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UUCR Green Sanctuary Team
The Seventh Principle of Unitarian Universalism (UUism) calls us to affirm and
promote "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a
part." More than just a recognition of ecological interdependency, our seventh
principle calls us to recognize that human beings are part of this
mutuality. Too often the "environmental movement" and the "racial/economic
justice movement" have been seen as competing with each other.
Environmental
justice is the recognition that the same paradigm of dominion that has led to
global warming also reinforces economic and racial inequities. Only by seeking
solutions that address both can we solve either.
Our Place in the Web of Life Mary Lanigan and Terrie Barr, co-facilitators
Sundays, January 8 & 22; February 12 & 26 and March 11.
11:30am - 1:30pm
Deepen your understanding of where UUCR fits in the complex set of interdependent relationships that comprise life on earth. Deepen connections between your UU theology, spiritual practices and the work of environmental justice. Explore UUCR's environmental impact on Rockville and beyond in terms of water, waste, air, energy, food and land.
Bring your lunch; drinks and cookies will be provided. Join the Green Sanctuary Team in this UU Ministry for the Earth course in Room 52. Contact Terrie Barr with questions. Sign-up at the lobby table or on the bulletin board.
News
Many of the proposed Green Sanctuary Projects stem from information collected during the environmental assessment now completed. The Green Team reviewed past issues of Quest and met with committees and church staff to gather information on the positive steps we have already taken (2-3 year look back) in the four focus areas: worship, religious education, sustainability and environmental justice. The Environmental Assessment has been completed and is being used to identify possible projects for the action plan.
The UUCR Green Sanctuary Charter was approved by the Board of Trustees on March 28, 2011. At the annual meeting on May 22, 2011, the congregation voted unanimously in favor of the following motion contained in the charter " Be it resolved that the members of the UU Church of Rockville empower the Green Sanctuary Team to facilitate development of a 12 point Action Plan as a working document and approve the submission of the Action Plan to the UUA as part of its application for candidacy as a Green Sanctuary congregation. The Plan shall be approved by the Board of Trustees."
Whats the status of Green Sanctuary at UUCR?
A Green Sanctuary is a congregation that has received official recognition from
the UUA for completing the
Green Sanctuary Program
Green Sanctuaries are
committed to implementing sustainability measures in congregational life and
encouraging individual members to make environmentally-friendly choices.
In order to receive Green Sanctuary accreditation, a congregation must:
- Complete an environmental assessment, including an energy audit.
- Develop an action plan, with a minimum of twelve projects that are
environmentally responsible and spread across the four focus areas: worship
and celebration, religious education, environmental justice, and
sustainable living.
- Spend 1-2 years creating and implementing their action plan.
- Report to a panel on successes, outcomes, and challenges in
completing their action plan.
- Agree to continue environmental work after their action plan has been completed.
Detailed information about the program can be found in
the
UUA Green Sanctuary Manual.
Also see our UUCR Green Sanctuary slides.
Related Links:
UU Ministry for Earth (UUMFE)
Greater Washington Area Power and Light (GWIPL)
Montgomery County Green Website Idea Packed. A must try!
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