In his book, “The Future of Life,” eminent biologist Dr. E. O. Wilson writes that during the 20th century, “humanity managed collaterally to decimate the natural environment and draw down the nonrenewable resources of the planet with cheerful abandon. We thereby accelerated the erasure of entire ecosystems and the extinction of thousands of million-year-old species.”

Most people would probably agree with Wilson that planet Earth is indeed teetering on the brink of environmental disaster. And many believe that individual lifestyle choices can’t begin to solve the problems; change will occur only when government takes charge and forces people to alter their environmental behaviors.

As Christians we already have a mandate: God’s command to care for the earth (Gen. 2:15). Paul Gorman, executive director of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment believes it is time for Christians to begin integrating an environmental perspective into all expressions of the religious life. He says “care for creation brings life to faith.”

The Episcopal Church has established the Episcopal Ecological Network “to educate, encourage and facilitate congregations, dioceses, provinces and the National Church toward stewardship of God’s Creation. EEN includes all Episcopalians who are helping our Church assume a leadership role in environmental ministry.”

To address this task, the EEN Steering Committee has targeted seven priority issues. The issues and corresponding Web-site resources:

1. Source of light and breath: Respond to global warming through Episcopal Power & Light to promote green renewable energy, energy conservation, energy efficiency and clean air. Visit www.theregenerationproject.org/ on the Web.
2. House of the Lord: Green our churches, camps and conference centers. See the sustainable building practices of Southface Energy Institute www.southface.org and www.usgbc.org to learn how the U.S. Green Building Council promotes “Building a Sustainable Future.”
3. Gift of water: Protect and enhance all watersheds and restore water quality. See www.webofcreation.org/advocacy/water/Water.htm to learn about national resources.
For information on implementing the Episcopal Water Resolution and care of fresh water, see www.eenonline.org and/or contact Province IV Environmental Network Ministry Coordinator Joyce Wilding, wilding1@bellsouth.net.
4. God’s covenant with Noah: Preserve biodiversity, native habitats and wilderness areas. Learn how to make a backyard wildlife habitat at your home and at your parish and diocesan centers. Connect care of land, air and water with biodiversity concerns.
5. Trees of life: Encourage sustainable forest management and endorse roadless forests. See www.forestleadershipforum.org on the Web to learn methods for preserving and protecting our forests.
6. Garden of God: Implement healthy practices for agriculture and land. To learn more about food and faith, see www.earthministry.org and www.familyfarmer.org for sustainable farming issues and community-based agriculture.
7. Celebration of the Word: Integrate creation into our liturgy and celebrate God as Creator. See www.een online.org/reflect on the Web to find worship resources and special liturgies.