Tuesday, 01 November 2011 18:59

Northeastern Minnesota Synod 2008 Resolution on the Care of Creation

Resolution on the Care of Creation (submitted by Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Duluth) 
as amended by the 2008 NE MN Synod Assembly

WHEREAS, the care of creation is deeply rooted in the biblical witness, as are themes of the celebration, stewardship, and redemption of all God has made, and

WHEREAS, social statements of the ELCA (e.g., Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope and Justice, 1993), Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson (message to the ELCA, April 22, 2007), and Bishop Peter Strommen (“Global Warming Solutions,” public remarks October 28, 2007), express concern for the environment and urge the church’s advocacy and action on behalf of all living things, and

WHEREAS, a broad scientific consensus warns that humankind’s historic and increasing use of fossil fuels is contributing to and accelerating global warming, which is expected to cause severe and disruptive changes to all of creation, through more frequent extreme weather events, rising sea levels, increasing extinction of species, spread of tropical disease, disruptions in food supplies, and displacement of human communities, with these impacts most likely being felt disproportionately by those living in poverty, and

WHEREAS taking whatever actions we can now to reduce our use of fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve resources, and work toward sustainability can help to mitigate and lessen the severity of the effects of global warming and provide a more hopeful future for “the least of these” and the generations which follow us, and

WHEREAS as a synod, we have the calling and opportunity to model the kind of care for creation we would like to see in the world, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the congregations of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod accept their responsibility to be stewards of the earth, and pledge to grow faithfully and intentionally in this responsibility as individuals and congregations within the synod by:

  • Worshiping in ways that celebrate and foster care for creation,
  • Educating adults and children about ecological issues and energy conservation,
  • Improve energy conservation efforts in church buildings and on their grounds,
  • Promoting earth-friendly practices of members at home and work,
  • Demonstrating the care of creation in their communities, and
  • Advocating for energy policies at the state and national levels that will foster cleaner, renewable, and more efficient energy use in all sectors of society, and be it further

RESOLVED, that the synod council appoint a Green/Creation Care Task Force to provide leadership and oversight of this pledge and to work with the Lutheran Coalition for Public Policy in Minnesota (LCPPM) and the ELCA Washington Office along with partnering groups for its fulfillment.

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