During this Earth Day week we offer the following contribution to creating a culture of appreciation and commitment to an alternative future; one that respects life and community in important and universal ways. We invite you to begin each day as an individual or family in repeating together this pledge. It was written by two individuals in Champaign/Urbana Illinois and is to be shared freely and widely as you will.

Planetary Pledge

We pledge allegiance to humanity,
to this planet that sustains us all,
to future children and their children.
We promise to conserve the air, earth,
water and fuels needed by later inhabitants.

We will work for peace, health and education,
for justice, hope and worthy work for all.
We will oppose those who divide and destroy,
those who deny the Divine in others
and those who abuse the creation.

We choose to live in loving community
with all who strive, at least sometimes,
for the good, the beautiful and the true--
and to share and laugh,
work, sing and play
with sisters and brothers around the world.

Steven Shoemaker, 2007