and rice soup. Check out his reflection and delicious recipe!
The Pollinator: An environmental justice forum for the sharing of ideas and inspiration.