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Subgroup/Office of Origin: Office of Environmental Initiatives
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Roger Ballentine
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Climate Change Other Religion
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62
1
1
3
Paul Bledsoe
07/11/2000 10:05:24 AM
Record Type:
Record
To:
See the distribution list at the bottom of this message
CC:
Subject: NYTimes article on religious community crusade for clean energy
Surprised our friend Paul Gorman isn't in here, but this ran in the Times Regional section and
is focused only on the NY area. Greenmountain.com is mentioned and a group called Partners for
Environmental Quality. Have they been represented at any of our meetings?
7/10 The New York Times
Religious Group Sees Moral Choice in the Monthly Light Bill
By KIRK JOHNSON
HATHAM, N.J., July 3
-- Electricity used to be
so simple. A bill came from
some faceless monopoly and
the consumer wrote a check.
Then came deregulation and the
dizzying choice about who
would provide one's allotment
of kilowatts.
The next wave of change may
bring the most wrenching
consequence of all: guilt. The
Rev. Franklin Vilas, the recently
retired rector of St. Paul's
Episcopal Church in this
northern New Jersey
community, argues that in the
new world of consumer choice, electricity has become a moral issue. "If
you buy the cheapest energy, you're killing your kids," he says.
Mr. Vilas, 65, a soft-spoken cleric known to all as Skip, is the leading
intellectual force in a coalition of religious leaders who are trying to forge
what they say would be a holy alliance of good works and faith,
environmentalism and economics: all the churches in New Jersey,
combining their power needs to buy so-called green, nonpolluting,
renewable energy as a political and moral statement.
Experts on the electricity industry and theologians say that though the
steps have been early and small -- less than 1,000 green-energy
customers, mostly households, out of more than 3.5 million energy users
statewide -- the implications of the church effort are huge. Last
November, New Jersey was the first state in the metropolitan region, and
one of the first in the nation, to let all customers choose their power
suppliers. By being drawn into the debate from the beginning, religion has
given commercial green energy its first toehold in the nation's densest
urban corridor.
"They were a big part of the reason we came into New Jersey," said
John Holtz, regional public affairs manager for Greenmountain.com, a
company based in Vermont that entered the New Jersey market four
months ago, selling electricity generated mostly by wind power, water
power and landfill gas. Mr. Holtz declined to provide actual numbers of
customers, but said that most signed up after hearing about the company
through their congregations or synagogues.
Greenmountain is planning at least three nonpolluting energy plants in the
state, two solar and one hydroelectric, he said; these would have been
built elsewhere without church involvement.
Members of Mr. Vilas's group, Partners for Environmental Quality, say
that electricity is a disembodied idea, rather like faith, that exists only by
its expression. Because the delivery and generation process is far away
or out of sight, it can seem harmless and clean, when in fact the power
industry, especially coal-fired generation, is one of the biggest
contributors of greenhouse gases that are blamed for global warming and
East Coast smog.
The group's members say that people also have to be taught how the
electrical system works so that they can be convinced that buying green
makes a difference, and again it comes down to a leap of faith because
green energy does not flow directly into the home. Every light and
computer and television in New Jersey draws its energy from the same
power grid of mixed energy sources that also supplies residents across
Pennsylvania and Maryland. Green-energy users have to know in their
hearts that their energy purchase has affected, in a small way, the vast,
amorphous power grid itself by injecting more renewable energy into it.
"People have to be educated to the fact that this is not the same kind of
choice as choosing your long-distance provider; this one carries
consequences," said Pamela Frank, the executive director of Partners for
Environmental Quality.
Organizing churches around the support of green power and energy
consciousness is not a new idea. A group called Episcopal Power and
Light has been active in Massachusetts and California for several years,
and its leaders have coordinated their efforts with Mr. Vilas.
New Jersey's churches moved faster, pastors and electricity experts say,
simply because deregulation here moved faster. New York State, by
contrast, is introducing consumer choice gradually on a region-by-region
basis through next year, but for most residents, green energy is not yet an
option. Connecticut opened its market only this month.
Partners for Environmental Quality, which is led by a multifaith board of
trustees, has reached out to Roman Catholics, Protestants and Jews to
talk about the practical and ethical aspects of participating in the power
pool.
Other church efforts have moved forward on their own tracks.
The New Jersey region chapter of the United Synagogues of
Conservative Judaism has formed its own energy-buying consortium
separate from Partners for Environmental Quality and will present two
choices to its 60 members this fall: one with a cheaper traditional energy
mix, and one with a higher proportion of cleaner-burning fuels like natural
gas and renewable sources.
A spokesman for the chapter said that synagogues would be under no
pressure to choose one way or the other, but that he believed most
would consider more than price. "Before, we had no input into how
energy was generated or how dirty it was, and now we do," said Jeff
Schwartz, secretary of the chapter. "This is an opportunity that shouldn't
be squandered."
But the message for cleaner energy is also raising some ethical dilemmas
and implications of its own inside religious communities.
Mr. Vilas, who grew up in the utility industry -- his father, Franklin Vilas
Sr., was the chief spokesman for Consolidated Edison in New York for
many years -- has argued to pastors, priests and parishioners that the
cheapest available energy comes from coal-burning plants in the Midwest
that are blamed for contributing to air pollution on the Atlantic seaboard.
Mr. Vilas tells people that by simply staying with the energy company
they have, they are tacitly endorsing a power grid that derives nearly 50
percent of its output from coal-fired generation. Getting the point across
-- that making no decision on energy constitutes a moral statement --
requires what officials of the group call agitation.
"When I say 'energy deregulation and global warming,' I see people's
eyes glaze over," said Ms. Frank, executive director of Partners for
Environmental Quality. "But when Skip says, 'Buy cheap energy and kill
your kids,' it gets people's attention -- it may be over the top, but it gets
people's attention."
Renewable energy also costs about 20 percent more than the rate paid
by most customers in New Jersey, and that difference threatens to
separate rich churches from poor ones. For an affluent church like St.
Paul's, the additional cost of about $600 to $1,000 a year was not
considered a problem.
In poorer parts of the state, however, churches are struggling simply to
make ends meet. With electricity bills expected to increase this summer in
many parts of the country, partly because of a recent surge in natural gas
prices, many churches, individuals and businesses could be pushed by
circumstances to go precisely the other way: toward cheaper and
perhaps dirtier energy.
Traditional electricity companies and some energy industry analysts say
that the regional power grid is improving even without green energy, as
natural gas becomes a bigger source and older, less efficient coal-fired
plans are decommissioned.
But there are also many small and very human implications that have
emerged from the church-energy nexus, and they have less predictable
results. Robert Frey, a retired mechanical engineer who attends St.
Paul's, signed up with Greenmountain after company officials came to the
church for Easter service, and he is now the resident green convert in his
condominium complex in nearby Morris Township.
Mr. Frey has persuaded the condominium board to allow him to present
a plan this fall for converting the common areas of the complex to green
energy. "If you're a family that wants to save 10 percent and buy the dirty
energy, that's your choice," Mr. Frey said. "But is it beneficial to your
children and grandchildren? I think not. How can you get that message
across to people without religion?"
Message Sent To:
Roger S. Ballentine/WHO/EOP@EOP
David Gardiner/WHCCTF/EOP@EOP
Jacqueline Krieger/WHCCTF/EOP@EOP
John D. Gibson/WHCCTF/EOP@EOP
Elliot J. Diringer/CEQ/EOP@EOP
Janet Anderson/WHCCTF/EOP@EOP
Julie M. Anderson/WHO/EOP@EOP
Peter W. Backlund/OSTP/EOP@EOP
Rosina M. Bierbaum/OSTP/EOP@EOP
Shelley N. Fidler/WHCCTF/EOP@EOP
Angela C. Mizeur/WHO/EOP@EOP
Debra Reed/CEQ/EOP@EOP
Global Warming
and God's People
WWF
Michigan Ecumenical Forum
Environment Council
For Immediate Release
Media Contacts:
Wednesday, April 19, 2000
Kara Saul Rinaldi, WWF
(t) 202/822-3477 (c) 202/257-9959
Vicki Levengood, NET
(t) 517/333-5786 (c) 517/230-3968
Passover, Easter, Earth Day
Religious Leaders Join Environmentalists,
Call for Action to Stop Global Warming
Study Shows Michigan Global Warming Solutions Would Bring 30,500 new
jobs, $3.1 Billion Net Savings to the State By 2010
Lansing, MI- Today at the Michigan state capitol, members of the faith and environmental communities
of Michigan call on the Michigan congressional delegation to do the right thing and enact clean energy
legislation to fight global warming (10:00 am, Room 405). On the eve of Passover, during Holy Week,
and days before Earth Day, the groups cite a new study released today by World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
that demonstrates that common-sense energy policies are good for the planet and Michigan's economy.
"This is a time to rise above political rhetoric and do the right thing for our state and our world," said The
Rev. David Baak, executive director of the Grand Rapids Center for Ecumenism (GRACE) who joined
members of the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim faiths in an open letter to Congress that will appear in
tomorrow's newspapers (see attached list of signatures). "Global warming is an issue with profound
religious, moral, and justice implications - our representatives in Congress have a duty to address our
concerns with action," added Rabbi Marla Feldman of the Jewish Community Council of Metropolitan
Detroit. A copy of the published letter, including the complete list of signatories, will be sent with the
WWF report to the Michigan delegation.
As the faith community calls for action, WWF steps up to the plate with a plan to meet those demands.
The findings are part of a report prepared for WWF by the Tellus Institute in Cambridge, Mass. Using a
mix of market-based financial incentives and regulatory changes, Michigan's Global Warming Solutions
shows that early, aggressive policies to cut global warming pollution would bring 30,500 new jobs and
increase net annual savings $3.1 billion by 2010 in Michigan. (For a copy of the full report, visit
www.worldwildlife.org/climate on April 19, 2000.)
Based on real-world data and expanded use of proven technology, the new study dispels the notion that
climate protection is dangerous to the economy and supports the Michigan faith and environmental
communities' continued assertion that clean energy is smart policy for Michigan. Citing these dramatic
results, WWF, the Michigan Environmental Council, and the Michigan Ecumenical Forum call on
Representative Knollenberg, who has been especially vocal opposing global warming action, to make a
U-turn and support the Kyoto Protocol.
1
Lana Pollack, president of the Michigan Environmental Council, criticized the Michigan congressional
delegation for efforts to block stronger emission standards for automakers and other industries. "They are
missing the point," said Pollack. "While they defend the gas guzzlers and dirty old coal-fired power
plants, global warming is only getting worse. Meanwhile, Japanese automakers are bringing innovative
cars to market at competitive prices. If Michigan doesn't reach for the future with a new attitude and new
technology, we're going to be reliving the 1970s auto crisis all over again."
Michigan's citizens, economy and environment could be harmed by climate change. Already exposed to
heat waves and urban air pollution that causes increasing human health problems, the State's diverse
ecosystems and economic activities associated with its northern forests and freshwater systems are also
threatened by warming temperatures. Furthermore, the Great Lakes are home to local plants and animals
that could be threatened by climate change.
Using advanced, energy-efficient technologies and cleaner resources, the study shows that primary energy
use and carbon emissions would decrease by 19 percent and 30 percent below 1990 levels respectively by
2010. Air pollutant emissions in Michigan would also be reduced significantly, which would create
noticeable local health benefits.
The strong results come from policies designed to drive innovation in energy resources and technology.
They include incentives for efficient vehicles and equipment; elimination of regulatory impediments; new
efficiency standards for buildings, cars and other gear; enhanced R&D; and improvements in land-use and
infrastructure. The measures also entail tax reform and reductions in subsidies to polluters.
"Climate protection has the potential to become an economic engine in Michigan, while protecting the
state's unique ecosystems that could be at risk in a warmer world," said Jennifer Morgan, director of
WWF's Climate Change Campaign. "This report shows that the clean energy path is the right path for
Michigan and the U.S."
In the advertisements by the groups tomorrow, the statement by the faith community is followed by a call
for readers to go to www.worldwildlife.org/earthday to take action for Earth Day. This action sends a
message to Congress to support the Earth Day Clean Energy Agenda, which promotes clean power, clean
air, clean cars, and clean investments - issues addressed in Michigan's Global Warming Solutions.
Kim Winchell, coordinator for the Michigan Interfaith Global Warming Campaign, a project of the
Michigan Ecumenical Forum, sees the report as strengthening the resolve of the faith community. One of
the richest nations, the U.S. is the leading carbon polluter in the world, but the effects of climate change-
drought, storm, and health impacts-hit the poorest the hardest. "We are calling for a response to global
warming as a matter of faith and moral obligation. With our technology and opportunities, as this report
shows, we really have no excuse not to be taking the lead, here in Michigan, as well as at the national
level," said Winchell.
Expert Contacts for Interview:
Jennifer Morgan, WWF, 202/778-9514
Steve Bernow, Tellus Institute, 617/2665 5400
Lana Pollack, MEC, 517/487-9539
Kim Winchell, MEF, 517/695-2402
2
RELIGIOUS LEADER CALL TO CONGRESS
Signers of the letter to Congress from diverse areas of the Michigan faith community include:
Bishop Gary L. Hansen
Fr. Charles Morris
North / West Lower Michigan Synod
St. Elizabeth's parish
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Wyandotte
Bishop Robert A. Rimbo
Bishop Edward A. Merz,
SE Michigan Synod
Detroit International Stake
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter
Day Saints
The Rt. Rev. Edward L. Lee, Jr.
Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan
The Rev. Donald K. Flint, ret.
Church of the Brethren
Hajj Victor Ghalib Begg
Vice Chair, Council of Islamic Organizations of
Sr. Virginia Jones, SSJ, Ph.D.
Michigan
Nazareth Center, Kalamazoo
President, Muslim Unity Center, Bloomfield
Hills
The Rev. Susan Hunnicutt
Leslie Congregation UCC Church
Rabbi Marla Feldman
Jewish Community Council of Metropolitan
Imam Abdullah El-Amin,
Detroit
President, Muslim Center, Detroit
Executive Director, Council of Islamic
Rabbi Philip Cohen, Ph.D.
Organizations of Michigan
MSU Hillel
The Rev. Renee Billings
Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg
Church of the Holy City (Swedenborgian
Congregation Shir Tikvah
Church)
The Rev. David P. Baak
Fr. C. Peter Dougherty
Executive Director
Michigan Peace Team
Grand Rapids Center for Ecumenism
SE Michigan Chapter of the Coalition on the
The Rev. Ben Baldus
Environment and Jewish Life (SEM COEJL)
Director, Office of Public Policy & Advocacy
Lutheran Social Services of Michigan (LSSM)
Michigan Ecumenical Consultation on
Christianity and Ecology
3
To Representatives Knollenberg, Dingell, Levin, Camp,
Bonior, Barcia, Hoekstra, Kildee, Stupak, Smith, Rivers,
Ehlers, Conyers, Kilpatrick, Upton, and Stabenow;
Senators Levin and Abraham; Governor Engler:
As people of faith in this holy season
of renewal, we celebrate God's gift
of life, and contemplate our
responsibility toward God's
Creation. Global warming is an
inescapable religious challenge,
dramatically reminding us of
God's call to faithful stewardship
and justice. We believe the religious
community must use its voice and
actions to enforce scientific
consensus with moral consensus.
As human beings, our actions can protect or destroy life. We acknowledge
and accept:
Human activities have increased atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gas
pollution, causing the earth's warming to accelerate.
The magnitude and pace of climate change threatens Michigan's forests,
freshwater systems and Great Lakes.
Global warming is likely to lead to spread of disease, extinction of species,
destruction of habitat, loss of crops, rising seas, and extreme weather, putting the
most vulnerable at risk.
We call upon you who represent us to pass laws to protect Creation from
carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. World Wildlife Fund study on
Michigan adds the impetus of practical economic benefit to our moral obligation
to be good stewards of our planet.
Common-sense clean energy policies could save Michigan money,
create thousands of new jobs and provide vast market
opportunities for fuel-efficient cars and trucks in the
coming decade. We urge you to act now, in defense of
Michigan's citizens, Michigan's economy, and all of
God's creation.
Bishop Gary L. Hansen
Rabbi Philip Cohen, Ph.D.
Bishop Robert A. Rimbo
Rabbi Arnie Sleutelberg
The Rt. Rev. Edward L. Lee, Jr.
Rev. David P. Baak
Hajj Victor Ghalib Begg
Rev. Ben Baldus
Rabbi Marla Feldman
Fr. Charles Morris
Imam Abdullah El-Amin
Sister Virginia Jones, SSJ, Ph.D
and others
Global
warming
People
WWF
Visit www.worldwildlife.org/climate to send a message to your
Michigan Representative in Congress or Governor Engler and read
"Michigan's Global Warming Solutions."
Detroit could improve Earth's air
http://www.freep.com/news/mich/global20_20000420.html
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Today's stories
April 20, 2000
Michigan news briefs
Metro
Wayne
BY AMY FRANKLIN
Grand Rapids
Oakland
student wins national
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Macomb
award
Michigan
LANSING -- Michigan could be a leader in
Detroit could improve
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reducing the effects of global warming if its auto
Earth's air
Roadwork
industry put out more fuel-efficient cars,
Education
Teens in school
according to a World Wildlife Fund report
bomb plot linked to
Health
released Wednesday.
hate group
Children First
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House OKs ban on
One-third of the nation's cars are built in
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sale of people
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Michigan, and the state could set the pace in the
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global market by building clean cars, said
Nation/World
Jennifer Morgan, WWF Climate Change
Michigan Web guide
AP wire
Campaign director.
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because the state hasn't promoted mass transit or
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fuel-efficient cars because of the auto industry's
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economic impact, the report said.
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Automakers such as Ford Motor Co. and
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fuel-efficient cars to be released in the coming
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years. But Lana Pollack, Michigan
Yellow Pages
Environmental Council president, said the
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companies have the capacity to manufacture
those kinds of vehicles now.
"We want to buy it, not just read about it,"
WIN 2 FREE
Pollack said about a version of Ford's Escape
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powered by gas and electricity that is to be
available in 2003.
to the premiere
showing of
The Escape electric hybrid is the first such
vehicle for which a U.S. automaker has
announced production plans, and the largest
hybrid vehicle. It will have a fuel economy close
to 40 miles per gallon in city driving.
of3
4/20/00 1:08 PM
Detroit could improve Earth's air
http://www.freep.com/news/mich/global20_20000420.htm
"We want to get this out there as soon as we
can," said Jon Harmon, a Ford spokesman. "It's
easy for someone outside the company to say:
'Do something sooner.' But we are taking this
seriously."
Super fuel-efficient vehicles are "not a profitable
business equation yet," Harmon said.
Ford officials have said the hybrid would cost
roughly $3,000 more than the $18,000-$21,000
sticker price of the Escape that goes on sale later
this year.
It could be more costly if Michigan fails to
reduce the burning of fossil fuel and greenhouse
gas emissions -- particularly carbon dioxide,
according to the wildlife fund's report.
A climate change could have a severe impact on
Michigan because of its proximity to four of the
Great Lakes, the report said.
The report was unveiled days before the 30th
anniversary of Earth Day.
Displayed with the report was an ad scheduled
to appear in Michigan daily newspapers asking
the state's congressional delegation to take a
more active role in environmental issues.
Michigan's congressional delegation is "putting
politics before common sense" when it comes to
efforts that would improve the environment,
Pollack said.
"We want our leaders to craft policies that move
us toward a clean-energy agenda," said Kim
Winchell of the Earthkeeping Ministries and
Michigan Environmental Council.
The WWF report emphasizes alternative energy
resources, including wind and biomass, power
generated by burning trees and other organic
sources. Fifteen percent of the state's energy
could come from renewable energy resources,
Morgan said.
"Michigan stands out because of the potential
with the transportation sector and the increased
renewable energy potential."
For more information see the World Wildlife
Fund's Web site at www.panda.org/climate/.
MORE MICHIGAN STORIES
2 of 3
1/20/00 1:08 PM
Detre it Free Press
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 2000
KIRTHMON F. DOZIER/Detroit Free Press
J.T. Maloney, pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Wyandotte, was one of the people praying who gathered
across from the Trenton Channel Power Plant on Wednesday to kick off the countdown toward Earth
Day. The group hopes to bring attention to the use of coal plants.
PRAYING FOR THE EARTH
3/26/00 Trenton /Grosse Ile Heritage Sunday
Sunday, March 26, 2000
HERI
Groups stand
tough against
power plant
By Naheed Choudhry
Special Writer
TRENTON - Religious and envi-
ronmental groups gathered Wednes-
day to pray and protest the burning
of fossil fuels and call attention to
the upcoming 30th anniversary of
Earth Day on April 22.
Representatives from the Jewish,
Muslim and Christian faiths stood
Day 2000
in a circle outside the Trenton-
Woodhaven Animal Shelter in the
shadow of the Detroit Edison
power plant off West Jefferson to
ask God's blessing on the earth and
for all people to work toward a
healthier environment for future
generations.
Kim Winchell of the Michigan
Interfaith Global Warming
Campaign began the prayer with a
call for government and business
leaders to support a cleaner envi-
ronment.
"We gather together to pray for
Photo by John Simon
the children and the elderly who
suffer the most from this pollution
Calling attention to the upcoming 30th Earth Day on April 22 in a joint prayer gathering Wednesday
near the Trenton Edison Power Plant in Trenton are these members of various faiths and environmen-
and for wisdom for our leaders to
tal groups. They also gathered to protest the use of fossil fuels, such as the coal burned at the plant, that
consider the needs of Michigan cit-
they say pollute the air.
izens to breathe fresh air,"
Winchell said.
duction of low-level ozone, a com-
the people in the community want.
The members formed a circle
ponent of acid rain, and can induce
Wednesday's gathering is just the
ATTENTION: EMPLOYEES
and held a green streamer, symbol-
respiratory effects in humans.
beginning of many events. environ-
Great Lak
izing the connection of people have
"We want them to change from
mental and faith groups around the
to each other and to the earth,
burning coal to (natural) gas, wind
world are expected to host at dif-
McLou
Winchell said. A blue Earth Day
or solar energy."
ferent times during the next 30
2000 banner was held up as the
Skiles Boyd, director of environ-
days. They plan to create more
members prayed.
mental management and resources
awareness of and action against the
A
Catherine Greener, co-chair-
for Detroit Edison, said Detroit
burning of fossil fuels, organizers
woman of the Southeastern Michi-
Edison has done a tremendous
said.
gan Coalition on Environment and
amount of work so that coal can be
The Earth Day Network, a non-
MES
Jewish Life, spoke the Hebrew
burned in a way that is not harmful
profit organization that coordi-
words, "tikkun olam."
to the public.
nates worldwide Earth Day activi-
Her call was to "know no bound-
"We have done a lot to decrease
ties, said more than half a billion
VICTIMS
aries, know no faith," but join with
our emissions; we have reduced
people worldwide will hit the
CANCI
people from all backgrounds to
sulfur dioxide by 58 percent, nitro-
streets to raise their voices and to
Attorneys
help protect the environment,
gen oxide by 43 percent, particu-
take action against harmful envi-
representing V
especially in the fight against glob-
lates (soot and other residues) by 90
ronmental practices, particularly
al warming.
percent," Skiles said.
global warming.
According to medical expert
"(The Trenton Power Plant)
The company has become more
For more information regarding
Mesothelioma, a devastating
alone produces as much nitrogen
aware of public concern, and he
Earth Day events and/or the Earth
as lung disease. Victims and
oxide as almost 400,000 cars," said
said it is working to protect the
Day Network, log on to www.earth-
Pleas
Lana Pollack, president of the
environment because that is what
day.net.
AT
Michigan Environmental Council,
an organization with more than
170,000 members.
JOIN
American Heart
GOLDBERG,
According to the federal En-
Association
vironmental Protection Agency,
nitrogen oxides are formed during
THE
4800 F
high-temperature fuel combustion,
primarily in fossil fuel-fired elec-
FIRM.
517-799-4848
1-800-799
tric utility and industrial boilers
and in internal combustion, en-
EXERCISE.
Call or write us. We V
gines. They contribute to the pro-
Global Warming
and God's People
THE MICHIGAN ECUMENICAL FORUM'S
Michigan Interfaith Global Warming Campaign is
pleased to announce:
FREE ENERGY EFFICIENCY SEMINAR
FOR MEMBERS OF THE FAITH COMMUNITY
DATE : May 6, 2000
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (includes lunch)
LOCATION : First United Methodist Church of Ferndale
22331 Woodward, Ferndale
WHAT : Presentations on the religious implications of global warming and what the faith
community can do, with resource materials and speakers to offer assistance in improving the energy
efficiency of your church or synagogue. This will save your congregation money and
be good for the planet!
WHY : Scientists tell us that our climate is warming due to increasing levels of atmospheric
carbon dioxide. The burning of fossil fuels contributes to this. When energy is used more efficiently,
such 'greenhouse gas' emissions are decreased. Global warming will most likely impact all of
Creation in profound ways, through severe and erratic weather, loss of species, spread of disease,
and rising ocean levels that could displace millions of people worldwide.
God's people are called to care for the Earth and need to be faithful in this matter.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND : We would like to have a team of at least two people attend to
represent their congregation - someone who is responsible for the building's maintenance, and
someone who will help 'champion' this idea in the congregation.
FOR A RESERVATION : Please call as soon as possible to pre-register, SO that we
can have an accurate count for lunch and for resource materials we would like to provide.
A small donation towards lunch will be gratefully accepted at the seminar. A letter of
confirmation and directions to the seminar location will be sent to those who make a
reservation by calling :
Patty Gillis, Detroit Regional Campaign Coordinator at 313-640-0130
or email [email protected]
Clinton Presidential Records
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This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
FESTIVAL OF GOD'S CREATION Sunday 2000
WORSHIP RESOURCES
CALL TO WORSHIP
Our help is in the name of the Lord,
Creator of heaven and earth!
Psalm 124: 8
Praise be to Jesus Christ!
Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.
In Christ all things in heaven and on earth were created.
All things have been created through him and for him.
In Christ the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.
Through Christ God was pleased to reconcile all things,
things on earth and things in heaven,
making peace through the blood of the cross.
from Colossians 1: 15-20
PRAYER OF CONFESSION
Merciful God, in your gracious presence we confess our sin and the sin of
this world. Although Christ is among us as our peace, we are a people divided
against ourselves as we cling to the values of a broken world. The profit and
pleasures we pursue lay waste the land and pollute the seas. The fears and
jealousies we harbor set neighbor against neighbor and nation against nation.
We abuse your good gifts of imagination and freedom, of intellect and reason,
and have turned them into bonds of oppression. Lord, have mercy upon us;
heal and forgive us. Set us free to serve you in the world as agents of your
reconciling love in Jesus Christ.
from the Book of Common Worship (PCUSA)
The prayer will continue in silence
LITANY FOR CREATION
Leader:
Creator God, breathing your own life into our being
You gave us the gift of life.
You placed us on this earth with its minerals and waters,
Flowers and fruits, living creatures of grace and beauty.
You gave us the care of the earth.
Today you call us: "Where are you; what have you done?"
Silent prayer for creation.
Leader:
We hide in utter shame, for we are naked.
We violate the earth and plunder it.
We refuse to share the earth's resources.
We seek to own what is not ours, but yours.
Festival of God's
Festival of
Creation Sunday
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Permit No. 12
Kutztown, PA
God's Creation
Resource
Sunday 2000
An eight-page resource has been prepared to help
you celebrate Festival of God's Creation Sunday. In
contains bulletin inserts, worship materials and
Good Stewards of God's Gift of Energy"
background information. It can be ordered from
is the theme for Festival of God's Creation Sunday for 2000.
The Ministry of God's Creation at 202-488-5644.
The price is $.75 each for 1 to 19 copies: $.20
A Message to United Methodists on
each for twenty or more.
Celebrating God's Creation
This United Methodist General Conference in 1996 called
The resource is also available without cost on
for the Celebration of a 'Festival of God's Creation."
the Internet at: http://www.umc-gbcs.org
Although we give thanks every day for God's good creation
and our re creation through Jesus Christ, the "Festival of
God's Creation"; gives United Methodists another way to
remember God's creation:
This year many people in the US will celebrate the 30th
Energy
Stewardship
Processed
Chlorine Free
anniversary of Earth Day. Unfortunately, that anniversary April
22nd, comes between Good Friday and Easter. So we are
urging United Methodists to celebrate the Festival of God's
Creation on April 30th, the week after Easter.
Congregations
77.C
This year's celebration-focuses on the gift of energy-wind,
water, fossil fuels, and/solar. All of God's gifts are given to be
used responsibly. We have not used the gift of energy well.
A growing number of congregations are attempt-
Our wasteful use of oil, gas, and coal pollutes the earth and
ing to be good stewards of God's creation by
contributes to climate change.
reducing their use of energy. One way to use less
SOY SOYINK
Still, God promises that the Earth will be healed and calls us
energy is to make your facilities more energy effi-
cient by taking measures such as: using compact
thermostats and light sensors etc.
Ministry of God's Creation
Celebrate and Protect God's Creation:
to participate in God's healing of creation. When we use
energy wisely and efficiently, when we use forms of energy
that areless polluting and less likely to cause climate change,
florescent bulbs instead of incandescent bulbs,
For more information, call the Energy
Festival of God's Creation-2000
we witness to God's healing work increation
doing an energy audit, installing programmable
May God:bless you in your-work
Stewardship Congregation program (formerly
known as the Energy Star Congregation program)
United Methodist Board of Church & Society
at 800-288-1346. This is a project of the Eco-jus-
tice Working Group of the National Council of the
100 Maryland Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20002
Change Service Requested
Minimum 30% Post-Consumer Content
Jaydee Hanson, Assistant General Secretary, Ministry of God's
Creation (202) 488-5644
Printed on Recycled Paper
Paz Artaza Regan Director for Environmental Justice,
Ministry of God's Creation.
Churches of Christ.
Inside this:brochure is a bulletin insert and information on
how to order more worship resources for the Festival of
God's Creation:
Becoming Faithful Energy Stewards
For the creation waits with edger longing for the revealing of the children of God in
A FAITHFUL RESPONSE
hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decry and will obtain
Christians believe that God heals what human beings have broken and calls
the freedom of the glory of the children of God. (Romans 8:19-21)
people of faith to participate in the restoration of creation. When we use
less energy in our homes and churches and use it more efficiently, and
CALLED TO "TEND AND KEEP"
when we move away from our reliance on fossil fuels and use instead more
The Bible tells us that on each day of creation God saw that all was "good"
renewable energy sources, we point to and participate in God's healing of
and on the last day that it was "very good". Indeed, according to
creation. Though it may be too late to prevent climate change, we can
Genesis 9:10, God has established a covenant "with every living creature"
design policies and take actions to slow it down.
and with the earth itself (Genesis 9:13).
The biblical word "covenant" implies mutual trust and responsibility, and
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
describes the special relationship between God and all creation.
Become an "Energy Stewardship Congregation":
Humankind has been given an important role in this covenant relationship.
Examine your congregation's and your own individual energy
God calls us to "tend and keep" this garden call Earth (Genesis 9:13).
consumption. Your church can make a commitment to use less
energy and to make your building more energy efficient.
For more information on the "Energy Stewardship Congregation" program call 1-800-288-1346.
"THE LAND MOURNS"
But we all know that we have not always been faithful partners in this
At home and at church:
covenant. In our sinfulness. we have hurt each other and the rest of
use compact fluorescent light bulbs;
creation. The biblical prophet Hosea warned that as a consequence of
tune-up your heating and air conditioning systems:
human disobedience and selfishness the land mourns and even the fish
invest in office equipment that is labeled Energy Star:
of the sea are perishing" (Hosea 41-3).
install programmable thermostats and sensors on lighting:
buy the most efficient model furnaces and air conditioners and
Today we are recognizing in new and alarming ways the truth of the
correctly "size" them to your needs.
prophet's warning. Most climate scientists now agree that our increasing
over consumption of fossil fuel has led to climate change.
Walk, bike, and use public transportation whenever possible.
Consider these facts.
Encourage your local, state, and national elected officials to
Each year we are pumping nearly seven billion
endorse a "Clean Energy Agenda"
tons of heat-trapping carbon into atmosphere.
which would include:
The eleven hottest years on record have all occurred
clean power
clean cars
since 1980.
clean air
clean investments
For more information about the "Clean Energy" Agenda. go to "Web of Creation" at
2500 of the world's leading atmospheric scientists agree that global warming
WWW webofcreation.org/NCC/CleanEnergy Agenda.html.
has already begun. They warn that if we do not curb automotive and power
plant emissions of global warming pollution. we will change the climate,
A Climate Change Information and Strategy Packet is available without cost
triggering more extreme weather, floods and droughts that would damage
by calling 1-888-9climate. It includes It's God's World: Christians. Care for
croplands and forests. deadly heat waves. a rise in the sea level that would
Creation and Global Warming - a five session Bible study for congregations.
flood coastal areas, and severely affect human, animal and plant health and
survival.
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
Spring 2000
Number 9
Creation Care
A Christian environmental quarterly
Celebrating Creation Sunday
Global warming, a CLEARAND PRESENT DANGER
Confronting risks: WHAT YOU CAN DO
Christian heroes, A CLOUD OF WITNESSES
Godly answers FROM SCRIPTURE
Clean energy STARTING WITH SUNSHINE
Missionary groups encourage EARTHKEEPING
EVANGELICAL ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK
Why Should Christians Be in Favor of Clean Energy?
Empowered by God's grace and guided by the Holy Spirit, the Christian life is about fulfilling the
Great Commandments (Mk. 12: 28-31). Colossians proclaims that Christ died to reconcile all of
Creation to God, showing how much God loves all of Creation: "God was pleased to have all his
fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or
things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" (Col. 1: 19-20, NIV).
Indeed, Christ is not only the Reconciler of all things, He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things
as well (Col. 1: 15-18; John 1: 1-3; Heb. 1:1-4).
Unfortunately, the facts suggest that air pollution and the threat of global warming are working
against the reconciliation of all creation wrought by Christ's blood. The burning of coal and oil to
produce electricity and power our vehicles causes these problems.
Here are some facts on
air
pollution.
More than one in three Americans live in areas with unhealthy air, and in many areas it is
getting worse, especially in poorer neighborhoods. Nitrogen oxides (forms smog) have
increased 11% between 1970 and 1997. Sulfur dioxide emissions (results in fine particulate
pollution or soot) increased in 1996-98 to more than 9% over 1995 levels.
Estimates are that soot results in 15,000 premature deaths every year.
Smog and soot hit asthma sufferers the hardest. As air pollution has increased, so have
asthma cases - by more than 60% since 1980. Between 1985 and 1995 there was a 45.3%
increase in asthma deaths. The total estimated cost of asthma in 1993 was $12.6 billion.
Asthma death rates for black Americans are three times that of whites.
One out of every three asthma victims is a child. Seven percent of children suffer from asthma,
which is the number one cause of school absences. In 1994, this resulted in $673 million in
caretaker's time lost from work.
Mercury contamination has forced 40 states to warn their residents to restrict their fish
consumption. Especially vulnerable are women of childbearing age, pregnant and lactating
women, children and populations that consume large amounts of fish such as Native
Americans and the poor.
Air pollution causes other damage to creation, including forest damage from acid rain, ozone
eutrophication (overfertilization from nitrogen) of lakes and ponds, loss of fish and other
aquatic species from acidification, and reproductive failures in fish and in birds that eat fish
caused by mercury.
Here are some projected impacts of global warming.
Most developing countries are in tropical regions, where studies indicate that global warming
will reduce agricultural output. An additional 40-300 million poor people could be at risk of
hunger by 2060 simply because of global climate change.
Developing countries are much less able to withstand the devastation caused by extreme
weather events, and climate change is likely to increase such events. Global warming could
double the number of people impacted by flooding.
Human health risks will be greater in developing countries due to the potential for increased
geographical distribution of infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever,
and encephalitis. For example, malaria could increase by 50-80 million cases per year in areas
with no immunity.
Entire ecosystems may be lost. Other impacted ecosystems will not recover for several
centuries. Threats to many species are at the level of survival.
Scientific evidence suggests that air pollution and global warming are two of the forces arrayed
against God's love for all of Creation. Contrary to what Christian justice, love and reconciliation
require, air pollution hurts the most vulnerable - children, the poor, and the elderly - the most.
Global warming will also impact the less powerful groups of Creation-the poor, the children, the
rest of Creation-disproportionately. Precisely because they are less powerful, the God of the
Bible-who loves all of Creation and desires sufficiency and contentment for all-has a special
concern for their just treatment. Therefore, Christians must continually bear in mind and lift up
the principle that every step away from air pollution and global warming is a step toward
justice and the God of justice. Scripture clearly teaches that not only individuals but also nations
will be judged on how they treat the less powerful, or the "least of these"-those whom Christ
identifies with himself (Matt. 25: 31-46). Therefore, national righteousness requires the United
States to switch from coal and oil to cleaner sources of energy (see the What is Clean Energy?
fact sheet).
Air pollution and global warming present all Christians with new opportunities to love God by
loving what God loves, to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, as we strive
to be his ministers of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5: 14-21). In this situation loving God means
reducing our consumption of fossil fuels by using energy more efficiently and by switching to
cleaner sources of energy, and helping our nation do the same.
Contact EEN to find out how you can help. [email protected].
Visit our web site for more information, www.creationcare.org.
EVANGELICAL ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK
What Is Clean Energy? What Is It's Potential?
All of the energy of the Universe comes from Christ. At every moment Christ is "sustaining all things by his
powerful word" (Heb. 1:3, NIV). As Christians our lives are about using the energy Christ gives us to do God's
will. Whether that energy comes from the food we eat or from the electricity that powers our homes and offices
or the fuel that powers our vehicles, it should not result in harm to what Christ loves. The facts suggest that air
pollution and the threat of global warming are working against the reconciliation of all creation wrought by
Christ's blood (Col 1:20; see the Why Should Christians Be In Favor of Clean Energy? fact sheet ). The
burning of coal and oil to produce electricity and power our vehicles causes these problems. Our dependence on
these dirty sources of energy is considerable, as is the pollution that results.
Coal and oil supply more than 60 percent of U.S. energy, making them America's primary energy sources.
Coal generates 54% of U.S. electricity, and the nation consumes more than 20 pounds per person every day.
Coal-burning power plants are the single largest source of air pollution; between 1992-98 there was a
dramatic 15.8% increase in their electricity production.
The transportation sector contributes the most air pollution of any sector in the United States.
Miles driven by passenger cars have increased about 70% in the past thirty years. However, SUV, minivan
and truck miles have increased almost 350% in the same period, and they are two to five times dirtier.
We spend more than $100,000 a minute on foreign oil.
The U.S. gives away billions of dollars every year in subsidies to the coal and oil industries.
Given the tremendous harm air pollution causes and the serious threat global warming poses, part of loving God
today means reducing our consumption of fossil fuels by using energy more efficiently and by switching to
cleaner sources of energy - and helping our nation do the same.
What are cleaner sources of creation-friendly energy? In general there are three: wind, solar, and biomass. Each
is a "home grown" source, and solar and wind produce no pollution while generating electricity.
Solar Energy
Solar energy refers to energy from the sun that is captured for use by: photovoltaic (PV) cells, a semiconductor-
based technology which converts light directly into an electric current; solar thermal collectors that employ long
curved mirrors to concentrate sunlight; and passive solar design of buildings.
The potential of solar energy is tremendous. Enough sunlight reaches the earth's surface each year to
produce approximately 1,000 times the same amount of energy produced by burning all fossil fuels mined
and extracted during the same time period.
PV panels/modules are very versatile and can be mounted in a variety of sizes and applications; e.g., on the
roof or awning of a building, on roadside emergency phones or as very large arrays consisting of multiple
panels/modules. Currently they are being integrated into building materials (such as PV shingles, which
replace conventional roofing shingles), and the market for these materials is growing at 30% a year.
A business can save 40 - 80% on electric or fuel bills by replacing its conventional water heater with a solar
water heating system. For example, the St. Rose Hospital in San Antonio, Texas utilizes a solar thermal
water heating system to meet 80% of its hot water needs.
Water heating accounts for approximately one-fourth of the total energy used in a typical single-family home.
It's the single biggest energy user of all home appliances. The energy used for water heaters is the
equivalent of 11.4 barrels of oil per household, more than the amount of oil burned by a medium-sized
automobile driven 12,000 miles. Of all of the major types of water heating systems, solar energy systems
offer the biggest potential savings to homeowners - 85 percent savings verses electric.
Residential and commercial buildings account for one-third of US energy use. Solar design, better
insulation, and more efficient appliances could reduce this demand by 60 to 80 percent.
Two billion people, 70 percent of the population in the developing world, still rely on kerosene, fuel wood,
and batteries for light and power. At least 35% of the world population is without grid electricity and there
are some two million villages without electricity within 20 degrees latitude of the sunny equator.
During the last five years, more than 2000 conventional refrigerators using solar-generated electricity (for
purposes such as vaccine refrigeration) have been installed in rural areas around the world. Results indicate
that these units are operating efficiently 95% of the time.
Wind Energy
For the last five years (1995-99) wind energy generated from wind turbines was the fastest growing energy
source in the world. Between 1998 and 1999, more than a billion dollars worth of wind power equipment was
installed in the US, and more than $2.5 billion worldwide.
America's wind energy potential is enormous. Wind from the Dakotas could provide 255,000 MW of
capacity and 2.2 trillion kWh of electricity (equal to approximately two-thirds of current total U.S. electricity
consumption). Texas has the potential to power one third of the nation.
Wind farms can provide additional, steady income to rural communities. For a 250-acre farm, with income
from wind at about $40 an acre, the annual income from a wind lease would be $10,000, with 10-15 acres at
most removed from production from the overall land, mainly for access. Farmers can grow crops or raise
cattle next to the towers.
In Forest City, Iowa, a turbine erected as a school project is expected to earn $1.6 million over its lifetime.
The cost of wind energy is projected to decline from 4.7 cents per kilowatthour (kWh) today to below 3
cents/kWh by 2013 and 2.5 cents/kWh by 2020. The average cost of electricity today is 6.7 cents/kWh.
Wind energy could create 1.7 million jobs worldwide by the year 2020 and produce more electricity than the
entire continent of Europe consumes today. Global warming pollution would be reduced by more than 10
billion metric tons.
Biomass Energy
What is Biomass? Biomass is any organic matter (plant or animal material) used for energy, such as: fast-
growing trees and grasses (e.g., poplar trees and prairie grasses) grown specifically to provide energy; crop and
forestry residues; animal wastes; and some municipal solid waste. The various new methods for converting
biomass into a more useful energy source for electricity are more efficient and less polluting than simply burning
it. They all involve chemically converting the raw biomass into a variety of gases, liquids, or solids. Biomass-
derived methanol, ethanol, and hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to power vehicles or buildings.
Without coming close to competing with food crops for land, biomass could easily generate 40% of U.S.
electricity, and reduce by 60% the use of coal and nuclear power.
In contrast to coal and oil, biomass has almost no sulfur dioxide, resulting in significant acid rain reduction;
almost no heavy metals (e.g., mercury, a dangerous neurotoxin); less than half the smog forming emissions
of coal; and 90% fewer net carbon emissions than fossil fuels.
Deep-rooted biomass crops help prevent soil erosion and improve soil fertility; serve as filters to protect
waterways against chemical runoff from non-point pollution sources; and provide better habitat for a wider
variety of wildlife in comparison to other agricultural crops.
Biomass enhances local economic development, especially in agricultural areas. Over the next 15 years
120,000 new jobs could be generated nationally from dedicated energy crops alone. Each megawatt of
energy from biomass creates 2-10 net jobs. In Ohio, for example, electricity produced from new biomass
would create approximately 83% more jobs than new coal power production.
CCAR Resolution
Page 1 of 2
CENTRAL CONFERENCE
OF AMERICAN RABBIS
Home News Member Services Press
Platforms -R esponsa Resolutions Jodrhal
Reform Judaism
Resolution Adopted by the CCAR
NATIONAL ENERGY POLICY
Resolution adopted at the 111th Convention of the
Central Conference of American Rabbis
March, 2000
Background
Since the 1970s, the organized Jewish community has consistently supported federal policies and
programs to reduce U.S. consumption of fossil fuels. The United States' historic and increasing
reliance on fossil fuels compromises our national security by creating dependence upon oil-producing
nations; causes and exacerbates illness for millions of our citizens; and degrades our environment -
through acid rain, global warming, and the destruction of natural areas.
For 25 years, the organized American Jewish community has unanimously advocated action to
reduce our nation's reliance on fossil fuels through energy conservation and the development of
environmentally sound, non-nuclear energy technologies. We have advocated investment to
accelerate the development of new technologies when they were largely underdeveloped. We urged
action to reduce fossil fuel use before climate change was confirmed. We supported the development
of public transit before many Americans spent hours each day in traffic.
Despite decades of advocacy by public interest groups, pressure from industrial interests and
consequent Congressional inaction has prevented progress. In 2000, the average fuel economy of all
new passenger vehicles is at its lowest point since 1980, while fuel consumption is at its highest.
American vehicle manufacturers are significantly behind Japanese competitors in bringing new auto
technologies to market. U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, already the highest per capita in the world,
are rising steadily. Trends are equally poor across a broad spectrum of American energy use. We
have made almost no progress in 20 years.
We stand at the beginning of a new century. The vast majority of scientists and policy experts agree
that if dramatic action is not taken soon, it is very likely that human well-being and global geo-
political stability in the 21st century will be gravely affected by global climate change. In addition,
many economists believe that aggressive development of environmentally friendly technologies and
products will create U.S. jobs, enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global economy, and demonstrate
U.S. leadership toward a sustainable energy future for the entire planet.
We have a solemn obligation to do whatever we can within reason both to prevent harm to current
and future generations and to preserve the integrity of the creation with which we have been
entrusted. Not to do so when we have the technological capacity - as we do in the case of non-fossil
fuel energy and transportation technologies - is an unforgivable abdication of our responsibility.
Therefore, the Central Conference of Rabbis calls upon all Reform households, schools, synagogues.
http://www.ccarnet.org/cgi-bin/resodisp.pl/file=energy&year=2000
4/11/00
CCAR Resolution
Page 2 of 2
and camps to:
develop environmental policies for our religious institutions;
consider installing solar Ner Tamids, Eternal Lights, for our religious sanctuaries;
dedicate a Shabbat or holiday to discuss energy consumption from a Jewish perspective;
join interfaith communities nationally this year, the 30th anniversary of Earth Day which
occurs during Passover, to show our Jewish support for seeking alternative energy sources and
reducing consumption.
Furthermore, the CCAR calls upon Congress and the Administration to set aside
the concerns of special interests and do the following:
encourage the development of alternative energy sources, i.e., solar, hydro, fuel-cell, wind
close the loophole that allows sport utility vehicles, mini-vans, and pick-up trucks (over 50% of
passenger vehicles sold) to meet significantly lower fuel economy standards than cars;
raise Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for all passenger vehicles to a
minimum of 45 miles per gallon by 2010 and 65 miles per gallon by 2020;
support investment in environmentally friendly energy technologies;
phase out all subsidies for coal, oil, and nuclear industries by 2005;
provide tax credits for investments to make homes and buildings more energy efficient;
create progressively strict emissions standards, including carbon dioxide emissions, for all
power plants regardless of fuel source or age.
Back to CCAR Resolutions page
Copyright Q000, Central Conference of American Rabbis
http://www.camet.org/cgi-bin/resodisp.pl?file=energy&year=200
4/11/00
Meeting with Religious Community on Climate Change
Wednesday, April 12
3:30 - 5:00 PM @ World Resources Institute
Background and Talking Points
Background
You will be meeting with Paul Gorman, Executive Director of the National Religious Partnership
for the Environment (NRPE), and a group of leaders from the religious community. The
group will include representatives from the U.S. Catholic Conference, National Council of
Churches of Christ (NCCC), the Evangelical Environmental Network, and the Coalition on
Environment and Jewish Life. The group will be meeting for the entire day on 4/12 to
discuss climate and will have already met with Jonathan Lash, Eileen Claussen, Jane Perkins
(AFL-CIO), Alden Meyer, WWF, NET, ICLEI, etc.
The religious community has been actively involved in raising public awareness on the issue
climate change since the mid-1980s, elevating the debate from one based on science to one
rooted in spiritual and moral values. Their fundamental message is that it is every citizen's
moral and religious responsibility to be stewards of God's creation and to protect the health
and habitat of the global environment against the threats of global warming.
Issues for the religious community:
-- International economic justice: The religious community believes that the U.S. and
developed nations are primarily responsible for the increase in greenhouse gases, while the
impacts of global warming will fall disproportionately on those most vulnerable (poor, sick,
elderly, developing nations). "The U.S. has a special responsibility to address the problem of
climate change without delay". They are passionate about this issue. They represent multi-
national institutions and feel this issue is one that sets them apart from the rest of the
environmental community. A letter about this was sent to POTUS in 1998 from the leaders
of 24 denominations.
-- Domestic action vs. flexible mechanisms: Following on the above point, the religious
community believes that the U.S. is moving too slow on domestic action, while spending
more effort on the flexible mechanisms in order to meet our target abroad. The NCCC,
along with the World Council of Churches, is conducting a review of "the ethical issues in
emissions trading" and plan to submit a report of their findings at COP 6. A letter about this
was sent to POTUS by the Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, Secretary General of the NCCC,
in October 1999.
-- Dislocated workers: The religious community support climate policies that will ensure "a
just transition to a full employment economy which provides family-supporting jobs now and
in the future". The religious leaders' statements as part of the statewide Interfaith Campaigns
Against Global Warming make this point.
The religious community does not want these discussions with the White House on climate to be
used in a partisan way.
While the mainline Christian groups have been engaged in the climate debate for some time, the
Catholics involvement is more recent and has been slower to develop. The Catholic Bishops
are working on a statement on global warming that will be released in the fall (estimated).
You need to be sensitive to the fact that there is somewhat of a strained relationship between
the Catholics and the mainline Christian/Evangelical groups on this issue. The 2 key policy
people from the Catholic Conference will be attending the meeting. Note that John Sweeney
sits on the U.S. Catholic Conference's Domestic Policy Council.
Sixteen states have launched or are in the process of launching "Interfaith Global Warming
Campaigns" to educate their congregations on being responsible stewards of their Creator's
planet (including support of the Kyoto Protocol). These campaigns involve hundreds of
religious leaders and congregations. Several leaders of the state campaigns will participate in
the meeting via conference call.
The timing of Earth Day 2000 is bad for religious community because it falls between Passover,
Good Friday, and Easter. (They are recommending that congregations observe Earth Day on
another Sunday, such as April 30th, the Sunday after Earth Day.)
Talking Points
We are impressed with the religious community's long history of advocacy on behalf of the
environment and climate change. We know that for some in the faith community your
involvement goes back to the mid-1980s (when the World Council of Churches convened a
meeting on the greenhouse effect). Also that for others of you, this is a more recent
engagement (say this for the benefit of the Catholics).
We appreciate your leadership in elevating the debate on global climate change from one based
on science and economics and policy to one rooted in spiritual and moral values.
We also appreciate the dedication with which you are working to educate your congregations on
both the threats posed by climate change and what individuals can do to help solve this great
environmental challenge.
We also would like to congratulate Paul Gorman on receiving the Heinz Foundation's 1999
Award for the Environment. (Optional: POTUS has sent a letter and Al Gore has called to
congratulate him).
We recognize that the issue of international economic justice is front and center for you. It is
one of the reasons why your voice is so important and is an area in which you can play an
important role: to help facilitate discussion between developed and developing countries as
we move forward in establishing a global regime that is both fair and effective in protecting
Environmental- economic - moral
the environment.
We understand that you are most concerned with these long term issues surrounding the debate
on global climate change. We share this view, but unfortunately have to worry about the
short term also.
We would like to share with you what the Administration is doing:
Internationally
-- We worked hard to negotiate the Kyoto Protocol to include realistic emissions targets and
flexible methods to meet them.
-- We understand that you are concerned with the level of effort that has been given to
development of the flexible mechanisms. We understand your concern, but feel, however,
that the flexible mechanisms will allow us to achieve our emission target as cost effectively
as possible, at the same time creating a less painful, more just transition for the industries and
the workers that will be most impacted.
-- We are also working to secure meaningful participation from developing countries,
understanding that emissions from developing countries are rapidly increasing but also that it
is (less realistic) to mandate commitments to limit or reduce greenhouse gas emissions for
developing countries within the same compliance period as the developed countries (per
Byrd-Hagel resolution, S. Res. 98).
-- For example, we achieved success on the President's recent trip to India during which an
agreement was signed through which the U.S. will support the development of clean energy
projects in India.
-- The President's FY 2001 climate change budget proposes $201 million (a more than 100%
increase over FY 2000 enacted levels) to accelerate the development and deployment of clean
energy technologies around the world.
-The U.S. provided technical support to Argentina - the first developing country to
announce and establish a target under the Protocol.
-- Since 1993, the U.S. Country Studies Program has been providing technical and financial
support to 56 developing countries on 5 continents to assist them in conducting climate
change impact and mitigation analyses.
Domestic
-- We agree with your concerns that it is critical for the U.S. take the lead in responding to
the threats of climate change at home.
-- We have proposed in the President's FY 2001 budget proposal a package of targeted tax
incentives and investments aimed at increasing the development and deployment of clean
homes, clean cars, and clean power.
-- We are working hard to try to secure funding for these programs from the Congress. We
could use your help in this effort.
-- Last week the Ford Motor Company announced that it would begin selling a small sport
utility vehicle in 2003 using both gasoline and electric propulsion for better gas mileage.
General Motors and Daimler Chrysler are working on similar sport utility vehicles. We know
that the technology exists - that is not the roadblock. Getting the Congress to support these
programs is.
We would like to hear what we can do to help you in your work on this important issue.
Note
At a meeting in Roger's office with representatives from the religious community last
September, we suggested that we would try to get a thank you letter(s) sent from POTUS to
the religious leaders that have signed statements as part of the state Interfaith Campaigns
Against Global Warming. A letter has been drafted, but not sent. We might want to commit
again to try to do this; they might bring it up
Andigion Lealer
CAFE
- Chris - "changy lifestyle"
Flexibility Mechanisms
Jim
- U.S catholic Confernce - arm of Catholic bishops
-
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Nati
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- -CFL'S - Maine -(or labely
Moine Interfaith Paner tlight
Just transition"
4/5/00
The Religious Community and Climate Change
Background
The religious community has been actively involved in raising public awareness on the
issue climate change since the mid-1980s, elevating the debate from one based on science to one
rooted in spiritual and moral values. The fundamental message of the religious community is
that it is every citizen's moral and religious responsibility to be stewards of God's creation and
to protect the health and habitat of the global environment against the threats of global
warming. The authority for this can be found in the scripture itself:
"The Earth is the Lord's" - Psalm 24:1
"Choose life so that you and your descendents may live" -- Deuteronomy 30:19-20
"Yours is the day. Yours is also the night You made summer and winter". - Psalm
74:16-17
Current Activities
State Campaigns Against Global Warming: Sixteen states have launched or are in the process
of launching "Interfaith Global Warming Campaigns" to educate their congregations on being
responsible stewards of their Creator's planet (including support of the Kyoto Protocol).
-- The states are Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New
Mexico, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Washington, West Virginia,
Wisconsin.
-- The campaigns include training, sermons, public statements signed by religious leaders,
and public outreach.
-- An average of 15 denominations within each state and hundreds of congregations
nationwide are involved.
-- The campaigns are aimed at reaching out to workers and families that have not
traditionally been active in environmental causes: farmers in Iowa and Wisconsin, auto
workers in Michigan, coal miners in West Virginia, wood products workers in Oregon.
-- To date, over 150 religious leaders in five states have signed statements on global
warming - voicing strong concern over the issue and urging specific actions to address the
threats of global warming.
-- The specific actions include: distributing educational materials and offering sermons to
help congregations understand the challenge of climate change; taking action to conserve
energy and reduce excessive use of fossil fuels (such as using efficient lighting and
appliances); encouraging the electric utility sector and other industries to cut greenhouse
gases and increase use of renewables and clean energy sources; encouraging the automobile
industry to accelerate the development and production of cleaner, more efficient means of
transportation; calling on the President to increase automobile fuel efficiency standards;
organizing communities to meet with U.S. and state Representatives and Senators to show
support for reducing global emissions of greenhouse gases and declare support for ratification
of the kinds of measures in the Kyoto Protocol.
Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility
The Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR), a group of Protestant, Catholic,
and Jewish investors that holds more than $100 billion in pension funds, has targeted major
U.S. corporations to invest in energy efficiency and to acknowledge that human activity is
causing global warming. Targeted companies have included Exxon Mobil, Ford, Texaco,
Chevron, CSX, Duke Energy, Eastman Chemical, Goodyear, Cinergy, General Motors.
ICCR has been instrumental in pushing Ford, Texaco, and General Motors to withdraw from
the Global Climate Coalition.
National Religious Partnership for the Environment
Much of the religious community's work on this issue has been coordinated through the
National Religious Partnership for the Environment (NRPE), whose executive director, Paul
Gorman, recently was awarded the Heinz Foundation's 1999 Award for the Environment.
The NRPE is an alliance of the major faith groups in the U.S., including the U.S. Catholic
Conference, the National Council of Churches of Christ, the Evangelical Environmental
Network, and the Coalition on Environment and Jewish Life. It was founded in 1993 with
the mission to "care for God's creation across all areas of organized religion" and "to protect
the natural world and human well-being within it".
Energy Star Congregations
Over 250 congregations nationwide are participating in EPA's Energy Star for Congregations
program. They are performing energy audits and switching to more energy efficient lighting
and heating/cooling to reduce electricity consumption and save money.
Earth Day 2000
The United Methodist Church has sent an "Earth Day 2000" brochure to 120,000
congregations. The brochure encourages Earth Day sermons on the threats of global
warming, the clean use of energy, and other activities that reduce greenhouse gas emissions,
such as installing energy efficient lighting and public transportation.
Media Coverage
The religious community's global warming activities of have received substantial coverage in
international, national, and state media during the past year, including: MSNBC, NPR's
Living on Earth program, the Financial Times, Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Detroit
News, Atlanta Constitution, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Des Moines Register, Milwaukee
Journal-Sentinel, and many local newspapers.
Statements by Religious Leaders
"
to commit a crime against the natural world is a sin. For humans to cause species to
become extinct and to destroy the biological diversity of God's creation
For humans to
degrade the integrity of Earth by causing changes in its climate, by stripping the Earth of its
natural forests, or destroying its wetlands For humans to contaminate the Earth's waters, its
land, its air, and its life, with poisonous substances
These are sins
"
we call on the world's leaders to take action to halt the destructive changes to the global
climate that are being caused by human activity. And we call on all of you here today, to join us
in this cause. This can be our important contribution to the great debate about climate change.
We must be spokespersons for an ecological ethic that reminds the world that it is not ours to use
for our own convenience. It is God's gift of love to us and we must return his love by protecting
it and all that there is in it."
-- His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of the Greek Orthodox Church,
November 8, 1997
"The gradual depletion of the ozone layer and the related "greenhouse effect" has now reached
crisis proportions as a consequence of industrial growth, massive urban concentrations and
vastly increased energy needs, industrial waste, the burning of fossil fuels, unrestricted
deforestation, the use of certain types of herbicides, coolants, and propellants; all of these are
known to harm the atmosphere and environment."
-- Message of his Holiness Pope John Paul II, in "The Ecological Crisis: A Common
Responsibility", January 1, 1990
"We have been heartened by the efforts of the nations of the world to address the threat of
accelerating climate change. We believe that global warming is an inescapable religious
challenge, dramatically reminding us of God's call to faithful stewardship. We believe climate
change violates God's creation
Climate change afflicts God's children
The religious
community must use its voice and actions to undergird this scientific consensus with a moral
consensus."
signed statement by over 40 religious leaders in the State of Michigan
"We, as member churches of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., write
to urge you to sign the Kyoto Protocol to the Climate Convention and submit it to the United
States Senate for ratification. Your leadership in this way will be both internationally affirmed
and nationally applauded. We pledge you our active support
We believe that the earth
is the Lord's and that we as God's stewards must care for its well being. It is in that faith and
spirit that we urge your action."
from a signed letter to President Clinton from the heads of 24 denominations, August
10, 1998
"Global warming is real. The science is sound. The effects are likely to be severe. This is a
religious issue."
-- Father Christopher Bender, Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Morgantown, West
Virginia
"We intend to move the challenge of climate change from the laboratories of science and halls of
diplomacy to the pulpits and pews of the American heartland."
-- Rev. John Huenink, a leader of the Presbyterian Church of Oregon
"We undertake this effort not as a member of an environmental movement, but as a people of
faith seeking to make this world a safer place for all people."
-- Bishop McKinley Young, President, Georgia Christian Council
National Religious Leaders' Meeting with George Frampton and Roger Ballentine
April 12, 2000 3:30 - 5:00 PM
Agenda
3:30 - 3:40 PM
Welcome and Introductions
-- Paul Gorman, Executive Director, NRPE
3:40 - 4:00 PM
Comments from the Administration
-- Roger Ballentine, Deputy Assistant to the President for Environmental
Initiatives
-- George Frampton, Acting Chair, Council on Environmental Quality
What the Administration is doing on climate change:
-- the international negotiations
-- domestic steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
4:15 - 5:00PM
Questions and Answers/Discussion
08/05/1998 13:42 2020000000
NCC WASHINGTON
PAGE 01
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
August 10, 1998
The President
The White House
Office of the
Washington, DC 20500
General Secretary
Mr. President:
We, as member churches of the National Council of the Churches of Christ
in the U.S.A., write to urge you to sign the Kyoto Protocol to the Climate
Convention and submit it to the United States Senate for ratification. Your
leadership in this way will be both internationally affirmed and nationally
applauded. We pledge you our active support.
The National Council of Churches has historically been concerned about
the environment. It has voiced that concern in public policy statements enacted by
the General Assembly where all member churches are represented. Simply put, we
believe that the earth is the Lord's and that we as God's stewards must care for its
well being. It is in that faith and spirit that we urge your action.
We have been encouraged by your Administration's public commitment to
address climate change responsibly. We are convinced that leadership from the
United States is crucial for global efforts on climate change to be successful. The
Kyoto Protocol represents the initial commitment by the nations to take the first
steps in reducing emission of the gases that are causing global warming. It is an
important move toward protecting God's children and God's creation.
We continue to be astonished by the widespread failure to understand that
climate change affects not only justice for future generations, but justice in the
present. If the emissions causing climate change are calculated back to 1800, the
United States is responsible for more than 30% of the total. Yet the least
developed nations which have made a much less significant contribution to the
problem are already feeling the effects of climate change and will be the most
severely impacted in the future. For this reason alone, the United States has a
special responsibility to address the problem of climate change without delay.
We have committed ourselves to working for the passage of the Protocol
in the Senate. Perhaps we can work together broadly on greater environmental
475 Riverside Drive Room 880 New York, NY 10115-0050 212-870-2141 Fax 212-870-2817
08/05/1998 13:42
2020000000
NCC WASHINGTON
PAGE 02
education through America's religious communities. May God bless our common
efforts to protect and care for creation.
Sincerely,
The Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell, General Secretary
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
Bishop H. George Anderson, Presiding Bishop
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, Primate
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America
The Rev. Ceail Bishop, Senior Bishop
Africa Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
The Most Rev. Metropolitan Christopher
Presiding Bishop, Metropolitan of Midwestern America
Serbian Orthodox Church in the USA and Canada
The Rev. Wesley Granberg-Michaelson, General Secretary
Reformed Church in America
The Right Rev. Frank T. Griswold, III, Presiding Bishop and Primate
The Episcopal Church
Bishop William Boyd Grove, Ecumenical Officer. Council of Bishops
United Methodist Church
The Rev. Dr. Richard L. Hamm, General Minister and President
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Thomas H. Jeavons, General Secretary
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends
The Rev. Dr. Chifton Kirkpatrick, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Bishop Nathaniel Linsey, Senior Bishop
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. Paul Martin, Chair, Council of Ministers
Church of the New Jerusalem, Swedenborgian
08/05/1998
13:42
2020000000
NCC WASHINGTON
PAGE 03
The Rev. Dr. Jeffrey R Newhall, Executive Director
International Council of Community Churches
The Rev. Judy Mills Reimer, Executive Director
Church of the Brethren
Archbishop Philip Saliba, Primate/Metropolitan
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese
The Rev. Dr. Paul H. Sherry, President
United Church of Christ
The Rev. Dr. Bennett W. Smith, Sr., President
Progressive National Baptist Convention, Inc.
Dr. Willie T. Snead, Sr., President
National Missionary Baptist Convention of America
The Rev. Dr. Gordon L. Sommers, President
Moravian Church in America
His Eminence Archbishop Spyridon
Primate and Exerch of the Ecumenical Patriarch
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America
The Most Blessed Metropolitan Theodosius, Primate
Orthodox Church in America
Bishop Zacherias Mar Theophilus
Mar Thoma Church
The Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Weiss, General Secretary
American Baptist Churches, USA
Bishop McKinley Young, Ecumenical Officer
African Methodist Episcopal Church
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA
Office of the
General Secretary
October 12, 1999
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President,
The threat of climate change is a growing concern for churches around the world who
view it as an issue with profound ethical dimensions. A significant part of the accelerated
warming of the atmosphere is attributed by most climate change scientists to the polluting
emissions that have been accumulated in the air due to the emissions of the US and other
nations that industrialized early. The most dire consequences of climate change will not,
however, be-feit by the US or other rich countries. The poorer nations of the developing
world and future generations will suffer the most.
Since 1988, the National Council of Churches and many of our 34 member denominations
have been concerned with the slow pace of action on climate change. We have
monitored the international negotiations since the early meetings in Chantilly, Virginia. in
1997. we conducted a petition campaign and presented Vice President AI Gore with some
20,000 petitions from 26 denominations in Kyoto. The petition was part of our campaign
to build public support for the international agreement on actions to address climate
change. The petition signers asked for a 20 percent reduction in C02 emissions and
pledged to take actions to reduce their own emissions of C02 by a like amount.
We are concerned that since the Kyoto Protocol was signed. more effort has been given
toward the development of "flexibility mechanisms" through which industrialized "Annex 1"
countries could meet part of their reduction target outside the boundaries of their own
nations. We are working with the World Council of Churches to conduct a review of the
ethical issues in emissions trading. We are concerned that the global atmospheric
commons will be given away under the guise of emissions trading. We expect to report
the findings of this report prior to the Sixth Conference of Parties (COP) to the Climate
Convention in 2000.
At the upcoming 5th session of the COP in Bonn later this month, we encourage you to
adopt a position which:
accepts that reduction targets will be met mainly through policies and
measures taken within the boundaries of nations required to reduce
emissions; and which
recognizes that emissions trading entails major ethical issues which need to
be resolved on a global basis before trading programs are implemented.
475 Riverside Drive
Room 880
New York, NY 10115-0050
212-870-2141
Fax: 212-870-2817
We look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Joan
Rev. Dr. Joan Brown Campbell
General Secretary
Global Warming
and God's People
THE MICHIGAN RELIGIOUS LEADERS STATEMENT
TO
THE MICHIGAN INTERFAITH GLOBAL WARMING CONFERENCE
JUNE 14-15,1999
We, members of the Michigan faith community, greet you, our sisters and
brothers, gathered together on behalf of God's creation. We who are dedicated
to the health and habitat of our own good state are also citizens of the planet.
We have been heartened by the efforts of the nations of the world to address the
threat of accelerating climate change. We believe that global warming is an
inescapable religious challenge, dramatically reminding us of God's call to faithful
stewardship. We believe:
Climate change violates God's creation. Accelerated global warming is leading
to species extinction, destruction of habitat, inundation of low-lying land by rising seas,
and increasing weckher extremes.
Scripture teaches : "The Earth is the Lord's" (Psalm 24:1)
Climate change fflicts God's children. Global warming diminishes our supplies
of food and water. t is leading to the spread of infectious disease. It destroys agricultural
livelihood. Those living on islands and low-lying coasts will lose homes and sofety. Already,
we see how people are dying from extreme weather conditions believed to be enhanced by
climate change : re ord-breaking storms, heat waves, floods, droughts.
Scripture teaches : You shall love your neighbor as yourself... " (Lev. 19:18)
Climate change iolates moral and religious principles of justice. The rich of
the world, the industrialized nations, are primarily responsible for the increase of greenhouse
gases which contribute to global warming. Yet burdens fall disproportionately upon the most
vulnerable of the planet's people : the poor, sick, elderly, and those who will face still greater
threats in future ge herations.
Scripture Teach is : "Justice, and only justice, you shall follow..." w (Deut. 16:20)
Wₑ believe tl ese conditions have been sufficiently documented to require
action as an ethical responsibility. There is scientific consensus to indicate that
society's pollution of the atmosphere with global warming gases threatens the
quality of life for ou descendants. The religious community must use its voice
and actions to undergird this scientific consensus with a moral consensus.
In December 1997, over 160 nations adopted the Kyoto Protocol to the
Framework Convertion on Climate Change. This agreement seeks to curtail
existing and devastating potential effects of global warming. The next step calls
for the President to submit and for the U.S. Senate subsequently to ratify a treaty
committing our nation to equitable international commitments such as those
envisaged in Kyoto
As people of faith whom God calls to be stewards of creation, we are eager
to join you in establishing the Michigan Interfaith Global Warming Campaign. We
look forward to hearing reports of your deliberations and concrete steps we all may
take individually and collectively. Each of us will have different ways to act on our
resolve. But we will be eager to join you in efforts to :
Pray and consult :cripture for the wisdom and strength to address global climate
change as 0 violation of the integrity of God's creation.
Distribute educa ional materials, offer sermons, and convene study groups to help
our congregations understand and embrace this challenge.
Take action ours lves to conserve energy and reduce excessive use of fossil fuels
in our houses of worship.
Share religious pt rspectives on global dimate change with representatives of key
sectors in our stote - labor, business, agriculture, and environmental organizations,
seeking ways to work together for the common good.
Encourage the el ectric utility industry and other key energy-intensive industries to
cut greenhouse pases and to increase the use of renewable and dean energy sources.
Call upon all' oil c ompanies to follow the lead of those companies which have already
pledged to reduc e their greenhouse gases and to invest in alternative energy sources.
Encourage the development of transportation plans which promote sustainability, and
protect and maintain community.
Encourage the automobile industry to continue, and to accelerate its development and
production of cleaner and more efficient means of transportation.
Call on the Preside it to increase the automobile fuel economy standards.
Guarantee that dinate policies assure a just transition to a full employment economy
which provides farily-supporting jobs now and in the future.
Organize our comi unities to meet with U.S. Representatives, Senators, and Michigan
legislators to share our support of domestic and international initiatives to reduce global
warming.
Declare our supori for the ratification of the kinds of equitable measures envisioned by
the 160 nations ir the Kyoto Protocol.
We speak not as members of an 'environmental movement, but as people of
faith seeking to be true to God's intentions for Creation. We resolve to "choose life so
that you and your descendants may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19-20)
(signatories follow organizations listed for identification purposes)
Metropolitan Philip
Primate
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Bishop Donald A. Ott
Michigan Area
United Methodist Church
Bishop Robert i Rimbo
Southeast Michigan Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Bishop Gary L. Hansen
North/West Lower Michigan Synod
Evangelical Mutheran Church in America
Bishop Reginald Holle (ret.)
North/West Lower Michigan Synod
Evangelical utheran Church in America
The Rev. David Baak
Executive Director
Grand Rapids Center for Ecumenism (GRACE)
The Rev. Ke it Ulery
Conference Minister
Michigan Conference United Church of Christ
The Rev. John Ross Thompson
Conference Director
West Michigan Conference, United Methodist Church
The Rev. Lowelle Simms
Synod Executive
Synod of the Covenant
Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Rt. Rev. Edwin M. Leidel, Jr
Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan
Rabbi Marla Feldman
Jewish Community Council, Detroit
Cindy Hughey
Executive Director
Michigan Jewish Conference
The Rt. Rev. Edward L. Lee, Jr.
Episcopal Dipcese of Western Michigan
The Rev. David J. Reese
Associate Conference Minister
Michigan Conference United Church of Christ
The Rev. Je ry van Rossum
Stake President
Detroit International Stake
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Rabbi Joshua L. Evennett
Temple Israel
Edith F. Patton
Interim Executive Presbyter
Maumee Valley Presbytery, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Bishop Dale R. Skogman
Northern Great Lakes Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Bishop-Elect Thomas A. Skrenes
Northern Great Lakes Synod
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Bishop Kenneth E. Untener
Roman Catholic Diocese of Saginaw
Daniel Piepszowsli
Director, Department of Christian Services
Archdiocese of Detroit
Bishop Enoch B. Rochester
Midwest Episcopa District
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church
His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Detroit
Greek Orthodox Diocese of Detroit
Bishop James A. Murray
Roman Catholic Docese of Kalamazoo
Rev. J. Douglas Paterson
District Superintendent, Marquette District
United Methodist Church
Rev. James L. Kinsey
District Minister/Exacutive
Michigan District Church of the Brethren
Rev. Morris Finch
Regional Minister
Michigan Region Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Bishop Ed Merz
Detroit International Stake
Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
The Rt. Rev. R. Stewart Wood, Jr
Episcopal Diocese cif Michigan
Rabbi David Castiglone
Temple Beth El
Bishop Thomas J. Gumbleton
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit
Malinda Waltz
President
Church Women United of Michigan
Bishop Demetri M. t houry
Auxiliary
Antiochian Orthodo> Christian Archdiocese of North America
Rev. Steve Doughty
Executive Presbyter
Lake Michigan Presaytery, Presbyterian Church (USA)
The Rev. Joy A. Bar ett
District Superintendent
Ann Arbor District, United Methodist Church
Dr. Melvin T. Jones
President
Michigan Baptist State Association
The Rev John Elling er
District Superintendent
Lansing District, United Methodist Church
Rev. John H. Hice
District Superintend nt
Grand Rapids Distri it, United Methodist Church
Bishop Robert Thon as, Jr.
Michigan Annual Conference
African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Rev. Steven L. lohns-Boehme
The Rev. Larry R. Christianson
Executive Director
President
Michigan Ecumenical Forum
Western District, Moravian Church
Clinton Presidential Records
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marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
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of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
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JCPA Abbnda for Pusue Affains 1999-2000
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