Litany of Confession for Creation, April 2011

Litany of Confession for Creation,
The Rev. Cynthia Hizer

based on the international Eco-Justice Principles of the Earth Bible Project

While we hike in the woods and swim in the lakes, harvest wheat and wood, and plant our gardens and landscape our yards, we have forgotten that the universe, Earth, and all its components have intrinsic value of their own, not related to how they might be of value to us, or to any economic system or our economic gain.

We have forgotten that they have value, and we are sorry.

We have forgotten that Earth is a community of interconnected living things – from stars to humans to bears to bees to amoebas to atoms. These are mutually dependent on each other for life and survival.

We have forgotten that they are interconnected, and we are sorry.

We have forgotten that the universe, Earth, and all its components, are part or a living, dynamic cosmic design within which each piece has a place in the overall design. We have forgotten that we are part of this living; that we are part of the Earth, and that we are all kin.

We have forgotten that we are all related, and we are sorry.

We have forgotten that Earth is a balanced and diverse domain where responsible custodians can function as partners and stewards, rather than rulers.

We have forgotten to be partners rather than rulers, and we are sorry.

Just as we need rest, and Sabbath, so does the land. Because of our drive to consume more and do more and be more, we do not let the land rest.

We have forgotten to rest and let the land rest, and we are sorry.

We have forgotten that Earth and the universe suffer from injustices at our hands. We have also forgotten that injustices served to Creation also cause injustice and suffering to humans. Landfills and polluted land live in the poorest neighborhoods.

We have forgotten to be just, and we are sorry.

We have forgotten that the Earth cannot speak for itself, speak for its pain, its abuse. It does not speak as we do, but through imbalances. We do not listen because we have forgotten that Earth even has a voice. We have forgotten its language. It is more inconvient to listen to Creation than to our own desires.

We have forgotten to listen to the Earth, and we are sorry.

This is our great work: We vow to take small and gentle steps each day to listen to the groaning of Creation and its precious living system of which we are a part. This is how the healing and justice begin. This vow begins with remembering what we have forgotten, through the healing grace of Christ.  Amen