Climate Justice
We are committed to ministries that address both the impacts and root causes of the climate crisis.
We understand more profoundly than ever the impact our actions are having on God’s Creation. Overconsumption and our misuse of resources have led to pollution on a local, regional and global scale.
The United Methodist Church has long supported action to address the present and growing threat of a changing climate. As scientific evidence confirms the scope of the challenge, our relationships in community deepen our commitment and inform our response.
We therefore support efforts of all governments to require mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
United Methodist Social Principles, ¶160.DAs Christ calls us to love our neighbors, we have a moral obligation to stand with our neighbors in frontline communities in Africa, the Philippines, small island states in the South Pacific and native communities in the United States who are bearing the brunt of climate impacts.
The United Methodist Church is committed to ministries that address both the impacts and root causes of the climate crisis. Rooted in the relationships, experiences and diverse contexts of our worldwide connection, United Methodists are faithfully responding to God’s call to care for creation and challenge systems of injustice.
What the Bible and The United Methodist Church Say:
“God saw everything that God had made and indeed, it was very good.” (Genesis 1:10)
“The earth dries up and withers, the world languishes and withers; the heavens languish together with the earth. The earth lies polluted under its inhabitants; for they have transgressed laws, violated statutes, broken the ever-lasting covenant.” (Isaiah 24:4-5)
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30-31)
In their pastoral letter, God’s Renewed Creation: A Call to Hope and Action, the Bishops of The United Methodist Church call for a comprehensive response to the interrelated issues of poverty and disease, environmental degradation, and the proliferation of weapons and violence. “Aware of God’s vision for creation, we no longer see a list of isolated problems affecting people, plant, and animals. Rather we see one interconnected system that is ‘groaning in travail’ (Romans 8:22 RSV).”
“The adverse impacts of global climate change disproportionately affect individuals and nations least responsible for the emissions. We therefore support efforts of all governments to require mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and call on individuals, congregations, businesses, industries, and communities to reduce their emissions.” (Social Principles, ¶160.D)
“As we continue to call for bold leadership and advocate for policies rooted in justice and sustainability, we understand that God is calling each of us to respond and that as a denomination we cannot hope to transform the world until we change our way of being in it.” (Book of Resolutions, 1035)
Three Things You Can Do:
- Learn how your lifestyle and the institutions you are a part of are connected to the climate crisis. Use an online carbon footprint calculator to measure your emissions and take steps to reduce your carbon footprint.
- Celebrate God’s creation in worship and discuss the climate crisis with others in your faith community. While some may see climate change as a ‘hot button’ issue to be avoided, we understand it to be a moral crisis demanding an urgent response.
- Advocate for policies and practices that build a clean energy future and support frontline communities struggling to survive in a changing climate.
Related Resources
