Many religions have a concept of environmental stewardship that says humans have been given responsibility for the environment and other animals by a creator. Ethical Humanism embraces the theory of unguided evolution. Yet many Ethical Humanists are strong environmentalists. What is the basis for the Ethical Humanist environmental ethic? How do we decide ecological ethical questions? Some argue that humans have been so harmful to the environment that the earth would be better off without us; is this really true?
Kate Lovelady is a born and bred New Yorker, growing up on the UWS and attending Stuyvesant High School (in the “old” building!). Ironically, she discovered Ethical Culture after moving to North Carolina with her partner, Billy Dechand, where they joined their first Ethical Society in 1998. After attending the AEU Lay Leadership Summer School, Kate applied for Leadership Training. As part of her training she was Leader Intern at NYSEC in 2004-5. Kate was hired by the Ethical Society of St. Louis as their Leader in the fall of 2005. (ESSL has since grown to have two full-time Leaders, Kate and James Croft.) Kate is also currently chair of the AEU Leadership Training Committee.
Sunday Platform is our most important and long-standing community event. These gatherings educate, stimulate personal growth, inspire reflection and action, and strengthen our community. Sunday meetings usually begin with music, followed by greetings and a talk given by a Society Leader, member, or guest. Platforms cover a variety of topics that reflect current events, pressing social issues, and Ethical Culture philosophy. A collection basket is passed and money is shared between the Society and a charity selected for that day. While contributions are always appreciated, Sunday meetings are free and open to the public. Each Sunday meeting is followed by a luncheon and social hour.
To view previous Sunday Platform addresses and interviews, visit the Ethical NYC YouTube channel.
