Speakers stressed the importance of spiritual nourishment in the face of our interlocking climatic, ecological and societal crises. Rabbi Rosenn stated that “we are living in such dark times,” emphasizing that “the climate crisis is not only a political, social justice, ecological issue—it’s also an issue of the soul. I think that there is a growing recognition among faith communities of the need to spiritually resource people in the face of the climate crisis.”
Another throughline was the need for practical, tangible action in the fight for climate justice and environmental protection. Dr. Singh stated that “you cannot feel closeness to God just by your talk—if there is no action, all talk is a fantasy.” He drove this message home by playing a recording of birdsong from a forest that was restored through EcoSikh’s monumental tree planting and ecosystem restoration drive.
Rev. Harper praised activists like Saffet Catovic and Patrick Carolan who have been putting “their bodies on the line in peaceful, nonviolent civil disobedience” to confront the destructive power of the fossil fuel industry. He also uplifted scholar-activists like Mary Evelyn Tucker, Kusumita Pedersen and Kathleen Deignan who have helped provide an ethical, theological and conceptual framework for protecting the Earth.
Grandmother Polacca closed with a saying from her mother, reminding everyone of the importance of joy and presence, even in the midst of challenges: “Do it while you can, and while it’s here.”