Phoenix, Arizona
WE AFFIRM that Scripture declares, 'The earth is the LORD's and everything in it,' (Psalm 24:1) AND
WE AFFIRM that 'the LORD God had made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food,' (Genesis 2:9); AND
WE AFFIRM that God created and intended that 'all the trees of the forest will sing for joy,' (Psalm 96:13) AND 'all the trees of the field will clap their hands.' (Isaiah 55:12)
FURTHERMORE, we affirm that forest ecosystems are an integral component of God's good creation, wholly having intrinsic value because they were created by and for Jesus Christ, and have been reconciled through Him (Colossians 1:15-20, Ephesians 4:6).
WHEREAS old growth forest ecosystems are a declining remnant of the earth as God created it, AND
WHEREAS large and integrated forest ecosystems provide a critical habitat for many of God's threatened and endangered species, AND
WHEREAS forest ecosystems play an ecologically crucial role in mitigating the increasing levels of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, AND
WHEREAS the purposes of National Forests to provide quality water supplies and recreation opportunities have been largely overlooked in recent years in favor of maximizing commercial timber harvest, AND
WHEREAS the livelihoods of people in certain communities have historically depended on government subsidized logging, AND
WHEREAS we as Christians affirm simple living, the virtue of frugality, and living as good stewards of God's provision in creation; and affirm that our biblical responsibility to love our neighbors as ourselves extends not only to our neighbors living today, but to our neighbors throughout time, because Christ's redemption extends throughout time (Matthew 22:39, Psalm 15:3, Proverbs 13:22, & Romans 8:21),
WE ENCOURAGE all Christians to support and advocate the conservation of remaining forest ecosystems as natural communities, created by and pleasing to God, rather than using forest ecosystems solely for their potential as economic capital.
THEREFORE, let it be resolved that we encourage, support, and advocate the end of all old-growth logging of God's forest ecosystems in the United States to ensure protection of this ancient remnant of God's creation.
THEREFORE, let it be further resolved that we encourage, support, and advocate the end of all commercial logging on U.S. National Forests, as carried out under the U.S. Forest Service's timber commodity program and the redirection or appropriation of monies to benefit communities dependent on timber harvesting and to fund forest restoration.
Passed on this 4th day of October, 1998 by the Annual Meeting of the Christian Environmental Council.
Phoenix, Arizona
Ann Alexander, Chair
Stan LeQuire, Secretary
Private Property and the Common Good
Evangelicals and the "Takings" Issue
The Christian Environmental Council, assembled on October 25-27, 1996 at the DuBose Conference Center in Monteagle, Tennessee, affirms the following Biblical principles and adopts the following guidelines for action:
WE AFFIRM that Scripture teaches that "The Earth is the Lord's, and all that is in it"; and that all creation has intrinsic value because it was created through Christ and has been reconciled through Him (Psalm 24: 1; Colossians 1: 15-20).
WE AFFIRM that although Scripture teaches that "the Earth he has given to human beings," the principle underlying all human ownership of property is that the ultimate owner of creation is the Creator (Psalm 115:16; Leviticus 25:33).
WE AFFIRM that our Scriptural responsibility to love our neighbors as ourselves extends not only to our neighbors living today, but to our neighbors throughout time, because Christ's redemption extends throughout time, and Scripture affirms our responsibility to pass on an inheritance to all generations (Matthew 22:39; Psalm 15:3; Proverbs 13:22; Romans 8:21).
WE AFFIRM that while Scripture affords certain protection to property interests, it also teaches that those interests may only be exercised in a manner that is compatible with the common good, and does no harm to our neighbors (Deuteronomy 22:8).
WE AFFIRM that governmental authorities have a legitimate, God-ordained role in guarding justice and fostering a proper balance between private property interests and common interests (Romans 13:1-7).
WE SUPPORT the right of individuals to own property and make legitimate use of it, so long as that use does not unduly interfere with protection and stewardship of creation, including species, wilderness, and natural habitats.
WE SUPPORT efforts to find new ways to better ensure that both justice and environmental protection are guaranteed.
WE ENCOURAGE Christians to study the Scriptures that set forth principles governing property ownership, social responsibility, and stewardship of creation.
WE ENCOURAGE Christians to be vigilant against legislative efforts to undermine a biblical understanding of the common good.
WE ENCOURAGE Christians to implement Scriptural principles of environmental stewardship and responsible property ownership and management.
THEREFORE, we call upon all Christians to educate themselves and others concerning Scriptural principles of property ownership and the common good; and we empower the Evangelical Environmental Network to speak on behalf of the evangelical community before legislative bodies and the public concerning these issues.
Calvin B. DeWitt
President of the Council
Ann Alexander
Advocacy Committee
(Passed by unanimous vote, October 26, 1996)
For further information on evangelical perspectives on land, visit: creationcare.org
