Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice (ICEJ) is a volunteer organization of San Diego faith leaders and communities that advocate for climate and environmental justice both in policy and in the public square. We believe that the values held in common by all faith traditions include the care for creation and care for the most vulnerable in society.

The winter solstice marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year.  Different cultures and people of various faiths worldwide have been celebrating this celestial event for thousands of years.  Winter Solstice focuses on rebirth and renewal, as we welcome the return of the sun’s light.  During the solstice, we pause to reflect, express gratitude, and deepen our connection to the natural world.  

You are invited to join us on Saturday, December 20, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM at Moonlight Beach in Encinitas, near the facilities building for a late afternoon of drumming that builds community and echoes the natural rhythm of the waves–reminding us that everything is connected.  We’ll also hold a Fire Ritual: Release & Manifest, offering you a chance to release what is holding you back and ignite your intentions. (Click the registration link below for more information.)

Bring your drum, your spirit, and something comfortable to sit on. All levels and all traditions are welcome.  There is a large FREE parking lot and facilities. Experience the magic of the Solstice by the sea. Free will offerings accepted to benefit the work of ICEJ  - the Interfaith Coalition for Earth Justice.         

Questions?  Contact Susan Cass at susanpanniercass@gmail.com.

Perhaps more than at any time in our history–including the period of the Civil War–our nation is severely polarized. This is evident in the two major political parties which reflect different opinions on race, sexual identity, immigration, and religion. And, given our Constitutional form of government with the power to resolve differences for the benefit of all, it is incumbent on those in government to exercise leadership to make this happen.

Fortunately, several effective leadership characteristics are described in my book, LIGHTING THE WAY Providing Leadership in Sustainable Development. The first of these is RESPONSIBILITY, or simply telling the truth, especially when no one is looking. If we can count on our leaders to tell the truth, chances are we will follow them, even when we don’t always agree with them. A second leadership characteristic is RESPECT, respect for the interests and identity of the governed. This respect is made obvious by outward displays such as remembering the names, positions, and origins of those led. Finally, a leadership characteristic which aligns the desires and behavior of those led with those of the leader is EMPATHY. If the leader can actually feel the desires of those led, he or she is more likely to act in their best interest.

While there are many reasons for the state of polarization in the United States today, a strong argument can be made for the lack of leadership in government – perhaps more so than at any other time in our nation’s history. If only our leaders were to apply the basic principles of RESPONSIBILITY, RESPECT, and EMPATHY, we might truly begin to heal our nation’s divisions.

Bob Gilleskie

The current Administration proposes expanding leases for offshore oil drilling and in public lands. The environmental and health risks are well known and the burden falls disproportionately on disadvantaged, vulnerable, and BIPOC communities. These measures are said to be urgently needed to assure energy independence and security. However, California’s oilfields are, as we know from last year’s debate on permit expansion in Kern County, being tapped out. Vast lands and ocean areas already held under lease by oil and gas companies aren’t being developed. This acreage, especially in the oceans, is inaccessible for renewable energy use. In my opinion, there is no public benefit to further exposing lands, oceans, and wildlife to the risks of drilling and extraction, to the certain damage from exploration, and communities to further injustices consequent on our environmental exploitation. Speaking out against these proposals aligns with ICEJ’s stated mission to “… care for creation and care for the most vulnerable in society, which drives our work in environmental justice.”

The proposal on offshore drilling is now open for public comment and that for public lands will soon be. Legislation has been introduced to protect California’s shores. I urge you to submit public comments to the appropriate dockets. Unfortunately, the official government sites for doing so are slow and cumbersome, but various user-friendly portals are available–two such examples are, for offshore drilling, Surfrider Foundation and for public lands, Climate Health Now to help you file your comments easily and with little fuss. In addition, I also urge you to contact your Congressional representative and support the Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act.

Thank you!

Ken Kobayashi

• Upcoming SD350 events can be found here.
  
  
• Annual World Peace Meditation Day on Saturday, Dec.27 10:30-11:30am at Hsi Fang Temple.  Please click here for details and to RSVP.
  
  

For a list of all ICEJ sponsored events visit our calendar of events here

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