Church of the Brethren, 2000
Over 100 million Americans live in areas that do not meet the current health standards for ozone smog, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, lead and particulate matter. In addition, cancer-causing air toxics exceed levels considered safe in millions of neighborhoods. Those most at risk of harm from air pollution are children, the elderly, people with heart and lung diseases (like asthma and emphysema), and poor and minority communities who are often in closest proximity to pollution sources…
What we should do:
- Invest in alternative fuels and energy efficiency for electric generation and transportation.
- Invest in urban revitalization as a means to improve urban infrastructures and reduce suburban sprawl.
- As individuals, do our part by not wasting energy and demanding cleaner energy and more transportation choices that promote nonpolluting vehicles, better mass transit and land use planning.
Read the complete statement in the Environmental Anthology of Denominational Policy.
Care for the Earth: Theology and Practice
Reformed Church of America, 1982
Hundreds of toxic chemicals arc regularly found in the atmosphere of major urban centers. Although scientists are beginning to agree that a large percentage of cancer cases
are related to such toxic chemicals in the environment, only four such carcinogenic air pollutants are now regulated and controlled in the United States.
Read the complete statement in the Environmental Anthology of Denominational Policy.
The Land: God’s Giving, Our Caring
American Lutheran Church, 1982
No community in America, rural or urban, can afford to be without a land-use plan. Broad guidelines may be developed at the state level, but planning should be done at the most local level that is suitable. Next, communities will need to have the necessary implementing legislation and the courage to enforce such laws.
Read the complete statement in the Environmental Anthology of Denominational Policy.
Other mainline Protestant denominations have made statements and policies on similar topics, including: Clear Air, Toxic Waste, Environmental Racism/Justice, Sustainable Development, Land Use.
To read more, browse the Environmental Anthology of Denominational Policy by denomination or by environmental issue.
