Newtown Friends Meeting Minute to PYM

Newtown Friends Meeting continues to bear prophetic witness to the protection of the earth. We see several opportunities to bring spiritual leadings in harmony with environmental awareness to guide rightly ordered action by concerned individuals.

We find that there are many ways that we can contribute to reduce greenhouse emissions. A guide to help our members live in a more sustainable way will be posted on our website (http://www.newtownfriendsmeeting.org).

As a meeting we have aided in the purchase of wind-generated energy with our donations to American Indian wind farms in the Dakotas. Our Building and Grounds Committee has over the years given considerable attention to energy-saving measures. We are encouraging the committee to undertake a fresh Energy audit, and to consider the feasibility of geothermal heating for the meeting house.

In addition, seeking to live sustainably, we are learning about ways different cultures have practiced a spiritual relationship with nature and the natural environment.

We unite with Philadelphia Yearly Meeting in the urgent work on climate change and recognize the grave implications for human life if this concern goes unheeded.

Let us be inspired by John Woolman: In seeking to live sustainably, “we are guided to tread softly on the earth.”