East Ohio Creation Care Fait
A "creation care fair" in the East Ohio Conference drew 18 information stations like this one to inform United Methodists about climate change and other environmental causes. (East Ohio Conference Photo)
Spring has brought out lots of action on the global climate crisis from United Methodists.
Creation Justice Fair Held in Ohio
In an article on the East Ohio Conference website, conference communications director Rick Wolcott wrote:
“In response to God’s call to care for the goodness of creation, the United Methodist Church of Berea (North Coast District) and Ridgewood United Methodist Church in Parma (North Coast District) collaborated to host a Creation Justice Fair on Saturday, April 23.
“The fair included information tables from 18 organizations, a rain barrel workshop, a children’s station, an interactive mural, and a plant sale. It also featured speakers from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (watershed treatment), US Together (refugee resettlement in Cleveland), City Fresh (the importance of eating local food), and the Interreligious Task Force on Central America and Columbia (environmental degradation and dispossession of land).”
UM Creation Justice reports
The Rev. Paul Slentz, facilitator for the Federal Climate Policy Working Group of the United Methodist Creation Justice Movement, commented on the most recent report from the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC):
“The April 4 report … the makes it clear that we have the tools at our disposal right now to prevent the worst consequences of climate disruption. The same report says that we must act with urgency—that to avoid irreversible harm, all nations (and especially the largest carbon emitters like the U.S., China, India, and the E.U.) must take big steps in the next few years to sharply reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The U.S. needs to take the lead and set an example for the whole world.
“It is our belief that these reductions in greenhouse gas emissions should take place in a just way that does no further harm to communities here and throughout the world that have historically been affected the most by the degradation of creation (disproportionately communities of color). Carefully shaped policies can result in deep reductions that do no further damage to and in fact benefit vulnerable communities.
“… Creation is a good gift from God that we are to share and protect. Thank you for your commitment to creation justice. If you would like to give feedback or have questions, please email me at pslentz53@gmail.com.”
The newsletter also quotes John Hill, the Church and Society executive whose portfolio includes climate justice.
“Reconciliation Bill with Climate Provisions
“The United States Congress continues to debate whether and how to move forward on a budget reconciliation package. Passed in the House as the “Build Back Better” plan, the package of priorities—including provisions addressing the climate crisis—has been stalled in the Senate. Recently, key Senate leaders indicated a renewed push for a modified version of this legislation, and environmental groups are pushing for passage of a bill before Memorial Day. Now is the time—even if you have contacted your Senators before—to raise your voice and demand Congressional action. This is the last best chance for significant Congressional action this year to adopt policies that will reduce our emissions in a just way. As United Methodists, we “support efforts of all governments to require mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions” (Book of Discipline ¶160.D) and must use our moral voice to demand climate action now.”
“International Climate Finance / Green Climate Fund
“On March 15th, President Biden signed into law legislation that funds government programs through the remainder of Fiscal Year 2022. Among the provisions in this “omnibus” package of appropriations were funding levels for international climate finance accounts including the Green Climate Fund. Unfortunately, the levels included in the final package were far below the House, Senate, and Administration requests and nowhere near the level needed to fulfill our obligations and restore U.S. credibility in international climate negotiations. In fact, the legislation provided zero funding for the critically important Green Climate Fund. As United Methodists, we “support communities impacted by climate change” and “advocate national policies that shift resources… toward alternative, cleaner energy sources.” (Book of Resolutions #1033). As a matter of justice, we call on wealthier nations to provide adequate funding to climate vulnerable countries and we urge Congress to increase U.S. climate assistance in the Fiscal Year 2023 budget and appropriations.”
Garrett launches environmental center
EVANSTON, Ill. — United Methodist Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary launched a new center focused on the environment on Earth Day, and appointed the Rev. Timothy Eberhart as the holder of a chair there. Eberhart, of the Dakotas Conference, will be the Robert and Marilyn Degler McClean Endowed Chair in Ecological Theology and Practice. In his inaugural address, Eberhart said the center would seek “just healing of the land.” David Stucke of the Dakotas Conference reports. Read story
Ukraine animal rescue active
Here’s one for all us animal lovers: Heidi Levine reports for The Washington Post that "Asya Serpinska, 77, had spent two decades keeping her animal shelter going in Hostomel, a town northwest of Kyiv. With the threat of Russian occupation now looming, she thought, there was no place in Ukraine that needed her more. With three colleagues, she kept most of the 700 dogs and 100 cats alive — and even rescued a lion — as Russian and Ukrainian forces exchanged shelling overhead and as Russian forces repeatedly entered the property and threatened their lives."
Media Mentions as of May 3, 2022
Theologically conservative congregations set to break away from United Methodist Church
Washington Times
Local church splits from United Methodist Church along LGBTQ lines - YouTube
Grace United Methodist Church delivers food to 40 area families | Waushara Argus
Global Methodist Church Launches, Though African Leaders Wait to Join | News & Reporting – Christianity Today
St. Paul's in Cedar Rapids becomes one of first Iowa United Methodist churches to permit ... The Gazette
Carrollton United Methodist Church Shows Huge Heart For Ukraine Children With Sunday ... RiverBender.com
Church members feel threatened after LGBTQ flag burned twice, harassing voicemails left ... - NJ.com
United Methodists Finally Split Over LGBTQ Policies, Conservatives Officially Launch Global Church – CBN.com - The Christian Broadcasting Network
After years of loud debate, conservatives quietly split from United Methodist Church – Religion News Service
Roe v. Wade: Faith leaders react to leaked SCOTUS opinion – Religion News Service
'This is a crisis': Faith-based groups rally for affordable housing action in Brevard County - WESH
Retired bishop leaves UMC for new conservative church over 'significant disagreement' on theology – Christian Post
Habitat KC and Church of the Resurrection will Rock The Block – United Methodist Church of the Resurrection - Leawood
Pride flag outside Sparta NJ church burned, again - New Jersey Herald