You may never have heard of the WCC, but it's likely that your denomination is either a member of this worldwide organization or has relations with them. With over 300 institutional members in over 100 countries representing nearly 600 million Christians, they represent a significant cross-section of the planet. This past week, they declared in effect that one critical way to express God's love for the world is to avoid exploiting and damaging it through fossil fuels.
A number of member denominations, groups, and allies have taken similar stances, such as Union Theological Seminary in NYC, the Unitarian Universalists, the United Church of Christ, Quakers in the United Kingdom as well as regional efforts of Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Episcopal communities in the USA. But this is a planet-wide effort. As told by 350.org, "In New Zealand and Australia, the Anglican Church has led the way, with many local dioceses and the entire Anglican Church of Aotearoa, New Zealand and Polynesia committing to divestment." Wow!
All over the globe, Christians and people of faith and/or conscience are calling for strong actions to protect the Earth. Depending on their financial structure, each denomination and sometimes even congregation has to make its own decision to divest. But the WCC offers a powerful witness of planetary love, and we would be wise to join with them for our own sakes and for the sake of the seventh generation.
In solidarity with sisters and brothers around the world and the world itself,
Timothy Murphy
Executive Director
P.S. ~ PCU has begun a new eco-ministry team, and I have been presenting at churches on what small groups can do to connect their daily faith with the struggle against climate change. Call the office at (213) 625-0149 to schedule a visit or receive facilitator training for your church.