UUMFE/350 Project Press Release

Contents

UUMFE calls all congregations

to participate in the

International Day of Climate Action

on October 24, 2009

Social justice, creation care, stewardship, Earth community, beloved community – there are many ways we can name and express our moral and spiritual perspectives on climate change. UU Ministry for Earth invites Unitarian Universalists to join with us in prayer, meditation, action and celebration on United Nations Day, Saturday, October 24, 2009 in our collaboration with 350.org in a day of action for climate justice. In addition to being the founding date of the UN, this date is an important milestone in the path to an effective international treaty on climate change to be negotiated by the UN in December in Copenhagen, Denmark.

At General Assembly last June, UUMFE began inviting people to sign a pledge to participate in the 350.org Day for Climate Action. We are providing a registry for congregations to communicate and share ideas with one another about this Day of Action. (See web address below.)  The UUA Green Sanctuary Program, UUA Washington Office for Advocacy, UU State Advocacy Network, UU-UNO (United Nations Office) and others are collaborating on building participation in the 350 event. 

350 represents a scientific benchmark for a safe climate – yet there are also deeply moral and spiritual reasons for getting the world back below 350 ppm of CO2 in our atmosphere. 350.org is an international grassroots network mobilizing a global climate movement united by our common call to action. 350.org is an independent and not-for-profit project spreading an understanding of the science and a shared vision for a fair policy that will create bold and equitable solutions to the climate crisis.

For more information about the International Day of Climate Action, visit the UU Ministry for Earth website at http://www.uuministryforearth.org/350.htm. We have included ideas for events your congregation can organize, links to our partner organizations and a registry for our collaboration with 350.org . 

Also, please register with 350.org and sign the "Interfaith Call for 350", which states in part:

To help spread the message of 350, Unitarian Universalist minister Fred Small has written “Three Five O”, a thrilling anthem for climate justice.

We hope to circulate a video of “Three Five O” for online posting and viral networking. Production of the video is already underway, but more funds are needed to complete it. Make your tax-deductible donation at the UUMFE website!