Thankfulness and Remembering: Our Top Five

Thankfulness means remembering.

This year has taught us that being a US citizen means remembering what is too often forgotten. For example - that Black Lives Matter.

On Thanksgiving, we remember Native American communities and reflect on what we owe them. Before you begin your meal today, I encourage you to check out which Indigenous people’s land you are on, taking a moment to acknowledge the reality of our nation’s history in addition to the many blessings we celebrate.

This year we are proud of you, the GreenFaith community. We take joy in remembering just some of what you’ve accomplished despite the challenges this year has brought. Here are five things we are thankful to you for:

5. Fossil fuel divestment activists - especially those in the GreenFaith community - who have secured over $7 trillion in divestment commitments since 2012. Money is powerful. Because of you, coal, oil, and gas companies are finally being called out for what they are: unethical.

4. GreenFaith community members all over the world who have committed to using 100% renewable energy at home, adopting a plant-based diet, and more. In a time where many feel unmoored, you are aligning your lives with your values.

3. GreenFaith Circles, which have advocated for cities to adopt 100% renewable energy, opposed new fossil fuel infrastructure commitments, and have successfully defeated new fossil fuel plants. By using your powerful moral voice, together, you are turning the tide in support of clean energy.

2. Dozens of GreenFaith Moral Observers who poll-watched in Florida, North Carolina, New Jersey, and New York to ensure that voters could safely exercise their right to participate in democracy. Your commitment helped ensure a just and safe voting environment.

1. Indigenous leaders around the world who remind us every day of what it means to respect and love the Earth, and we remain aware of the debt we owe them and future generations. While we cannot change the past, we can start to shift the power balance by telling the truth about this holiday’s origins and taking steps to make right the wrongs that have been perpetuated against Indigenous people groups in the US.

Thank you for all that you do to protect and preserve a compassionate, loving and just future for all.

Rev. Fletcher and the GreenFaith Team