Interfaith dismay over US president’s "reckless declaration"
Quakers in Britain have signed up to a joint interfaith letter, deploring the United States president's decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement.
The letter was published in The Times, today, 8 June. The full text follows:
"We are profoundly dismayed by President Trump's proclaimed intention to withdraw from the Paris Climate Agreement which was signed by 195 nations, supported by the Pope and leaders of all religions.
[QUOTE-START]
Life is too precious, the earth too wonderful and the demand to act for environmental justice too strong for us to remain silent.
- Interfaith letter June 2017
[QUOTE-END]
"Our respective faiths unite us in the affirmation that all human life is of infinite value and that caring for our planet is a sacred responsibility. We are answerable to God, each other and our children's children for the wellbeing of this earth.
"We believe President Trump's reckless declaration will only strengthen the resolve of others to preserve and protect our environment. The response of so many municipal and business leaders across the US is a heartening indication. We trust our own newly elected government will remain faithful to its commitments.
"Life is too precious, the earth too wonderful and the demand to act for environmental justice too strong for us to remain silent."
The Rt Revd Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury
Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Senior Rabbi, Masorti Judaism
Bishop John Arnold, RC Bishop of Salford
Paul Parker, Recording Clerk, Quakers in Britain.
Rabbi Jeffrey Newman, Adviser, Earth Charter International Secretariat
Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies
Dr Husna Ahmad, Chief Executive, GlobalOne
Andy Atkins CEO A Rocha UK
Gopal Patel, Director of the Bhumi Project, the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies