Each week, from May to the end of November, my wife and I walk a mile and one-quarter each way, mostly on the Monon Trail, to the Farmers Market at Broad Ripple High School.  We do so for several reasons: fresh produce that allows us not only to support local growers, I particularly like the various Apple vendors, but it is also a great form of exercise.  For those of you who do not have this opportunity to satisfy your stomach and heart by walking, it is still a great opportunity to meet friends, neighbors, and fellow church members.  I must add that the church I attend, North United Methodist Church, also has a Farmers Market.  Farmer Markets are an example of the Earth Charter in action.  The relevant part of the Earth Charter is section 2: Ecological Integrity:  ”Adopt lifestyles that emphasize the quality of life…”. I would propose that purchasing produce from the Broad Ripple Farmers Market adds significantly to the quality of our health and life.

I love the coming of Spring for the flowers, the greening of the trees, the chance to ride my bike, and the weekly walk to Broad Ripple High School.  I encourage you to locate the Farmer’s Market closest to you and make it a part of your weekly effort to support local growers and improve the quality of your life.  I know that some people say that the prices at Farmer Markets are higher than grocery stores, but why not improve your health rather than the bottom line of a chain grocery store.  See you at a Farmers Market this year!!

For our all our neighbors, family and friends;

John Drake

But as good as that is, the Earth Charter has something more to say; that being environmental stewards is much more than being green. Once we decide that we will act to protect the earth and life on earth, we see that something more is required. That sustainability has to do with ensuring equitable access to resources for future generations. That conserving resources and protecting threatened species has to do with patterns of livelihood and food production. That people will go to war over resources and that war utterly destroys the natural world on which those warring parties depend. That environmental protection, justice and peace all rely on the ability of people to participate in their own government. That we must adopt practices large and small that respect the viability of life for generations to come. That we must live with humility in the face of all that is the earth.

These words attributed to Chief Seattle are so familiar that we almost know them by heart.
“This we know. The earth does not belong to us, we belong to the earth. This we know. All things are connected like the blood which unites one family. All things are connected. Whatever befalls the earth befalls the sons and daughters of the earth. We did not weave the web of life. We are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.”

For our children’s children,

Jerry King

But times have changed. Science is often central to controversial policy issues, and some have questioned the objectivity, and even the motives, of today’s scientists in the context of these debates. The politics of climate change is a perfect example. So, too, the recurring debate about school curriculum, with the teaching of the theory of evolution in science classes viewed by some as contrary, and therefore a threat, to certain religious beliefs. In addition, we’ve come to realize that some scientific advances of the past have had unanticipated and unintended consequences that themselves pose serious and challenging problems, both to the environment and to our health. For example, the ubiquitous presence of non-biodegradable plastics in our waste stream is having global impacts, including to our ocean ecosystems. Another example played out recently in connection with the chemical bisphenol A (aka “BPA”), which was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the early 1960s. BPA is used in many consumer plastics and in the lining of almost all cans used by the food and beverage industry. Although some scientists contend there is ample evidence BPA is an “endocrine disruptor,” and particularly harmful to infants, and although it is undisputed that BPA leaches from cans into food and beverages causing elevated levels of BPA in humans, the FDA just last month denied a petition filed in 2008 by the Natural Resources Defense Counsel to ban the use of BPA in human food and packaging. The FDA concluded that the data and information provided by the NRDC was insufficient to warrant regulatory action, and determined that the appropriate course is for the FDA to “continue in its broader and more comprehensive review of emerging data and information on BPA,” which may or may not lead to regulatory change in the future. The regulated industry applauded the FDA’s decision as one based on “sound science,” and noted the serious implications on food safety if BPA is banned. (BPA alternatives, although currently more expensive, are available and in use by some companies.)

How can the Earth Charter guide us regarding new scientific advances or when reasonable people, including scientists, disagree about issues of science and technology? Principle 6 is instructive. It calls on us to “Prevent harm as the best method of environmental protection and, when knowledge is limited, apply a precautionary approach.” Subsections (a) and (b) provide that we should “take action to avoid the possibility of serious or irreversible environmental harm even when scientific knowledge is incomplete or inconclusive,” and “place the burden of proof on those who argue that a proposed activity will not cause significant harm, and make the responsible parties liable for environmental harm.” (Emphasis added.) Was the FDA’s decision on BPA consistent with Principle 6? What about our national stance on climate change?

For our children’s children,
Rosemary Spalding

Mythologist Joseph Campbell taught us that stories of resurrection are virtually universal across centuries, cultures and religious traditions. From ancient times to today, we have shaped our understanding of the world and our place in it through metaphorical stories that assure us that crops will bear fruit in their season and that birth is followed by death and ultimately by regeneration of new life.  So inevitable and integrated is the continuous circle of creation that we may be able to recognize, in generation after countless generations of interwoven human, animal and plant life, that we are all finally one life, one creation, one energy.  It’s the great irony of creation. We live. We die. Life is not diminished, and we’re grateful.

If that much makes sense given your understanding of life, then it gives the Earth Charter – this Declaration of Interdependence – an additional level of meaning.

Read these sentences from the Charter’s Preamble from the perspective of one whole earth.

We are at once citizens of different nations and of one world in which the local and global are linked. Everyone shares responsibility for the present and future well-being of the human family and the larger living world. The spirit of human solidarity and kinship with all life is strengthened when we live with reverence for the mystery of being, gratitude for the gift of life, and humility regarding the human place in nature.

For our children’s children,

Jerry King

But as you know, Fr Hardin did not simply “advocate” for equality as we usually use that word. In partnership with Sister Jane Schilling, Fr Hardin leapt far beyond words to found the Martin Community Center and then what would become today’s immensely valued Martin University. Most of Martin’s students are older than typical undergraduates; they’ve usually been away from school for a while and most are African Americans.  Since the school’s creation in 1977 surely thousands who might never have gained admission to more traditional settings have attained education, degrees and career opportunities as a result of Fr Hardin’s determination to turn a grand vision into reality.

I grew up in a time and area of Indianapolis where we seldom encountered the city’s black residents except at basketball games. My friends and I shared an ignorant fear of certain neighborhoods.  African Americans could go to public pools and amusement parks only on designated days.  We’ve moved some distance past that naïve and destructive time, but, if we need reminding, we’ll find stories in today’s news – some with national headlines – that reflect that we’re still a long way from understanding how to normalize relations among races.

For the past several years Fr Hardin was one of Earth Charter Indiana’s Green Ambassadors. Of course we’re proud that he permitted us to include his name among several well-known Hoosiers who want to be known as endorsing the Charter. It’s no wonder that he did so since the Charter has so much to say about access and opportunity.  And just as Fr. Hardin’s life was about getting from words to action, the Charter reminds us that we also have parts to play among family and friends, in our workplaces, neighborhoods and in the voting booth to ensure opportunity, embrace diversity and to seek every person’s contributions.

For our children’s children,

Jerry King

This year finally, with support from legislative leaders and the Governor, the tide shifted to make it clear that some kind of smokefree air bill would succeed. But it was also abundantly clear that there would be compromises that would be hard to live with. In its final version the new law will prohibit smoking in all enclosed workplaces except for casinos, bars, tobacco stores and family businesses in private homes. So we can celebrate that the law will finally ensure clean air in previously unprotected workplaces across the state. But the exemption for bars and casinos is a grave failure. Thousands of Hoosiers will continue working and breathing in heavy-smoke filled environments.

One very good outcome of the bill was the removal of a provision added by the Senate that would have prevented communities from enacting stronger local ordinances. The tobacco industry lobbies for “preemption” as a strategy to keep local communities from improving on weak state laws.  The elimination of that restriction guarantees that going forward more cities and counties will act to ensure healthy indoor environments for now unprotected workers.

And so it should be. The Earth Charter urges us to, “Strengthen local communities, enabling them to care for their environments, and assign environmental responsibilities to the levels of government where they can be carried out most effectively.” I hope you’ll have the opportunity to support those efforts where you live and breathe.

For our children’s children,

Jerry King

Unfortunately it’s a scenario that plays into the broader disdain for government that seems rampant today. Government is under attack from all sides – from office holders who violate the public’s trust for personal gain, to those who believe that government strangles personal liberty, to malcontents who can be counted on to spot government ineptitude. All of that in spite of the fact that we know that the great majority of people in government are honest, dedicated public servants, and that many of them are extremely effective at their important work. But the bad stories get most of the press and fuel our cynicism.

The Earth Charter reminds us that to “Strengthen democratic institutions at all levels, and provide transparency and accountability in governance, inclusive participation in decision making, and access to justice,” and to “Eliminate corruption in all public and private institutions” are essential components of how we care for the community of life.

Here at home that starts with us living out a first principle which is that in America government is of the people, by the people and for the people. The mechanisms and offices of government and those whom we elect or appoint make up the infrastructure that we have created for the purpose of managing our shared responsibilities and thus are extensions of ourselves. Yes, we can and do have honest differences in philosophy of government, economic policies and spending priorities. But if we believe that government is an authority separate from us, we easily slide into the frame of mind where some people are today which is to think of government as something that is done to us.  Honesty, transparency and inclusive participation are functions of our belief that government is no more than ourselves acting collectively to ensure the common good.

For our children’s children,

Jerry King

I confess that I wrestle constantly with this. Like most of us, I have deeply held political, social and spiritual convictions. And being more than a little judgmental, I struggle mightily to understand how to be reconciled with passionate belief that I feel is dangerously wrong – while knowing that those with whom I so fervently disagree hold onto their beliefs as strongly as I do and that they are just as frightened by what I believe. So is it possible to stand unwavering  for our deeply held convictions at the same time that we honor contrary belief, or, if that’s impossible, to honor the contrary believer?

The shootings that wounded Gabrielle Giffords and killed six others jarred us awake to ask whether the absence of public civility gives rise to extreme violence. Now a year later, as public courtesy continues to suffer, it’s not clear that we’ve learned very much.  But the Earth Charter raises civility to a higher level than simple politeness. Civility requires honestly seeking merit in the contrary point of view and believing that the other person also has a contribution to make. From The Way Forward…

Life often involves tensions between important values. This can mean difficult choices. However, we must find ways to harmonize diversity with unity, the exercise of freedom with the common good, short-term objectives with long-term goals. Every individual, family, organization, and community has a vital role to play.

For our children’s children,

Jerry King

George Orwell wrote that “Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable.”  This cynical quote begins an article entitled “A bill’s name is part of the game,” published in June 2011 in Medill Reports.  The author makes the point that a bill’s title is extremely powerful because it affects perception of a bill and thus its chance of passage.  Unfortunately, rather than create a title to provide an accurate description of a bill’s purpose or contents, legislators sometimes strategically concoct a title designed to evoke emotion, obfuscate or even deceive the public, often serving the purpose of putting opponents on the defensive, as well.  We can think of several examples of this tactic in recent history — how about the “Patriot Act”?

Governor Daniels was fairly forthcoming explaining his change of heart in supporting this legislation.  This is about unions — and the Governor was persuaded that passage was necessary to attract certain businesses – some that wouldn’t even consider locating in Indiana unless we have this law.  Whether you agree or disagree with the Governor’s premise or with his public policy position, at least he was candid (even if only implicitly) in acknowledging the bill’s purpose – weaken unions to attract business.  But the same cannot be said for the sponsors of the bill who named it, or other legislators and special interest groups who championed it.  In fact, if you didn’t read the bill but only considered its title, many of the TV and radio ads that saturated the airwaves and the rhetoric of those who supported it, you would believe that the sole purpose of the legislation was to protect Indiana workers – a noble goal no reasonable person could oppose.

Among other things, Principle 13 of the Earth Charter calls for us to “provide transparency and accountability in governance.”  Transparency implies clarity, openness, honesty and accountability.   The inherent deception manifested in naming this contentious and divisive legislation “Employee’s Right to Work” is contrary to this principle, an affront to those who have legitimate objections and a slight to the public’s intelligence.  We deserve better.

For our children’s children,

Rosemary Spalding