Though some activists turn to scientists and environmentalists to address climate change, religious leaders joined yesterday at the State House to show a united front in support of policies that protect the environment.
The Massachusetts Interfaith Climate Action Network held the Day of Prayer and Advocacy to recognize the importance of preserving the environment’s beauty and resources for the sake of future generations.
Suffragan Bishop Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts retired Rev. Roy F. Cederholm took out a picture of his grandchildren, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment for future generations.
“Can they count on us to leave them a beautiful planet full of resources?” he said.
Rabbi Eric Gurvis said children must learn how to create beauty without destroying the earth.
“We have been given incredible raw materials, but if we do not protect them there will be nothing left from which we can create raw beauty,” he said.
Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Plymouth), chairman of the Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change, said due to its public health and economic effects, climate change is the most pressing issue facing policymakers today.
“Talk is cheap,” he said. “It’s great when we have a good rhetoric around the issue, but we need to take the actions that you are taking today and inspire the people in this building . . . We need to do something and it is long overdue.”
Rep. Frank Smizik (D-Norfolk), chairman of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture, said the future of environmental policy will depend on the 2008 presidential election.
“There will be no federal legislation until there is a change of leadership in the executive branch,” he said.
Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ President the Rev. Jim Antal said leaders today were called by unborn generations to leave the world like the Biblical Eden.
He compared the environmental “revolution” to the American Revolution, and said sacrifice and generosity are necessary to its success.
“[These] are the values of every faith perspective the world over,” he said.
