What's New
The National Council of Churches commends the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for issuing its draft of the Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment accompanied by a 30-day public comment period. Read the full press release and its related links here!
Monroe: Climate change, Creation care. Creation care is not an option. It is the moral issue of our time. As a minister, a father, a son and a member of my community, I also see climate change as an issue with immense health implications, especially for African-Americans, says Rev. Monroe. Click here to read the full news article from the The State.
Sunday Morning Sustainability Earth Day Resource. Our Sunday morning routine actions impact people and places around the world, often contributing to environmental degradation, hunger, poverty, and chronic illness. We can help bring healing to God’s people and God’sEarth by examining and changing our routines. In doing so, we respond to Jesus’ call to feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, and care for the sick (Matt 25:34-45). Click here to download.
Amazingly minority communities can be impacted the most from Climate Change even though they have the smallest carbon footprint of all. Read the article from The State here.
Water Study Guide. As Christians, we see water as a precious gift from God, a symbol of baptism and blessing. We also recognize that water is vital in sustaining all of Creation. This guide to Blue Revolution: Unmaking America’s Water Crisis examines the pressing issues of water scarcity and waste from a Christian perspective, helping individuals and congregations become better stewards of this precious resource. Click here to download the guide.
Take Action
Support Clean Air Standards: The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed new vehicle emissions and fuel standards that would reduce air pollution and help prevent respiratory illness. Click here to send a message asking the EPA to protect God's Creation and God's children by keeping these standards strong.
Endorse the Faith Principles on Climate Change: The National Council of Churches, in conjunction with our interfaith community, has created a set of principles that outline the elements we feel must be addressed in any national climate change legislation. Read and sign on to the principles here.
Call for Environmental and Economic Justice for the Bristol Bay in Alaska. The world's largest open-pit gold and copper mine is being set up at the headwaters of the world's richest salmon-filled waters, despite opposition of Alaskan Natives. Click here to ask the EPA to save the Bristol Bay.
Eco-Justice Spotlight
God’s Earth is Sacred is a great read for anyone who is interested in environmental ethics from a Christian perspective. This collection of ecotheologial essays by prominent theologians and religious practitioners responds to the National Council of Churches' 2004 ecumenical statement on the environment and provides ethical and moral reflections what it means to be a Christian and care for God's Earth. Available now on Kindle!
Read previous spotlight stories here.
Upcoming Events
Mission 4/1 Earth: The United Church of Christ has announced an all-church initiative to complete 1 million hours of earth care, 100,000 tree plantings, and 100,000 advocacy letters on environmental issues during the 50 days between Easter and Pentecost (April 1st-May 19th). To learn more and get involved, click here.
Solar Under the Sun: Solar School training sessions hosted by the PC(USA) will teach you how to power your ministries with solar energy. Upcoming Solar School dates are May 2th-5th and September 12th-15th in Little Rock, AR. Click here to learn more and register.
Green Chalice Regional Leaders Retreat: The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) will hold a retreat at Christmount from May 17-19 for anyone who is interested in starting a regional Green Chalice team. The registration deadline is April 29. Click here for more information.
2013 Earth-Honoring Faith Series: Ghost Ranch will host an interfaith workshop from June 24-June 30 exploring how faith and caring for our Earth come together, led by author and activist Terry Tempest Williams. Click here for more information.
Presbyterians for Earth Care 2013 Conference: "Ethical Earth Care: Keeping Creation Sacred" will be October 16-19 at Ferncliff Camp and Conference Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Click here to download the full conference brochure, and click here to register.
