Dear Pollinators,
The Gospel of Matthew tells us that you will know a tree by the fruit it bears. A healthy tree bears good fruit, while a diseased tree bears bad fruit. The lesson seems simple enough, but the implications have a timeless relevance for an endless array of vitally important matters. Consider, for example, the current debates over that government procedure with the funny name “filibuster.” At first, this Senate rule which triggers the need for a supermajority of 60 votes to pass legislation would seem like a rather boring tree. There doesn’t seem to be anything good, bad, healthy, or diseased about it. But then you look at its fruit.
While it occasionally prevents unjust legislation, its results are more frequently that of a governing body that has fallen ill to virulent diseases such as racism. In 1922, Southern Democrats used it to prevent anti-lynching legislation, as the KKK’s reign of terror and violence continued. In 1957, Senator Strom Thurmond spoke for 24 continuous hours on the Senate floor in an attempt to derail the Civil Rights Act from protecting the voting rights of Black people.
These are just a few examples in a long history of just legislation falling victim to the immoral whims of a minority. Other examples reveal how it has been used to harm workers, immigrants, and women while furthering the power of corporations and the wealthy. Adam Jentleson, who has authored a book on the filibuster entitled Kill Switch, notes that the filibuster has principally been a tool for preserving the status quo and fending off change. Not surprisingly, the filibuster has been used in the past to prevent environmental legislation, and it is currently a primary obstacle to passing climate legislation.
As Christians, we can’t allow our institutions to rot from afflictions that cause the whole nation to suffer. Organizations like Evergreen Action are leading efforts to eliminate the filibuster. As they note in a call to action, to fix the climate crisis, we need to fix the Senate.
With gratitude for your ministry,
Webinar: Climate Savior or Neocolonialist?—Biden from an Indigenous Christian Perspective
The environmental movement has widely lauded the actions taken by the Biden administration in addressing the climate crisis through early appointments and executive orders. Yet, there is a larger context to consider, as indigenous leaders continue fights against pipelines and Syria is bombed. In this webinar, Mark Charles will provide an indigenous Christian perspective on the presidency. Charles is the co-author of the book, "Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing, Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery." In 2020, Charles made a historic run for the presidency as a dual citizen of the United States and the Navajo Nation. Sign-up now for this webinar on Wednesday, March 10th at 1 pm ET. Sign-up even if you can’t make it, and we will send you a recording.
Fellowship for Climate Action: Digital Gathering to Oppose Line 3
As part of GreenFaith’s international day of action on March 11th entitled “Sacred People, Sacred Earth,” a digital advocacy gathering is being organized by the Rev. Roberta Rominger. The gathering will begin with a moment to center advocacy in our faith and to hear the latest updates on the indigenous-led struggle against the pipeline. Those present will then partake in proposed advocacy actions while enjoying fellowship with each other. Join the gathering via Zoom at 1 pm ET/4pm PT on Thursday, March 11th by signing up now.
A Resolution on the Rights of Nature Progresses
A proposed resolution on the rights of nature has its origins in a church green team, and it is now working its way through a discernment process to determine how the United Church of Christ might act upon it. The resolution is a “first of its kind” for a Christian denomination. Read about the resolution and how it is progressing toward General Synod in this account from the Rev. Dr. Robert Shore-Goss, the resolution’s author.
Free Tickets for the American Climate Leadership Summit
Along with Eco-America, the United Church of Christ is co-hosting this year’s American Climate Leadership Summit from April 27th to the 29th. Speakers will include Gina McCarthy, the National Climate Advisor for the White House, EPA Secretary Michael Regan, youth activist Jamie Margolin, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, and more. As a co-host, the UCC has 25 free tickets to give away. Email Brooks Berndt to request a ticket.