The use of natural resources is a universal concern and responsibility of all as reflected in Psalm 24:1: “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof.” The New Testament confronts us with the implication of the Old Testament understanding when it asks us how we use our resources in relation to our brothers and sisters. John the Baptist prepared us for Jesus’ ministry by stating, “Those who have two coats let them share with those who have none; and those who have food let them do likewise” (Luke 3:11). This philosophy was carried forth into the early church by incorporating the belief that the way in which one shares one’s goods is a reflection of how one loves God. (NCC ecumenical statement, God’s Earth is Sacred, 2004.)

Concern for the Poor

We call upon all Christians and other person of good will to join with the Church of the Brethren to reverse the widening of the gap between rich and poor. In order to conserve energy, food, and other resources needed by the poor, we must reexamine our patterns of consumption. We urge our people to contribute from their material resources, beyond a tithe, for global redistribution of wealth. We encourage one another to dissociate, as far as possible, from, or change the policies of, economic institutions that buttress elitist systems abroad or seek to take unreasonable profits our of less developed countries. (Church of the Brethren, The Church’s Responsibility for Justice and Nonviolence, 1977.)

Justice

In our global context, economic deprivation and ecological degradation are linked in a vicious cycle. We are compelled, therefore, to seek eco-justice, the integration of social justice and ecological integrity. The quest for eco-justice also implies the development of a set of human environmental rights, since one of the essential conditions of human wellbeing is ecological integrity. (NCC ecumenical statement, God’s Earth is Sacred, 2004.)

The term “eco-justice”—ecology and justice — means ecological health and wholeness together with social and economic justice. It means the well-being of all humankind on a thriving earth. (Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice, 1990.)

Solidarity

The norm of solidarity gives forceful expression to the affirmation of community. Solidarity means strong, vibrant community based on commitment and fidelity. In the context of the eco-justice crisis it embraces ecological, ethical themes of each individual’s worth and dignity together with the fundamental interdependence and unity of the Creator’s creatures. (Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Restoring Creation for Ecology and Justice, 1990.)