Find previous reflections from Sr. Joan Brown.
Find out more about the faith community’s involvement in the UN Climate Change Conference.
Sadness and Hope mingle here at Copenhagen. Maybe it is jet lag, maybe it is the introvert within me feeling the press of so much activity, or maybe it is the cry of the planet calling to the compassion of my heart, but nearing the end of this day, Wednesday, Dec 9, I feel a great sadness. Yet, as I sit at this computer in an enormous computer center with hundreds of people from throughout the world, hope filters through as the evening begins. It is as if the bells and calls to prayer around the planet in towns, monasteries and little villages are ringing through these walls.
Several notes:
- Today I felt very honored to sit with religious leaders from throughout the world and speak at a press conference sponsored by the Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change and 350.org. I spoke of the call of St. Francis, Patron of Ecology to love all as brothers and sisters, to address our carbon footprint following the example of the life of St. Clare and St. Francis to “walk in the footprints of Jesus.” Today walking in the footprints of the Jesus of Justice and Love means reducing individual carbon footprints and increasing the voice to care for creation and all brothers and sisters.
- I had lunch with Stuart Scott, organizer of the Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change. He is fasting along with many others for movement at this meeting.
- It seems that some voices do not count because they are too small. The people of the island Tuvalu, and their proposal were dismissed today by the US and other developed nations. But, a spontaneous event of support for the people erupted near the delegates auditorium. Truth erupts. Are not all equal in God’s eyes?
- Some of the African countries are saying that climate increases must remain below 1 degree. I am praying for miracles.
- At the end of the day…what is most important? Acts of Love that take form in how we live our lives.
Peace and good,
Your sister,
Joan
