Dear Friends,
Earth Day, which was on April 22nd, was in my sights a few weeks ago but I had no definite plans about what to do or how to observe it. And although a friend kindly gave me some flower seeds to sow in the garden, the big day passed me by and like many of you my good intentions became a missed opportunity.
Then, yesterday evening, after the children were in bed, I was scrolling through one of our TV channels (Prime) and found this year’s latest documentary movie about Regenerative Agriculture. The original was “Kiss the Ground” and the newest one is called “Common Ground” featuring some familiar faces and one or two new ones. If you don’t have Prime, you might struggle to see as I tried to watch some more of it on my laptop and hit paywalls. So, I suggest a watch party at our house or any friend you know with the same service.
The main thrust and thesis of the movie is that looking after the soil will help us and our planet to be healthier and mitigate the effects of Climate Change by drawing down the excess carbon from the atmosphere back into the ground where it belongs. So, whether you are gardening or farming we need to respect the soil science that tells us tilling is destructive, learn from the traditions of indigenous peoples and realize that soil is a living organism, not to be tamed or controlled but nurtured. Instead of using fertilizers and weed killers which kills the good organisms as well as the bad whilst damaging us in the process, we need to feed the soil with organic matter, avoid tilling or digging which disrupts the natural order and help to keep the carbon in the ground. We can plant cover crops which help protect and restore soil nutrients and support environments and ecosystems with which we can work in partnership.
The Late Pope Francis who died last Monday was not only a champion for the poor and for social justice but also for the Environment. His papal encyclical Laudato Si on care for Our Common Home is part of his legacy. The subjects of his interest is no coincidence because poverty and the degraded environment are closely connected. When our planet is damaged and reacts with storms and floods, it is always the poorest people who get hit first and worst. Therefore, we have a duty not only for ourselves and our grandchildren but also to the most vulnerable in our world, as Jesus said, “whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.” (Read “The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats” Matthew 25:31-45).
Pastor Cliff