embracing
the earth charter
~ Connecting PEOPLE and RESOURCES
Would you like to go directly to RESOURCES?
This is some text inside of a div block.
or would you like to watch something inspirational?
"Earthrise" by Amanda Gorman
Embrace
or a very short introductory video. . .
"Earth Charter: Turning conscience into action . . . "
1:20 minute intro video of the Earth Charter. . .
Earth Charter basics . . .
The Earth Charter
Crafted by visionaries over twenty years ago, the Earth Charter is a document with four pillars, containing sixteen principles, that turn conscience into action. It seeks to inspire in all people a new sense of global interdependence and shared responsibility for the well-being of the whole human family, the greater community of life, and future generations.
It is a vision of hope and a call to action.
4 Pillars
![Cute image of girls with caterpillar](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fc83f54837a8a9d2e7cf1bf/5fea74e7f723ca6b6664de92_girlswithcaterpillar.jpg)
![Two images of three children trying to watch a sporting event while standing in front of a tall fence: one showing Equality & the other showing Equity](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fc83f54837a8a9d2e7cf1bf/5fea724cf723ca077664d86a_Equity2.png)
![multi-colored peace sign](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fc83f54837a8a9d2e7cf1bf/5fea6a4746c23a6389ea36e0_dreamstime_m_32039764.jpg)
1.
Interdependence among all People, Animals and Plants
2.
Ecological Integrity
3.
Social and Economic Justice
4.
Democracy, Nonviolence and Peace
![A whimsical image of the earth with flowers, butterflies, rainbow & other nature surrounding it](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fc83f54837a8a9d2e7cf1bf/5fea77179b4f3692bc4168da_earth%20cartoon.jpeg)
Click here for a complete chart of Principles and Objectives
The Earth Charter (preamble, 1st paragraph)
We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future. As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise. To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny.
We must join together to bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature, universal human rights, economic justice and a culture of peace.
Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations.
4-minute "wake-up call" from Steven C. Rockefeller, co-founder of the Earth Charter . . .
and now some Lutheran context . . .
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Earth Charter (1988-2019)
30+ Years of History
The ELCA's multi-faceted approach of being God's hands in the world, aligns well with the Earth Charter's sixteen principles.
ELCA endorsed the Earth Charter (2019)
Read the ELCA endorsement from the 4th of October 2019. Congregations are embracing the Earth Charter in ways that best fit their community.
The Earth Charter compels us to harmonize diversity with unity, the exercise of freedom with the common good, and short-term objectives with long-term goals.
We hope you find what you're looking for on this simple website. If you have suggestions for improving this website, please use the Contact tab.
Urgent: We've got more to do!
The ELCA understands this is requires "all hands on deck." The ELCA is encouraging synods and congregations throughout the country to implement the Earth Charter in their community, in ways they see fit. World events offer witness to the damage we in the west are doing, especially relating to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, to communities thousands of miles away.
You and the Earth Charter
when you see the wisdom of the Earth Charter . . .
you're ready to
choose your next step . . .
(bookmark this page and return as often as you like)