Church task force to examine global warming

By Kathy L. Gilbert*

FORT WORTH, Texas (UMNS)—The top lawmaking body of The United Methodist Church has directed United Methodist agencies and organizations to look for ways to care for the earth and reduce global warming.

A task force will report to the 2012 General Conference on a plan for evaluating how the denomination’s churches, institutions and staff contribute to global warming.

Specific recommendations are sought to guide the church “in reducing our carbon impact and ecological footprint upon creation and finding alternative renewable energy resources to use in carrying out our call to care for the earth as part of Christian discipleship.”

The 2008 General Conference, in legislation passed 521-89 on April 27, directed the denomination’s Board of Church and Society, Board of Global Ministries, Board of Discipleship, General Council on Finance and Administration, Connectional Table and General Conference organizing body to work with annual (regional) conferences and camps and retreat centers to develop recommendations.

The task force also is asked to develop an ecumenical effort to support changes designed to reduce global warming.

*Gilbert is a news writer for United Methodist News Service based in Nashville, Tenn.