Voting for all of Creation

 

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it,

    the world, and those who live in it;
2 for he has founded it on the seas,
    and established it on the rivers.

Psalm 24:1-2 NRSV

Across Canada people are on the verge of passing out as they hold their collective breath regarding the American election. Okay, this may be a bit of an exaggeration, but have we ever cared more about the outcome of an election south of the border, even in anticipation of President Obama's first win? 

There are many reasons for us to hope and pray for the ouster of the Emperor Trump, not the least of which is our concern for Creation. Trump is a climate change denier and his administration reflects this. He has appointed key officials in environmental protection roles whom we might call wolves in sheeps' clothing, except that they are taking gray wolves off the protection list. Many key protected areas are being opened up for oil exploration and development, and guidelines for air and water quality are being reduced or discarded. This week the United States will officially withdraw from the international Paris Climate Accord tomorrow, a decision which Trump made three years ago.

Decades worth of environmental legislation is being dismantled at breakneck speed and the United States has abdicated it's leadership role regarding the climate emergency. Trump has even pathetically mocked teenager Greta Thunberg, an actual leader in the climate movement. 

As people of different faiths and as Christians we are called to "live with respect in Creation" to use the phrase of the United Church of Canada New Creed. Those of us who understand that the integrity and diversity of Creation are gifts from God can pray that we are all able to breathe deeply again, with confidence that those in leadership around the world will act decisively on behalf of the Earth, which belongs to God, and all that is in it.