WHEREAS, scripture teaches us that God’s first instruction to humanity was to keep the garden and all its inhabitants throughout the earth (Genesis 1:26, 2:15); and
WHEREAS, we accept that the covenant that God made with Noah to preserve life was made with all creatures and all people as the first endangered species act (Genesis 9:8); and
WHEREAS, we recognize that environmental degradation, extinctions, pollution, resource and habitat depletions, climate changes, and other human activities to varying degrees damage what God has pronounced worthy of preservation; and
WHEREAS, we understand that the excessive consumption of non-renewable resources may deprive future generations of some of their potential God-given heritage; and
WHEREAS, in order to fulfill our obligations as stewards of that over which we have been given dominion and the responsibility to keep the earth, we recognize that conservation of God’s creation is an act of fidelity to the covenant God has made with us.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the members of Union Congregational Church, United Church of Christ in Crested Butte, Colorado (hereinafter called “THE CHURCH”) commit to showing leadership in conserving God’s good earth by reducing our energy consumption through the use of energy efficient appliances, efficient heating practices, efficient lighting fixtures, upgrading weatherproofing and insulation and making such improvements to our church properties and their use as we are able to in the interest of eliminating waste;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that THE CHURCH will show leadership in reducing its carbon emissions by subscribing to wind generated electricity and other “green soft path” or sustainable technologies as they become available, contributing to carbon offsetting organizations and encouraging others to do so as well;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that THE CHURCH will provide education and intergenerational leadership in its adult educational programming, Sunday School, and various ministries in how to follow these principles in our homes, our workplaces, our schools, public and private transportation and throughout our communities;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that THE CHURCH will honor all creatures and all life and the earth as blessed by God in its liturgy, worship, prayer, policies and practices;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that THE CHURCH will provide invitations to its members, visitors, other congregations and its community to use conservation techniques, efficient technologies, efficient and clean transportation, water and land conservation practices, sustainable development techniques, and other responsible stewardship practices which enhance the integrity of creation and fullness of life for the whole earth.