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Todd Macalister works as a medical writer and designer of professional education programs. He attended the School of Theology at Boston University and is author of Einstein’s God (2008) and Looking to Nature (2019).
RNA members understand that climate change is the result of a failure to recognize the deep interconnections between human beings and the rest of nature. Dealing with the climate change crisis requires that we change how we live in the world. We must work to become better stewards of our environment by engaging in sustainable practices in many aspects of our lives. These practices include adopting sustainable energy sources as well as energy conservation.
Martin Luther King’s statement on the urgency for social change applies just as well to our current climate change crisis: “We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now. In this unfolding conundrum of life and history, there “is” such a thing as being too late. This is no time for apathy or complacency. This is a time for vigorous and positive action.”
The Board of Directors of Religious Naturalist Association is heartbroken and outraged at the cruel and unnecessary death of George Floyd and many other persons of color at the hands of police officers stretching back many decades and continuing today. We stand with all communities of color and people around the globe in mourning the death of Mr. Floyd and countless others who have been killed simply because of the color of their skin. As naturalists we understand that we humans are a single species and profoundly alike; our various skin colors provide a cherished wellspring of diversity.
Systemic violence against communities of color MUST stop and we stand in solidarity with those fighting for racial justice, inclusivity, and equality. We call on all people of good will to speak up now against the poisonous persistence of systemic racism, in all its forms, that is truly the shame of humanity. Like the coronavirus, racism is a virus that spreads with passive acceptance. We will not stand idly by.