More reflections from Sr. Joan Brown.
Find out more about the faith community’s involvement in the UN Climate Change Conference.
On the eve of my trip to the Climate meeting in Copenhagen, the Advent candles of my Catholic tradition remind me that there is hope in the darkest of winter. Copenhagen, in the northern hemisphere experiences vast darkness of the winter solstice season as thousands gather for this historic meeting. The symbolism of the season is not lost. We are an Earth people in a time of planetary dimming, and yet, we hold a promise of hope through choices for the common good.
This past Wednesday, some of us experienced hope within holding the dim reality as people of various faith traditions walking in candlelight carrying a 4 x 4 foot inflatable Earth through the streets of Albuquerque, New Mexico singing “We are marching in the Light of God” in three languages.
When we entered St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral we experienced a prayer vigil with representation from people of many faith traditions and held our Earth and leaders in a prayer of Hope for movement toward a binding agreement in Copenhagen. We had tears in our eyes standing in a circle of brothers and sisters knowing that in some measure we hold the fate of the Earth and future generations in our hands and hearts.
Many of those gathered and countless others are joining in prayer, good works and fasting for the success of the meetings. May we walk together as brothers and sisters these days as we light a candle for hope and pray:
“May the leaders of nations hear and obey our call, creating an agreement to safeguard the climate future of Earth. May they be guided by wisdom over shortsightedness, choosing to preserve life over national advantage.
May we each and all seek and be empowered to change our lives and old wasteful habits, and realize that we are One Humanity, with a common fate living on a shared, sacred Planet.”
In the words of St. Francis, Peace and All Good. Next stop Copenhagen.
