DECLARATION OF THE "MISSION TO WASHINGTON"
Joint Appeal by Religion and Science for the Environment

We commit ourselves to work together for a United States that will lead the world in the efficient use of fossil fuels, in devising and utilizing reneweable sources of energy, in phasing out all significant ozone-depleting chemicals, in halting deforestation and slowing the decline in species diversity, in planting forests and restoring other habitats and in realizing worldwide social justice. We believe there is a need for concerted efforts to stabilize world population by humane, responsible and voluntary means consistent with our differing values. For these, and other reasons, we believe that special attention must be paid to education and to enhancing the roles and the status of women.

Despite the seriousness of this crisis, we are hopeful. We humans, in spite of our faults, can be intelligent, resourceful, compassionate, prudent and imaginative. We have access to great reservoirs of moral and spiritual courage. Deep within us stirs a commitment to the health, safety and future of our children. Understanding that the world does not belong to any one nation or generation, and sharing a spirit of utmost urgency, we dedicate ourselves to undertake bold action to cherish and protect the environment of our planetary home.

Washington, D.C., May 12, 1992

List of Signatories*

Dr. Diane Ackerman
Poet, Naturalist, Author.

Dr. John F. Ahearne
Executive Director, Sigma Xi.

Dr. Richard Cartwright Austin, S.T.D.
Environmental Theologian with Appalachian Ministries Educational Resource Center.

Dr. Ian Barbour
Professor Emeritus, Religion Department, Carlton College.

Reverend James Bell
Executive Director, Interfaith IMPACT for Justice and Peace.

The Reverend Thomas Berry
Director, Riverdale Center for Religious Research.

Dr. Alan Betts
Atmospheric Research.