February 2025 Tips
Photo: John Cameron/Unsplash
To stand alongside in support,
To give voice to, to defend what is right
To do so on behalf of
the best interest of others.
As followers of Christ, we are called to love God and God’s Creation
And to love our neighbor, especially those most in need of justice.
Advocacy is our job.
It comes in many different forms.
February 2025
Creation Justice ident
Individual actions won’t be enough to stop the environmental crises, but your actions can be a catalyst for change. When God called Moses to rescue God’s people, God reminded this very unlikely candidate for leadership that he was standing on “holy ground” (Exodus 3:1-12). Like Moses, you may feel overwhelmed and inadequate, but God assured him—and you—“I will be with you.” Where is God calling you?
Invest in the future—not the past. Choose what you can: solar and wind, energy-efficient appliances, hybrid or electric vehicles, voting for electric public transit, quality and long-lasting fashion made of natural textiles, insurance companies and banks that do not support fossil fuels, lawmakers who work for the environment and justice.
As a Christian charged to “Love our neighbors,” you can understand and speak up for environmental justice, which means that everyone—regardless of race, color, national origin, or income—has the right to the same environmental protections and benefits, as well as the right to meaningful involvement in the policies that shape their communities. Do the research, hold law and policy makers accountable, and tell the stories of injustice.
Put your money to work for justice. When you buy organic, you guarantee more farmers can grow healthy, safe food. When you buy fair trade, you provide living wages and fight poverty. When you buy from a business owned by women or people of color, you help build an inclusive economy. When you bank with a community bank or credit union, you are investing locally, and you are likely not funding fossil fuel projects.
Businesses have a greater impact toward a more sustainable future than individuals. But each of us can have an impact on businesses. When you need to make a purchase, shop for the company not just the product. Support businesses that practice sustainability with their products and production. Purchase from ones that care and give back. When you shop online, read the “About” tab and look also for B Corp certification or 1% for the Planet designations on the site.
Whatever you do to care for God’s creation and for justice is important and needed. It’s also necessary to change big systems at all levels—local, state, and federal. You don’t need to wait for action at the national level. Go local. Over 100 cities have committed to a timetable that moves them to 100% renewable energy; others have banned single-use plastics. Find out what your local opportunities are.
Support the creation justice efforts of others. Use your money to help fund organizations that care for the environment and for communities that are vulnerable. They can gather resources and amass power that creates greater impact than individuals can. Those who have the power to address climate change are more likely to respond when they perceive the demand for action has grown. Use your time to join the efforts of others: Write, call, organize, sign petitions, encourage others to be more vocal, use your social media, vote.
Write to law and policy makers. In your letter state why this environmental issue is important to you—and to others. Tell your story; speak up for justice. Indicate you are a constituent and a person of faith. Policy makers pay more attention to letters from individuals, and they need a broader religious perspective than they often assume.
Scientists have sounded the alarm about global warming for more than four decades. As predicted, the effects are increasing. But the time for being able to slow, stop, or reverse the trend is rapidly decreasing. Talk about the climate crises. Tell your family, friends, and church members about what you are learning and doing. You are a trusted resource for them. Your example and your encouragement are key to spreading wider the circle of caring for God’s planet and people.
During voting season vet your candidates for their commitments to address climate-change related issues—especially justice for those most adversely affected. Thoughtfully and prayerfully examine the issues and candidates with measures of right/wrong, helpful/harmful, truth/error, and what builds community and the common good. Then vote and encourage others to do so.
VIDEOS: "A MINUTE FOR MOTHER EARTH"!
A series very short videos to help your congregation recognize God's call in the midst of climate-related issues. Each "Minute" is based on the curriculum, Wake Up World, A Curriculum on the Climate Crisis for Faith and Community Groups (available free on the website and in print form from Cokesbury). Access the complete series of "Minutes" free at www.wakeupworld.earth.