The Founding of the Partnership: 1990-1993

The June consultation resonated beyond its circle of participants. For example, eleven chief executive officers of major national environmental groups (the National Audubon Society, the Natural Resources Defense Council, the Sierra Cub, the Environmental Defense Fund, World Resources Institute, et al.) sent a letter to participants affirming the importance of the religious community's contribution, "particularly in our efforts to support struggles for environmental justice by poor, minority and indigenous peoples." And the consultation's resolve helped encourage what was to be a year-long series of actions by major faith groups and denominations, broadening significantly the base of commitment to religious environmental activity.

In July 1991, the Episcopal Church agreed upon and funded its first program on environment and sustainable development. Bishops of the U.S. Catholic Conference approved their first pastoral statement on the environment in November 1991. Also that autumn, the National Council of Churches of Christ established an office on environmental and economic justice, and the United Church of Christ hosted an environmental summit for people of color.

1992: Denominational Initiative and Interreligious Consultation

As directed by the June '91 meeting, this process continued over the next two years with three meetings of individual faith communities and a consultation of senior leaders from among them.

1. Consultation on Environment and Jewish Life

On March 11th-12th, 1992, over one hundred Jewish leaders met in Washington, heard scholarly perspectives from Jewish tradition and scientific briefings; discussed possible initiatives by national organizations, synagogues, seminaries and community relations councils; and resolved to establish a formal organization to develop such initiatives, working in close collaboration with other faith groups. They wrote,

"We, American Jews of every denomination, from diverse organizations and differing political perspectives, are united in deep concern that the quality of human life and the earth we inhabit are in danger, afflicted by rapidly increasing ecological threats. As heirs to a tradition of stewardship that goes back to Genesis, we cannot accept the escalating destruction of our environment. Our agenda is already overflowing. But the ecological crisis hovers over all Jewish concerns."