My personal loose description of Paganisms, or at least a common link between most if not all traditions, is that Pagan traditions are rooted in the landscape and climate in which they came into being, and that Pagan traditions recognise the sacred in nature. We’d not be Pagans if we didn’t quibble about aspects of that, or how it’s phrased. But I feel quite confident that the core of the statement rings true for most. So Earth day ( 22nd April https://www.earthday.org/ ) is a secular/non faith specific international event that will find string resonance with Pagans. Engaging in Interfaith work over many years, I have been pleased to see many faith communities reflecting on what their scriptures and/or traditions have to say on the environment, and to begin to actively work towards practices that have a positive impact on the natural world.
A Pagan friend, well known to many, asked on social media recently what had happened to all the Pagan environmental activists that used to be so prominent in challenging environmentally damaging projects and practices and, while there are still many who engage specifically from a Pagan platform, I think what is happening is that Pagans are able to join in with secular and multifaith activism to save and safeguard the environment. As what happens to our environment affects everyone, regardless of belief or worldview, I feel it is fitting that we are able to be united in our efforts to save the environment.
How will you be marking Earth day? What activities are your local faith and belief communities planning?
Mike Stygal
Pagan Federation Interfaith Manager
Contact me
Eco Ramadan guide
https://www.ecoramadan.earth/
Jewish views on the environment
https://reformjudaism.org/beliefs-practices/social-justice-reform-judaism/jewish-views-environment
CofE Environment
https://www.churchofengland.org/about/church-england-environment-programme
Hinduism
https://interfaithsustain.com/hindu-faith-statement-on-the-environment/
Sikh Environment
https://ecosikh.org/environmental-theology-in-sikhism/
Buddhism
https://interfaithsustain.com/buddhist-faith-statement-on-the-environment-full/
Zoroastrian
https://interfaithsustain.com/zoroastrian-ecology/
Jain
https://interfaithsustain.com/jain-faith-statement-on-the-environment/
The environment in scriptures and holy writings
https://www.arrcc.org.au/reflect-scriptures-and-holy-writings