March 26, 2009

WASHINGTON – Faith groups and individuals from around the country have sent messages to Congress this week, encouraging action to protect millions of acres of God's Creation.

The messages support H.R. 146, which gives congressional authorization to the National Landscape Conservation System, protects some of the finest scenic views, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreational activities in the Wyoming Range and establishes new wilderness areas in the Monongahela National Forest in West Virginia.

The bill, in the view of its faith group supporters, provides Americans with new opportunities to experience the beauty of God's Creation, and new places to which they can journey to experience God's presence.

"Lands, wilderness, and open spaces have always been central to the Judeo-Christian tradition, playing a vital role in the spiritual journeys of Biblical individuals from Moses to Jesus Christ," said Jordan Blevins, assistant director of the NCC eco-justice program office. "Stewardship of these places God has entrusted to our care is a critical part of our call to protect creation," Blevins said.

"This is particularly true in the case of our national network of public lands, which embodies the ideals of cooperation, community, equitable sharing of Earth's bounty, utilizing the blessings of the land for the common good, and preserving the stunning landscapes and irreplaceable wildlife entrusted to our care. By voting to protect millions of acres of God's Creation, Congress took an important step toward assuring that these values and spaces would exist for people of faith of future generations."

The Senate vote occurred on March 19, passing the bill 77-20, while the House voted March 25, passing the bill 285-140. During the two votes, letters of support from 15 faith based organizations, both national and local (listed below) were sent to members of Congress, and more than 2,000 individuals reached out to their congressional representatives, calling on them to protect these vital pieces of God's Creation.

The National Council of Churches, representing 35 communions and 100,000 congregations, has focused on creation care for more than 30 years. Among the highlights of the Council's eco-justice work are education and worship resources on land stewardship, available at http://www.nccecojustice.org/.

Faith Based Organizations Signing Letters of Support:
Arizona Ecumenical Council Earth Care Commission
Brethren Witness/Washington Office
Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life
Disciples Home Missions of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Maryknoll Office of Global Concerns, Marie Dennis, Director
Mennonite Central Committee U.S. Washington Office
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, Justice Peace/Integrity of Creation Office
National Advocacy Center of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd
National Council of Churches of Christ, USA
Presbyterian Church (USA) Washington Office
United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries
United Methodist Church General Board of Church and Society
Union for Reform Judaism
Wyoming Association of Churches

National Council of Churches USA