EARTHKEEPING NEWS A NEWSLETTER OF THE NORTH AMERICAN COALITION FOR CHRISTIANITY AND ECOLOGY Volume Three, Number Three January/February 1994 PRO-VISIONAL EARTH CHARTER — A NEW YEAR'S PROMISE A mixed group of 45 Christians gathered at Iona Abbey, Scotland, in July 1993 for a week long course, entitled "Loving Oneself, Loving the World" taught by theologian Anne Primavesi. The group summarized the ideals and commitments that emerged during their study in their own Earth Charter, calling it "pro-visional" because it is both a vision and a program. Dr. Primavesi teaches environmental theology at Schumacher College and Bristol University. Address: Cruachan, Manor Lane, Newbury RG13 2QY, England. We shall honour this planet Earth as the home of all living things because God loves it, and because we are a part of it. We shall nurture it with wisdom. Starting from where we are, as a matter of urgency, we look to change our life-styles and commit ourselves to reducing our consumption. We shall plan for the long term. We shall work cooperatively rather than competitively. We shall value one another more. We shall keep ourselves and others well-informed. We shall try to learn how to value things held in common, and not take for granted those gifts which cost us nothing. We shall seek ways of passing on these values to children. We challenge the values of selfish competition and individualism; of short-term planning; of militarism; of freedom of choice as a consumer ideal: all of which have been promoted strongly in our culture. We value and commit ourselves to cooperation, community and interdependence. We shall make appropriate protests to organizations, to those in authority where these values are threatened. Aware of the uncaused love of God, we give thanks. We pray to the Spirit for wisdom and courage. Home     Table of Contents