Environment and Energy

"Humans, in service to God, have special roles on behalf of the whole of creation. Made in the image of God, we are called to care for the earth as God cares for the earth. God's command to have dominion and subdue the earth is not a license to dominate and exploit. Human dominion (Gen 1:28; Ps 8), a special responsibility, should reflect God's way of ruling as a shepherd king who takes the form of a servant (Phil 2:7), wearing a crown of thorns." ELCA Social Statement on Environment

The Environmental Education and Advocacy program of the ELCA is committed to caring for our Lord's creation.This involves the responsible stewardship of all God's creation: soil, air, water and all of God's living creatures. We recognize that God is the giver of all life.

As Christians, we affirm that all that we have God has given to us as gifts because God loves us; we are to care for these gifts as the precious symbols of God's love.

Our Lord commanded humankind to "keep the earth" (Genesis 2:15) and we believe that it is our responsibility to learn to do just this. Below are resources and educational materials to help you grow in your own faith journey to appreciate fully and cherish our Lord's creation and find different ways to engage in earth-keeping activities.

Congress debates climate change legislation to help the poor

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the first climate change bill, 219-212. The U.S. Senate is now considering such legislation. People of faith have mobilized to make their voices heard. The faith community is pushing hard to make sure this landmark legislation contains adequate funding to help the most vulnerable, both here and abroad, adapt to the devastating effects of climate change. Read more. Click here to listen to the "Redemption" radio ad.

Hearings on Climate Change Legislation

There have been congressional hearings with the House subcommittee on Energy & Environment. Click below to learn more about the specific testimonies.

Doug Smith, Director of the Virginia Interfaith Center on Public Policy

The Rev. Callon W. Holloway Jr., bishop of the ELCA Southern Ohio Synod

Media Pick-ups
Faithful Progressive blog
Delaware-Maryland Synod blog

Presiding Bishop Talked About Environment At Churchwide Assembly

During his report to the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly on Aug. 8, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson urged, "We need to speak the truth about what our consumptive living is doing to an environment that is now on the verge of ecocide - self-destruction." LISTEN (MP3 - 1.4 Mb) (08.09.07)

Print a copy of the ELCA social statement Caring for Creation: Vision, Hope, and Justice.