Another theme of shalom is that in creation we are all related. Humans are not self-sufficient. We need God, others, nature. The story of the garden (Genesis 2) attempts to picture the complete and harmonious interrelatedness of all creation. There is shalom only when we recognize that interrelatedness and care for th whole. When we violate the rules of the garden, we are dismissed. In ecological terms, when we violate the principles of ecology, we suffer environmental damage. (United Methodist Church, Environmental Stewardship, 1984. [III.C.1.x.])

• For mainline Protestant statements on the environment, click here. [III.C.1.]
• For some applications of mainline Protestant teachings to particular environmental issues, click here [link to IV.D.3.], or see the Environmental Anthology of Denominational Policy, from the National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA.
• For a bibliography on mainline Protestant environmental teaching, click here [III.C.2.a.]
• For additional information, visit the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program website and the Web of Creation.