At MomentUs Summit, Faith Leaders Urge Seizing Kairos Moment
On May 21, I joined 170 leaders and colleagues at ecoAmerica’s annual MomentUs summit in Washington DC. This is always a special event, with many eminent national leaders from health, business, communities, higher education, and faith gathering to build leadership and collaboration for climate solutions.
As Director of Faith Communities, the very best part for me was my opportunity to join in the faith leadership discussion. As outstanding leaders who are answering the call to lead on climate change, all the faith leaders who participated provided a powerful witness as to why now is our opportune moment to do more and the enduring hope that we will succeed.
The following Blessed Tomorrow leaders opened the discussion by sharing their thoughts and inspiration:
Rev. Dr. Joel Hunter, Senior Pastor of Northland, A Church Distributed and leader in the World Evangelical Alliance and National Association of Evangelicals
Rev. Dr. Sharon Watkins, General Minister and President, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada
Rabbi Steve Gutow, President and CEO, Jewish Council for Public Affairs
Bishop Vashti McKenzie, African Methodist Episcopal Church
Rev. Dr. Jim Antal, Minister and President, Massachusetts Conference of the United Church of Christ
Here are the results:
- Now is an especially powerful moment for leaders and people of faith to help build momentum and inspire others to action. More people than ever before are paying attention to climate because of the public focus being given to Pope Francis’ forthcoming encyclical and the upcoming presidential election.
- Climate change is a moral issue because it impacts our relationships with and obligations to God, our neighbors, our families, our communities and the planet.
- Faith leaders and communities are called to partner together to solve climate change. This is an area of common ground.
- We can all be part of the solution by taking practical, everyday actions as individuals and groups and participating in public life.
As these leaders pointed out, moments like the time we are in are called kairos moments – a time when conditions are right for the accomplishment of a crucial action. The faith leaders who led at the Summit are witnessing as to why now is our kairos moment to solve climate change and create a healthy future for our families, communities and the planet. I was privileged to spend time with them.