Environmental Ministries sends out a monthly e-newsletter, "Eco-Notes," to update PC(USA) churches and members about eco-justice programs, resources, and events. Subscribe to Eco-Notes.
Become an Earth Care Congregation
Environmental Ministries is introducing the Earth Care Congregations program to encourage churches to care for God’s earth and to honor churches that have committed to this important mission.
The goal of the program is to inspire churches to care for God’s earth in a holistic way, through integrating earth care into all of church life. Earth Care Congregations: A Guide to Greening Presbyterian Churches provides congregations with worksheets, resources, and instructions for becoming an Earth Care Congregation. The Earth Care Congregation certification honors churches that make the commitment to be stewards of God’s earth and encourages others to follow their example.
To become an Earth Care Congregation churches affirm the Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into all facets of their church life and complete projects and activities in the fields of worship, education, facilities, and outreach. Eight PC(USA) churches from around the country have already achieved Earth Care Congregation certification through participation in a pilot program.
For more information on the Earth Care Congregations program and to download Earth Care Congregations: A Guide to Greening Presbyterian Churches visit the Environmental Ministries website.
Environmental Issues at General Assembly
The 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which met in Minneapolis in early July, approved four environmental-related business items. The items include:
- reaffirming the 1990 “Call to Restore Creation,” calling Presbyterians to care for the earth as part of our faith,
- drawing attention to the issue of coastal wetlands erosion,
- calling the PC(USA) to respond to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Disaster, and
- supporting sustainable agriculture in Haiti.
Learn more about these environmental issues from General Assembly.
Speak Out about the Oil Disaster
As the devastation of the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster has grown, the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program has been working with congregations, clergy and communities in the Gulf Coast to discern how to minister to those who are suffering and help them prepare for the long road ahead. Out of this process, the NCC Eco-Justice Program has created a petition calling for a moral response to the oil spill. Sign the petition to call on our elected officials and our national leaders for a just and moral response that seeks to protect and provide for God's people and God's creation.
Please continue to keep the Gulf Coast in your prayers.
Other links of interest
Read the Eco-Journey blog's posts on the Oil Spill.
Download a new study guide on biblical and theological foundations for Eco-Justice.