Overview
The Unity movement is guided by a vision of sacredness and the inter-connectedness of all, the interdependence of all life. It is a journey of spiritual relationships with Earth and its creatures. It is through awakened consciousness that we see everything as the presence of God.
The EarthCare Ministry promotes active care of all creation by cultivating a comprehensive earth-oriented spirituality that touches Unity ministries both spiritually and in practical actions.
The EarthCare Ministry rose from the grassroots of the Unity movement, coming from the deep desire to express Unity's belief in our oneness with all divine life in ways that directly impact our planet home. As in so many areas in Unity, we saw the importance of walking the talk. As stated in our vision statement, “All humanity lives in a spiritual consciousness that manifests as loving coexistence with all creation and care for our Earth home.”
The purpose of EarthCare is to support Unity Worldwide Ministries in fostering the awareness of our spiritual oneness with our Earth home and to promote active care of creation. We do this through a number of services and resources, including the Path to EarthCare.
All humanity lives in a spiritual consciousness that manifests as loving co-existence with all creation and care for our Earth home.
By empowering Unity congregations, EarthCare envisions Unity Worldwide Ministries as a powerful force and global leader in addressing the climate change emergency and moving society towards environmental justice in order to create a world that works for all. In so doing, it will vitalize and expand our Unity movement.
To foster awareness of our spiritual oneness with the Earth, to promote active care of all creation, and to assist congregations in integrating an earth-oriented spirituality into their ministry.
The Unity first principle states that there is only one presence and one power pervading the entire Universe. Unity Worldwide Ministries is committed to embodying this principle and honoring our Oneness with the earth. Recognizing that we live in a web of interconnectedness, and our actions affect the whole, we endeavor to touch the earth lightly and with reverence. And we encourage our members to do the same.
EarthCare Curriculum: 12 Powers for Our Planet
The Unity Worldwide EarthCare ministry’s mission is to foster awareness of our spiritual oneness with the Earth, to promote active care of all creation, and to assist congregations in integrating an Earth-oriented spirituality into their ministries. By empowering Unity ministries, the EarthCare movement envisions Unity Worldwide Ministries as a powerful force and global leader in addressing the climate change emergency and moving society towards environmental justice in order to create a world that works for all beings. The initiative includes monthly resources to use in your ministry based on the 12 Powers.
Click for link to Curriculum
On October 14, 2015, Unity Worldwide Ministries Board of Trustees acknowledged, in part, that climate change is real and that human activity is a significant cause of climate change. UWM also acknowledged that climate change is an issue resulting in both environmental degradation and social injustice. As such, we commit to serve, as our faith leads us, to take steps in healing the planet. Read the complete resolution here.
Green Star Awards
The Green Star Award recognizes Unity congregations that have completed at least three significant environmental activities during the calendar year that foster awareness of our spiritual oneness with the Earth and promote active care of creation for the environment.
Your congregation isn't required to be certified under the EarthCare Program.
EarthCare Program and application information can be found on our Facebook page.
2021 Green Star Award Winners
Congratulation to the following spiritual communities who have gone above and beyond in their care of our Mother Earth.
-Unity of the Blue Ridge, Mills Creek, North Carolina
-Unity of Kalamazoo, Michigan
-Unity of Vero Beach, Florida
Earthcare Program
The EarthCare Program implements the seven step Path to EarthCare by assisting church communities in integrating an earth-oriented spirituality into their ministry. The program guides congregations in discovering what Spirit calls them to do to care for our Earth home and its co-inhabitants.
It manifests Unity's Fifth Basic Principle: Through thoughts, words, and actions we live the truth we know.
EarthCare Program (overview)
Sample EarthCare Covenanting Ceremony
EarthCare Steps and Actions: Suggestions/Opportunities
Environmental and Social Justice (Step 5, Action 7)
In-House Energy/Environmental Audits (Step 5, Action 1)
- Abbreviated In-House Energy/Environmental Checklist
- Expanded In-House Energy/Environmental Checklist
- In-House Energy/Environmental Audit Resources
Unity EarthCare History
How to Attract Millenials to Church: Resource Links
List of Certified Ministries
Starting a Green Team and Keep It Going
Subtle Activism
UWM's EarthCare Covenant
Why Get Involved in EarthCare?
We realize that not every action may be appropriate for your ministry, and that there is a growing number of Expansion Unity Ministries. Please contact your regional coordinator if you would like to discuss options to the Steps and Actions of the EarthCare Program.
Ministry Resources
Books & Films
UWM Climate Change Action Resolution
Congregational Brochure
Corporate Social & Environmental Responsibility Investing (definition & sample policy)
Youth Resources
Green Problem Solvers
Online Resources
EarthCare Ministry Team Resources and Services
Unity Quotations Regarding Nature and the Environment
Green Facility Assessment (checklist)
Moving Forward: A Guide To Climate Action For Your Congregation and Community
Newsletters: Mike McCord, Editor
Support
Mentoring/Collaboration Call
Please join us monthly for the Mentoring and Collaboration call to discuss EarthCare issues, facilitated by a member of the EarthCare Core team. We meet on the 3rd Saturday at 11 a.m. Eastern time. Either click the link below or call into the Collaboration site.
Mentoring/Collaboration Call Link
Call in:
+1-571-392-7650
PIN: 362 445 3205
FEDERAL FUNDING FOR ENERGY WORK AT HOUSES OF
WORSHIP
As a result of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), nonprofits
and houses of worship now have easier access to clean energy funds and tax
credits through a program called “direct pay.” Before the IRA, only homeowners
and commercial entities with some tax liability could claim tax credits when installing
solar panels, wind turbines, or other eligible technologies on an eligible property. Now,
the “direct pay” option means non-taxable entities can also benefit from
these credits.
Active Hope: Resilience & Possibility in These Times
(1.5 hrs). Summon our collective regenerative power and access your ability to wisely navigate the turmoil of these times.
Send an Email to Beth Remmes or visit earthspiritaction
Awaken the Dreamer Through Unity
Where on Earth are we going? And what can we do about it? These are two of the questions that are at the heart of the Awakening the Dreamer through Unity symposium.
For more information, Send an Email to Mike McCord.
Region Contact Email Address
Canada Mike McCord Send an Email
Eastern Martha Powers Send an Email
or Mary Gerken Send an Email
Great Lakes Kathy Harwood Long Send an Email
Northwest Cylvia Hayes Send an Email
West Central Mary Gerken Send an Email
Pacific Rim Cylvia Hayes Send an Email
South Central Mike McCord Send an Email
Southeast Beth Remmes Send an Email
Southwest David Cordova Send an Email