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The Unitarian Church in Westport
has committed to begin the process of becoming a Green Sanctuary

"The Green Sanctuary Program provides a framework for congregational study and reflection, plus individual and collective action for responding to that call. This process leads to recognition in the Unitarian Universalist Association through certification by the Seventh Principle Project. Five equally important goals underlie the Green Sanctuary Program:

• To build awareness of societal environmental issues among UUs;
• To generate commitment for personal lifestyle changes;
• To motivate UUs to community action on environmental issues;
• To build a connection between spiritual practice and environmental consciousness, and
• To build awareness of and rectify environmental injustices.”

This process will take us 1 to 2 years. If you are interested in more information, visit the Unitarian Universalist Ministry for Earth web site.

Why become a Green Sanctuary, and why do it now?

• Our 7th Principle is: Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.
• Vision 2028 process showed a high degree of energy behind this value.
• GA (the General Assembly of UU congregations) in June, 2004 adopted the following Study/Action Issue for 2004-2006: What can Unitarian Universalists do to promote individual and collective changes in the way we live and work, in order to slow and ultimately reverse global warming?
• Other area churches are involved in becoming Green Sanctuaries, which could provide community-to-community collaborations.

What does the Green Sanctuary process entail?

• Establish a Green Sanctuary Committee and select a chair.
• Conduct an Environmental Audit.
• Create an Action Plan.
• Apply for a Green Sanctuary Candidacy & Complete All Actions.
• Apply for Green Sanctuary Accreditation.
  
  

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