The Earth Charter is an international people's agreement for a just and sustainable world that was written by thousands of people in 78 countries over the course of 12 years. It was launched at The Hague Peace Palace in June 2000.

Its core value of interdependence calls for focus on the principles of:

• economic and social justice

• peace

• democracy

• ecological integrity

In August of 2002, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) voted on a resolution on peace, which had endorsement of the Earth Charter as one of its specific actions. Subsequently, many LCWR member congregations, including the Sisters of the Humility of Mary, have educated their members and others about the Earth Charter and have endorsed the charter and embraced its principles.

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Reflection of the Earth Charter in political gatherings, religious groups, academic settings and environmental organizations is fostering a more unified basis for thought and action. The charter embodies the hope for expanded vision and inspiring values for the larger Earth community as it seeks to build common ground for a sustainable future.

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The Sisters of the Humility of Mary have this expanded vision. If environmentalism truly wishes, as it claims, to want to “save” something—the planet, a species, itself— it needs to rediscover a common language of Care.