Some visions, systems of ethics, etc., develop from “the top down.” Example: I’m very grateful for Pope Francis’ climate change encyclical. It’s a wonderful document that will do a lot of good in many places. Still, I know that, once again, an authoritarian figure in a large bureaucracy has developed a big statement for consumers to accept….. With the Unitarian Universalists, the seven principles represent something that’s very different in the environmental justice discussion….. The principles have developed, over a period of years, through a decision-making process that’s very open and very democratic. The principles can be amended. They can be questioned and debated, without fear of a heresy trial or excommunication….. Congregations are especially important in the Unitarian Universalist tradition. Our congregations are democratic, and self-governing, and they select (and dismiss) their own leaders. Women are accepted as leaders. The rights of gay people – and other minorities – are defended….. There are many ways to address the climate change problem. Which model works best for promoting environmental justice?

We need to look at the UUA’s seven principles in new ways…. First: We need to understand that the seventh principle is a statement about reality. In effect, we say, “This is how the universe works. Maybe there’s a Great Creator – then again, maybe not – but we leave that question to individuals to decide. For Unitarian Universalists, what’s important is the concept of the interdependent web of all existence.” That’s the starting place…. Well, that’s nice…. However, even a social Darwinist or a racist can agree that “the environment is important.” In order to move towards environmental justice, you need the other six principles. All of the principles are important.

What do Unitarian Universalists mean when they talk about “environmental justice”? The oldest statement – and perhaps the best – may be the statement called “Environmental Justice” that was approved by the General Assembly in 1994…. However: Another way to look at the situation is to look at all of the UUA’s seven principles in combination. One principle says, in effect, “We recognize an interdependent web of existence of which we are a part.” This is the foundation for much of our thinking. Still, this isn’t the only point that helps us to explain “environmental justice.” Because we have other principles – equally important – that support things like “the use of the democratic process” and “a free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Our first principle is very important in the environmental justice package. However, all of the principles together, in one vision, are essential for environmental justice…. If you’re working for some of the principles, while ignoring the others, you may be working for something, but, clearly, you’re not working for environmental justice. Bring everything together.