Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action (World Council of Churches)
This model resolution, written by the Northwest Intermountain Synod Eco-Faith Leadership Team, asks for wider ELCA participation in the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical Decade of Climate Justice Action (2025–2035). It has passed in synods across the ELCA. Edit it and bring it to your own synod assembly or synod council.
Model resolution for synods with assemblies in 2026 (Google Doc)
Model resolution for synods not gathering in 2026 (Google Doc)
One-page version from the Minneapolis Area Synod (Word doc)
Background, a short video, and the list of synods that have adopted it
More sample resolutions
Carbon Pricing & Dividend Sample Resolutions & Talking Points/Issues
Sample Transition to Clean, Renewable Energy Resolution
Sample Fossil Fuels Divestment Resolution
Sample Synod Resolution on Eco-Reformation
Sample Resolution Regarding Inclusion of Stewardship of Creation in Worship
Sample Resolution to Become a Lutherans Restoring Creation Synod
Resolutions passed by other synods
These synods have already passed their own creation care resolutions. Read what they did, and borrow language for your own synod assembly.
South Carolina Synod Passes Creation Care Resolution!
In 2024, the South Carolina synod’s assembly voted on a resolution that set the goal of each congregation implementing at least one strategy to become better communal stewards of God’s creation. The final vote tally was 95% or more in favor.
Milwaukee Synod Calls for a Creation Care Constitution
The Milwaukee synod passed a resolution to amend the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA to include “care for creation” as one of the purposes of the church.
Northeastern Iowa Synod Passes Creation Care Resolution!
In 2023, the Northeastern Iowa synod’s assembly voted to affirm the ELCA’s Climate Care Social Message and commit to reducing greenhouse gases by 50% by 2030.
Southwest Washington Synod Commits to Creation Care!
In 2023, this synod’s assembly voted to affirm the ELCA’s commitment to care for creation as expressed in the 1993 Social Statement, and its 2022 commitment to reducing greenhouse gases.
Northwestern Minnesota Synod Commits to Climate Care!
On June 3rd, the Northwestern Minnesota synod’s assembly voted to work in various ways to lift up the values shared in the ELCA’s Climate Care Social Message. The synod also has Green Grants available.
Synod Resolutions: Divestment from Fossil Fuels
Local synod initiatives on fossil fuel divestment, building on the ELCA’s 2016 Churchwide Assembly commitment to responsible investment — including the Upper Susquehanna (PA) Synod’s Transition to Cleaner Energy Memorial and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod’s divestment study.
2021 Eco-Justice Related Synod Resolutions
A round-up of the resolutions LRC knew had been adopted across various synods in 2021, with links to the full texts.
Eco-Resolution from MD/DE Synod 2021
The Delaware-Maryland Synod’s Creation Care Ministry drafted an Eco-Resolution focused on reducing consumption and adopting renewable energy, developed in cooperation with the ELCA’s Sustainability/Environment Table.
Metro New York Resolution: Establishing an Environmental Stewardship Committee (2009)
Submitted by eleven Metro New York congregations, this resolution established an Environmental Stewardship Committee for the synod.
Metro NY Resolution 2015 Release: Fossil Fuel Divestment
On March 29, the annual Assembly of the Metropolitan New York Synod resolved to divest from fossil fuels — the culmination of efforts begun shortly after the previous year’s People’s Climate March.
2017 Synod Assemblies Pass More Eco-Justice Resolutions!
South Central Wisconsin passed a Carbon Fee & Dividend Resolution, the MD/DE Synod passed a Resolution on Ecological Justice, and Central States passed its own climate-focused resolution.