The tide is rising and so are we…
by Vickie Machado
Last month participants from around the
country gathered in Seattle to reflect on how to navigate the environmental
issues of the Pacific Northwest with regards to climate change and within the
context of Christian faith. Collectively our group of seven EcoStewards and
four leaders examined Pope Francis’ encyclical, Laudato Si’, On Care for
Our Common Home. We reflected upon these words on the shores of Lake Washington
and Bellingham Bay, while connecting them to the actions of many of the people
and organizations we visited.
Folks at the Sightline Institute introduced us to the danger
coal trains posed to many small towns as cargo loads brought the possibility of
explosions, coal dust, and traffic issues rather than the promise of local
jobs. EarthMinistry discussed their push to engage churches in these issues
primarily teaching churches to act as allies to local Native American tribes.
In the middle of the week, we met with the BackboneCampaign as they offered insight into the mass organization of
kayak-ivists that worked to block oil ships from leaving port. And finally, the
Lummi Nation graced us with their stories and
wisdom as they shared the generations’ long fight for equality and their more
recent move to prevent export facilities at Cherry Point.
In all of these instances, words from the encyclical and deeper understandings
from our faith tradition appeared as we navigated how to serve God while caring
for creation and our fellow brothers and sisters. We contemplated this call
while meeting with others, communally preparing and sharing meals, singing
songs, worshiping together, exploring the city by public transit, and kayaking
Puget Sound. Within this week we learned and grew from those around us,
recognizing the impact we all have in our world and that it takes every bit of
effort to make a difference. Based on Rabbi Shochana Meira Friedman’s song,
which we collectively sang the last night in Seattle, “the world is ready and
so are we.”
Love wins! Beautifully shared Vickie.
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