Perhaps it is time we need to take a good look at the hard facts that our fuel sources are rapidly diminishing, and therefore something must be done if there are to be sufficient, if any, energy supplies fifty years from now. This may obviously involve some reevaluation of our priorities with regard to the environment and ecology. Although with careful planning and implementation of energy research and production programs to find new means of energy sources, even this environmental consideration need not necessarily be upset.
Perhaps two concerted efforts need to be made. First, an aggressive program needs to be engaged by the whole energy industry to discover more efficient methods of conservative use of our present fuel supplies in addition to research and development of alternate fuel sources.
The second is aggressive energy conservation efforts by the public. There needs to be the exercise of responsibility on the part of people with an eye toward taking whatever measures are necessary to reduce the amount of energy consumed. This should be especially true for Christians who should be aware of the need for responsible living in all areas of life. We are our brothers' keeper and this becomes very pertinent to the exercise of energy conservation.
Read the complete statement in the Environmental Anthology of Denominational Policy.
Report of the Christian Action Commission (Energy)
Reformed Church of America, 1980
The Energy Crisis and Responsible Stewardship
The use of energy can contribute to injustices in our society. Energy and its distribution relate directly to the welfare of society. We must be concerned that energy resources are equitably distributed. Since we are serious about our commitment to social justice, we must be willing to give a faithful response to the challenge of the energy crisis. The church and individual Christians must become involved in shaping a just society.
We must change our individual and corporate lifestyles. The most significant things that we can do is to begin to conserve energy through more efficient use. We must reduce our energy consumption. We must admit to ourselves and to each other that there is a finite supply of energy resources. We must be willing to conserve these resources and insure equitable distribution to meet the needs of all persons. We must be willing to face the challenge of responsible Christian stewardship.
Read the complete statement in the Environmental Anthology of Denominational Policy.
- Other mainline Protestant denominations have made statements and policies on similar topics, including: Energy, Nuclear Power, Conservation, Strip Mining, and Oil Development in ANWR. To read more, browse the Environmental Anthology of Denominational Policy by denomination or by environmental issue.
- The National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program has worship and informational resources on Good Stewards of God's Gift of Energy, the theme for Earth Day Sunday 2000.
- The Eco-Justice Program offers an Energy Stewardship Guide for Congregations.
