June 23, 2005

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Council of Churches USA, an ecumenical body compromised of 36 member denominations representing close to 45 million congregants, applauds the "sense of the Senate" resolution yesterday calling for passage of mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

However, we are gravely disappointed that the Senate did not pass binding legislation that would require mandatory steps to stop climate change. We urge the Senate to move swiftly on this call and enact climate legislation that produces real and significant reductions in greenhouse emissions.

Because the U.S. is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases it would be unjust and immoral to ignore the clear and present danger of global warming. As people of faith we have a biblical responsibility to be stewards of God's creation – a responsibility that requires us to model just and sustainable energy values.

Our call, as people of faith, is to defend all of God's creation. We, therefore, further urge the U.S. Congress to enact legislation that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and mandates real and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions so that we can re-order the energy priorities of our country to reflect our shared values of justice and sustainability.

National Council of Churches