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[NCC] NCC Says Earth Day not Just Secular
From
Worldwide Faith News <wfn@igc.org>
Date
Fri, 22 Apr 2005 13:19:32 -0700
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Earth Day Not Just for the Secular; Congregations Nationwide Focus on God's
Oceans, Seas During 2005 Celebrations
Washington, D.C., April 21, 2005 -- Even as the Congress takes up the
debate on the environment again this week, congregations across the country
will be making final preparations to focus on God's sacred oceans and seas
in Earth Day Sunday celebrations on April 24. Once celebrated only in the
secular arena, Earth Day is now being embraced by a wide range of Christian
congregations from across the nation.
Typically observed on the Sunday closest to Earth Day, congregations such
as Towson Presbyterian Church in Towson, Md., have received resource
materials from the National Council of Churches USA to celebrate God's
creation. This year, churches have been asked to focus on environmental
stewardship and the importance of protecting God's sacred oceans and seas.
Towson Presbyterian Church has been celebrating God's creation all month
long. According to Susan Thompson, director of Christian Education, the
church has participated in numerous activities including special readings,
presentations and "Project Clean Stream." Organized by the Alliance for the
Chesapeake Bay, this activity included many of the church's youth and will
have a positive impact on ocean life.
"God created the earth and we intend to celebrate the beauty of God's
creation," said Charlie Conklin, a lay leader and chair of the church's
environmental ministry program.
According to Cassandra Carmichael, director of NCC eco-justice programs,
"Oceans are an essential part of God's creation. We rely on oceans for food
and nourishment, for temperature regulation, and for a variety of
life-giving gifts," she says, "Yet human practices such as pollution,
coastal development and depleting the ocean's fish populations more quickly
than they can reproduce, are putting God's oceans in jeopardy."
"We hope this year's focus on oceans and seas will help change this
dangerous trend," Carmichael said.
More than 2,000 congregations will celebrate Earth Day this year with
special worship experiences, education programs, and other environmental
activities. For more information on Earth Day Sunday or for a copy of the
resource materials, visit: www.nccecojustice.org or contact Cassandra
Carmichael, NCC Director for Eco-Justice Programs, (202) 544-2350 (ext.
27), cassandra@toad.net.
Contact: Leslie Tune, NCC News, (202) 544-2350
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