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Wilderness and Wild
Landscapes: Washington, December 21, 2005 – Wilderness is one of earth’s most precious and most threatened assets, and the call to preserve it will be among the National Council of Churches USA Eco-Justice Program’s top issues for 2006.
“Wilderness was central to the spiritual journeys of Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad and in the creation stories of many cultures,” said the Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, NCC General Secretary. “Today public lands are important to many of us as a venue for peaceful reflection and reconnecting with the Creator.”
“Wild lands are also the connective tissue that holds together the
glorious web of life by providing space for wildlife and undisturbed
natural cycles," said Christine Hoekenga, NCC Lands Specialist. "But
God’s gift of wilderness is increasingly threatened by our swelling
cities, growing highways, and increasing demand for resources like
oil, gas, timber, and minerals. In light of this, we are called to
remember and celebrate our Biblical heritage and examine our modern
relationships to wilderness.” w exploring the Biblical importance of wilderness and its implications for the state of modern wild lands in the United States w creating a theological study guide on the wilderness and wild places w engaging individuals and congregations in discussion and action to protect wild lands and wilderness near their communities w stirring dialogue among religious educators on the role of wilderness in our religious heritage and modern life w training people of faith in skills for advocacy and outreach on wilderness issues w focusing on engaging youth and emerging leaders within their faith communities in these activities A
copy of
Rooted in God’s Word and Lands,
a free guide for study and action on land stewardship from the NCC,
can be downloaded
here. Also contact NCC News: Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2252, or Leslie Tune, 202-544-2350 Picture: View in the Kaaterskill Cove (oil on canvas), Harriet Cany Peale, 1858 |