Unitarian Universalism is guided by the seven principles. The seventh principle is “Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” The importance and relevance of this seventh principle is becoming ever more apparent as humankind's impact on the environment continues to increase. In recognition of that fact, the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations (UUA) issued a Statement of Conscience in 2006 on the threat of climate change and accepted administrative responsibility for the highly successful Green Sanctuary Program from UU Minstry for Earth in July 2008.
A Green Sanctuary is a congregation that lives out its commitment to the Earth by creating a sustainable life style for its members as individuals and as a faith community. The Green Sanctuary Program is a structured process designed to help individual congregations successfully make the transition to becoming a Green Sanctuary.
The Green Sanctuary Program involves five phases:
- Initial Preparation for the Program
- Conducting an Environmental Assessment
- Creating a Comprehensive Program. This includes a total of twelve activities distributed across four program areas:
- Worship and Celebration
- Religious Education
- Environmental Justice
- Sustainable Living
- Green Sanctuary Candidacy
- Green Sanctuary Accreditation
In June 2007, the Environmental Task Force recommended that our congregation participate in the Green Sanctuary Program. In June 2008, our congregation accepted that recommendation and voted to create the Green Sanctuary Committee. This committee serves as a catalyst but the process of become a Green Sanctuary ultimately involves everyone in the congregation. To date, we have completed the first four phases and are now working on the projects needed for accreditation.
Further information
Want to help out?
If you'd like to lend a hand, just contact Wes Ernsberger or any member of the UUCB Green Sanctuary Committee.
The Green Sanctuary Committee has set up an email group to facilitate discussion. If you'd like to participate, send an email to UUCBGreen-subscribe@yahoogroups.com. You'll receive an email back with enrollment instructions.
Thanks!
