Unitarian Universalist congregations affirm and promote seven Principles, which we hold as strong values and moral guides. Our seventh Principle calls us to affirm and promote the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.  We have a sacred responsibility to work for the healing of our planet.

As part of the interdependent web, we share a common destiny with all of nature.  Modern ways of living have led to climate change and pose a major threat to all life on earth.  We must mitigate the harmful effects of global warming and environmental degradation in order to maintain a livable world for ourselves, future generations, and other species.   

There is scientific consensus that the Earth’s climate is changing due to human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels.  Greenhouse gases cause global warming that threatens to devastate both human communities and wildlife habitats.  Increased temperature will cause rising sea levels and flooding in coastal cities, changes in weather patterns, and threaten our food supply.  These changes will be especially harmful to those most vulnerable, the poor and disadvantaged who are most likely to live in marginalized areas.  The land of indigenous peoples is continually being exploited for resources and the dumping of toxic wastes in ways that pollute the air, water and soil.  Although the developed world produces most of the harmful gases, it is the undeveloped nations that will pay the greatest price.  Climate change is the greatest threat facing our world today.

We can no longer wait to take action. As individuals, we must lower our consumption of energy and resources, recycle and reduce waste, and strive to live in ways that sustain life on earth.  We must live responsibly with awareness of how our life choices affect our planet. As a congregation, we must educate ourselves on sustainable ways to live interdependently.  We will stand in solidarity with First Nation peoples who are disproportionately affected by climate change, and will work with other community groups to protect our environment and mitigate the harmful effects of human activity. As citizens, we call on our elected leaders to enact policies that reduce carbon emissions, decrease our dependence on fossil fuels, and promote more sustainable practices.  We will insist that our country abides by international agreements to protect sustainable life on earth.

As a people of faith, we commit to a renewed reverence for life and for the interdependent web of all existence.

Approved by the Board of First UU on April 20, 2020 and submitted to Interfaith Alliance