LETTERS: Unlit Steeple, Facade On Church Signifies Need To Care For Earth

2-19-10

To the Editor:
This year during Lent, Feb. 17-April 3, residents of Cooperstown may wonder why the façade and steeple of the First Presbyterian Church on Pioneer Street is not being lit. 
It is intentional.
As Christians, we believe that God expects us to be conscientious stewards of the earth.  Unfortunately, we are not living up to God’s expectations. 
The burning of fossil fuel to produce electricity is contributing to ever increasing atmospheric concentrations of carbon dioxide – a greenhouse gas. 
The result is changing weather patterns and climatic conditions.  Glaciers are rapidly retreating; ice caps are melting, and semi-tropical plants and animals are steadily advancing into more northern latitudes. 
We are concerned that rapid environmental change will adversely affect societies around the world, especially those that are poor and thus less capable of adapting to this change.
As a reminder that we must all act responsibly when it comes to energy conservation and use, the church decided to extinguish its outside lighting during Lent. 
Furthermore, some of our members are observing Lent by participating in a “carbon fast.” 
On Easter, we will relight the church and steeple to celebrate our faith in God’s providence and grace and proclaim our renewed commitment to tend this garden – our earth – until Christ comes again.
RICHARD BLABEY
Cooperstown