Biblical Earthkeeping and Conflict Resolution cont.

Tangier Watermen's Stewardship for the Chesapeake
Tangier Island, Chesapeake Bay, VA

The serenity and environmental health of Tangier
Island and its fisheries are being restored after
decades, if not hundreds of years, of abuse by
local fishermen.
Photos courtesy of Jeff Pohorski, Skunkfilms

After Susan spoke on biblical environmental stewardship and loving thy neighbor at a joint service of both local churches, 58 watermen bowed down at the altar and wept and asked God to forgive them for breaking the fishery laws and not being obedient to God. They then committed to the "Watermen's Stewardship Covenant." Many people's behavior and attitudes toward environmentalists, creation and the future changed radically and positively. Watermen even in their 70's and 80's -- men who are not prone to change -- rather than dumping trash overboard, brought it onto the island in bags. Government officials, scientists and environmentalists have been stunned by the dramatic change.

While not always agreeing with each other, some watermen and women are working with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation to restore the oyster reefs and to expand and diversify the local economy by developing oyster farming.

Articles, talks, and a video based on Susan’s research have educated environmentalists, government officials, scientists and academics about the need to work within the value system of a community, recognize the importance of the church in resource-dependent communities and understand the power of faith in changing people's lives and attitudes toward the environment.

It is quite possible that justice and harmony will spread through communities in environmental conflict because of the witness of Christ's power to change the lives of the Tangiermen and the environmentalists amidst their conflict.

Note: This profile was adapted from an article written for Au Sable Notes, Winter 1999 by Susan Drake Emmerich.