An Open Letter to the Religious Community

As on issues of peace, human rights, and social justice, religious institutions can here too be a strong force encouraging national and international initiatives in both the private and public sectors, and in the diverse worlds of commerce, education, culture, and mass communication.

The environmental crisis requires radical changes not only in public policy, but in individual behavior. The historical record makes clear that religious teaching, example, and leadership are powerfully able to influence personal conduct and commitment.

As scientists, many of us have had profound experiences of awe and reverence before the universe. We understand that what is regarded as sacred is more likely to be treated with care and respect. Our planetary home should be so regarded. Efforts to safeguard and cherish the environment need to be infused with a vision of the sacred. At the same time, a much wider and deeper understanding of science and technology is needed. If we do not understand the problem, it is unlikely we will be able to fix it. Thus, there is a vital role for religion and science.

We know that the well-being of our planetary environment is already a source of profound concern in your councils and congregations. We hope this Appeal will encourage a spirit of common cause and joint action to help preserve the Earth.

January 1990
List of Signatories*

Carl Sagan
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

Hans A. Bethe
Cornell University
Ithaca, New York

S. Chandrasekhar
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois

Paul J. Crutzen
Max Planck Institute for Chemistry
Mainz, West Germany

Freeman J. Dyson
Institute for Advanced Study
Princeton, New Jersey

Richard L. Garwin
IBM Corporation
Yorktown Heights, New York

Stephen Jay Gould
Harvard University
Cambridge, Massachusetts

James Hansen
NASA Goddard Institute for
Space Studies
New York, New York

Mohammed Kassas
University of Cairo
Egypt