Bishops Call for Renewed Climate Justice Commitment

The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church has released a pastoral letter calling on all congregations to adopt measurable climate stewardship goals and engage in advocacy for environmental justice.

The Pastoral Letter

The letter, signed by all active bishops, references the denomination's Social Principles on the natural world and calls climate change "one of the defining moral challenges of our time." It outlines five concrete steps congregations can take.

Five Steps

The bishops encourage churches to: (1) conduct energy audits of church facilities, (2) transition to renewable energy where feasible, (3) establish creation care ministries, (4) advocate for climate policy at local and national levels, and (5) support communities disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.

"As people of faith, we have a sacred responsibility to care for God's creation," the letter states. "The science is clear, and the moral imperative is undeniable."