NMIPL Blog

Maybe it is jet lag, maybe it is the introvert within me feeling the press of so much activity, or maybe it is the cry of the planet calling to the compassion of my heart…but nearing the end of this day, Wednesday, Dec 9…I feel a great sadness. Yet, as I sit at this computer in an enormous computer center with hundreds of people from throughout the world…hope filters through as the evening begins. It is as if the bells and calls to prayer around the planet in towns, monasteries and little villages are ringing through these walls.

Several notes:

• Today I felt very honored to sit with religious leaders from throughout the world and speak at a press conference sponsored by the Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change and 350.org. I spoke of the call of St. Francis, Patron of Ecology to love all as brothers and sisters, to address our carbon footprint following the example of the life of St. Clare and St. Francis to “walk in the footprints of Jesus.” Today walking in the footprints of the Jesus of Justice and Love means reducing individual carbon footprints and increasing the voice to care for creation and all brothers and sisters.

• I had lunch with Stuart Scott, organizer of the Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change. He is fasting along with many others for movement at this meeting.

• It seems that some voices do not count because they are too small. The people of the island Tuvalu, and their proposal were dismissed today by the US and other developed nations. But, a spontaneous event of support for the people erupted near the delegates auditorium. Truth erupts. Are not all equal in God’s eyes?

• Some of the African countries are saying that climate increases must remain below 1 degree. I am praying for miracles.

• At the end of the day…what is most important? Acts of Love that take form in how we live our lives.

Peace and good,
Your sister,
Joan

Blessings from the Bella Center, Wednesday, December 9, 2009. Yesterday I attended a wonderful side gathering, Addressing Climate Change By Awakening to Oneness sponsored by the Global Peace Initiative of Women. Exploring the place of religious traditions, contemplation and the call to action around climate change with leaders from throughout the planet, it came to me that we are in a moment where we are called to deep intimacy.

Ultimately, if prayer, meditation and fasting do not lead to deeper intimacy with God and with our human brothers and sisters and all beings on the planet — then religious traditions fall short. Intimacy draws the heart and spirit deeply into the soul meaning of existence and from there, we have no choice but to act for the common good because we know that we all beat with one heart.

The Copenhagen conference is a grant experience of intimacy. We are more than 5,000 people from throughout the planet who carry in our bodies the water and soil of the diverse places from which we travel. Everyone here has a soul and heart that beats with oneness. What an amazing miracle.

The most amazing miracle will be when we come to a serious agreement where the developed nations respect and hold the voices of those poorer nations with equal respect and commit to actions that include viable emissions targets and short and long term financial pledges for adaptation and mitigation for the most vulnerable nations around Earth.

This week Interfaith Power and Light initiates their Carbon Covenant campaign where people of faith can engage and set an example for actions that assist some of these people and their forests and watersheds. People of faith need to lead the way. (check out the Carbon Covenant at the IPL website.)

At the negotiations here there is still dialogue, though many voices continue to say that substantial action needs to be taken and quickly. It is hopeful that negotiations seem to be at a place where there can be movement forward because there is growing clarity on definitions around some areas such as forests and adaptation. Numbers for emissions reductions are still inadequate; however, there is still hope that the work being done can lead to some agreement once the country leaders appear on the scene.

The US lack of a bill in the Senate is a stumbling block that continues to show up in various areas of discussion.

One of the hopeful notes are the thousands of young people engaged, active and creative on the scene calling attention to the needs of justice and integrity for creation. Must run to a session. Continue the prayers, fasting and good intentions because the intimate world community here depends upon you.

Much peace and good,
Your sister,
Joan