Jim and I have lived in Spokane for 8 years and love it very much.  The only difficult part is that our children, grandchildren and family live 2800 miles across America in the Washington, D.C. area.

I was delighted to be asked to facilitate this plenary on the environment.  Since we have been talking about vocations this week, mine has become one of raising awareness about the environment, teaching safe alternatives to using chemicals in the home and yard thus working in harmony with Nature, and also keeping people informed about false information regarding just about everything with which we come into contact on a daily basis.  That list includes skincare, household cleaning products, garden care, food, etc.

I do want to let you know that common vanilla extract, used in cooking, is one of the best mosquito repellents ever.  Just apply it to your, skin, smell wonderful all day long, and repel those mosquitoes.

I have practiced, written about, and taught organic methods of living and gardening for many years, with emphasis on what we, as individuals can do in our daily lives toward becoming better stewards of the earth, better global neighbors.

Our diocesan house and property stand as examples of successful organic gardening and lawn care.  Inside the house we use non toxic cleaning products, and follow as many environment friendly practices as we can.  Our Meditation Garden, which is open to the public, is on the register of the Quiet Garden Trust which originates here in England.

I believe that two of the most profound questions we should be asking each day are, “Who is my neighbor on this earth,” and “How do my daily actions affect that neighbor.”

Though we each hail from different countries and diverse cultures, the one thing we all have in common is where we live.  Our home is the planet earth, a beautiful gem-like orb, that provides the vital necessities of everyday life without which we could not survive.  Each of us needs clean air, unpolluted water, abundant sunshine, enough rain, and fertile soil for growing food.  All are crucial to our well being.

I like to think of the earth as a very large neighborhood where all who dwell therein are concerned about, and working towards the welfare of this vast neighborhood.  As we know, human beings are not the only inhabitants of this community.  There are other creatures and ecosystems that are dependent upon our sense of compassion for their  existence.

It seems, though, that we have not always done a very good job of being “caretakers” of this wonderful place.  Instead of exercising compassionate dominion over all, we have too often assumed a role of entitlement, where cost, or consequence to others is not considered.  It appears that sacrifice of ecological systems, the welfare of people, animal habitat, and pollution, is never too great a price to pay for individual gain.  It is sad to think that most likely there are undiscovered species of insects, animals, or birds that may have been lost to us forever.  We may very well live to see a time when food is scarce due to the demise of pollinating insects and birds because of lost habitat, indiscriminate use of toxic chemicals, and interrupted flyways.

When God granted “dominion over all” to human beings, I cannot think that anything less than a sense of interconnectedness and respect for every living entity was God’s intent.  We were to be caretakers of this generous and supreme gift that was given to each of us.  Instead, we now face a real crisis because we have not honored and cared for the earth in the manner we should.

We, as human beings, are no more important, nor less, than the humble insects.  We live in an interconnected community made up of all sorts of creatures and systems whose purposes in life are very clear to them.  Our continuous interruptions of these communities and systems may well be our own undoing.

I hope that we can rethink our place in the world and become more attuned to living simply as part of a whole glorious system of balances and checks that work well without interference.  The initial plan for how the earth and all its inhabitants and systems connect, work, and rely on each other was nothing short of genius.

It is past time that we rethink our place; past time that we reconsider who we are and where we fit into this marvelous system called earth; past time that we do an about face, let go of our egos and remember that we are an equal part of a complete system which includes all the inhabitants of this planet, be they human, animal, fowl, or insect.  Each has an important role, purpose, and calling.

I will end this portion of our session with a quote from Katharine Jefferts-Schori, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church in America.  She says, “We are meant to be partners in God’s glorious creative work.  How are we going to be green, heal this planet, and give glory to God?”  And then, “Seeking a transformed heart changes our way of seeing the world.”

May we all be so transformed.

The day for the bishops and spouses in London began early on July 24 at 6:30 a.m. as we gathered at the University of Kent bus stop to board transportation to London, a ninety minute ride away. The line of participants waiting with us must have extended at least four city blocks, so we were awash in a sea of purple cassocks, colorful outfits, and a wondrous assortment of hats suitable for a tea party with the Queen.

Arriving in London, we traveled past the Parliament Building, Big Ben, and across the river Thames to reach the starting point of our walk for the Millennium Development Goals. It was sunny and warm with everyone in high spirits and looking forward to walking together for such a worthwhile purpose. Rickshaws were provided for those unable to walk but who wished to participate.

Cutting poverty in half

We walked carrying placards which proclaimed the goal of cutting world poverty in half by the year 2015. Many bystanders waved, cheered, and shouted greetings. There were very few protesters, and they were well behaved. The English “Bobbies” were stationed on either side of the streets, just in case.

Passing over the Thames River was quite an experience as the views were breathtaking of boats, sparkling sunlit water, and all that we could see.

Walking up to Lambeth Palace was a sight. Huge banners were strung from the highest parapets of the castle-like structure, waving in the breeze and vividly telling the world of our intentions: “Do Justice,” “Love Mercy,” “Keep the Promise,” and “Halve Poverty by 2015.”

We gathered in the large courtyard to hear presentations by Archbishop Rowan and Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Together they pledged to work toward these goals. Mr. Brown’s talk was particularly impassioned.

Next we were ushered into the rear garden area of the Palace to the music of a marimba band whose members were young school children.  Refreshments were waiting for all as we wended our way to the large tented room that was beautifully set for lunch.

Palace Gardens

Afterwards, the gardens of the Palace beckoned. Paths were followed, plantings admired, and a walk to the pond and herb garden provided a pleasant interlude between lunch and time to depart for Buckingham Palace, a short bus ride away.

As we alighted at the Palace gates of black wrought iron trimmed out in gold, I rather much felt like Cinderella alighting from her carriage on the arm of her Prince Charming in purple. I think we both wore grins on our faces the whole time we were there, thinking that this could not possibly be real!

We were ushered through two magnificent rooms of portraits, glassed-in antique china, furniture of indeterminate age, but certainly very old, over crimson carpets, and gilded trim upon most surfaces. It was so elegant, speaking to another time altogether. The essence of royalty and daily events gone before was very much present.

In the courtyard

Walking out into the sunshine of the vast courtyard behind Buckingham Palace, we heard music from two military band regiments, each at opposite ends of this open space fringed on every border by gardens and paths. Humming along with the Broadway themed music, we strolled toward the gardens. At the opposite end of the building, a large lake glistened in the sun.  Indigenous water fowl swam, or rested on the banks. The Rose Garden was spectacular with a white painted cement urn at least twelve to fifteen feet high, and the “folly” designed as a Grecian temple.  The roses were grouped in sections of same color and variety.  Jim gathered rose petals for me from the grass as we strolled, in order to have a bit of potpourri from Buckingham Palace.  (They sit drying above me on the sparse shelving above my head in my dormitory cell here at the university.)

We lined up with everyone else as time approached for Queen Elizabeth to make her appearance. No word had been forthcoming earlier about who of the royal family might accompany her. Her personal guard, all decked out in the traditional red livery, descended the steps from the Palace and took up their stance. We were at the front of the line at one side so we had an excellent view of her and of Prince Philip as they made their entrance. The Queen was quietly resplendent in a conservatively printed summer dress; her matching hat sported lovely whimsical butterflies. Of course she had her customary gloves and purse. She took much time in her conversations with various people along the line. Our impression of her was one of grace and undivided attention to the persons with whom she talked.

Enjoying tea

We were on the opposite side of the line that she walked past, stopping to chat here and there, but we had the best view of everything that was happening. We crossed over later and enjoyed watching even more closely as she made her way to the royal court tent to enjoy her tea. The Archbishop and the Primates joined her there.

We helped ourselves to delicious tea, sandwiches of cucumber, smoked salmon, egg salad, and delicate truffles, sponge cakes, and mini scones topped with raspberries and cream.

Too soon

The afternoon was over too soon but, needless to say, a wonderful time was had by all!

I wish to say at this point that the many stewards who are responsible for keeping over one thousand people organized for every event have been incredibly polite, patient beyond words, and accomplished their jobs well. We continue to be so impressed with the organization of all aspects of this massive conference.  Many of the stewards are seminary students from all over the world, who, if their sense of compassion displayed here is any indication, will be very wonderful additions to the Church someday.