ELCA Actions for a Just Transition to a Healthier Climate for All
The Church’s Vision of Creation / Just Transition “We as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) are deeply concerned about the environment, locally and globally, as members of this church and as members of society.” This deep concern is rooted in our belief in a God who created all things and called all God […]
Sample resolutions from other denominations
Catholic: http://www.catholicsandclimatechange.org/ The Catholic Coalition on Climate Change national organization connected to the US Council of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Charities http://catholicclimatecovenant.org/ Action-response link from above, includes a tab for the St. Francis Pledge. Episcopal: http://www.eenonline.org/ Episcopal Environmental Network (national) similar to Web of Creation http://www.episcopalchurch.org/1829_ENG_HTM.htm Episcopal Peace and Justice site, base for Environmental Stewardship […]
Connections Call: How Church Soil Can Feed the Community
This call (video below) happened on May 18, 2021 Focus: How Church Soil Can Feed the Community We were excited to hear stories and ask questions from three very examples of congregation’s who have used their land to grow joy in their midst. Explore the resources we have compiled regarding Food-Faith-Farming (click here). Also keep […]
Native Land Acknowledgment: Processes to Heal, Steps to Restore
As we live, work, and worship in the land that is now called the United States, Lutherans Restoring Creation recognizes that we do so on land that was stolen from Indigenous peoples. As we are called to restore creation, we are also called to restore right-relationship with one another. As we join in this holy […]
Confused about our way forward?
As there has been continuing conversation and controversy emerging since Michael Moore’s film: Planet of the Human, we decided to share some feedback from a Lutherans Restoring Creation member. Thanks to Josh Thede, an active member of the Central States LRC Mission Table. Our LRC community plans to discuss the broader challenge of how to […]
2016 Churchwide Assembly Passes Memorial To Move Towards A Responsible Energy Future
On August 13, 2016, after days of conversation, discernment, and prayer, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted to pass the memorial Toward a Responsible Energy Future. A grassroots divestment coalition had brought together several synod memorials, working through the proper parliamentary process to bring an amended version to the floor for a vote. 2016 Churchwide Assembly […]
Finding Community in our Holy Waters During a Time of Isolation
While many are anxious and isolated during this time of response to a pandemic, we offer these reflections on this week’s readings. (If there are other recordings you wish to share as a balm to soothe and inspiration to act for the common good please submit them here.) March 15, 2020 – 3rd Sunday in […]
What Do We Know About Carbon Pricing and How is it Part of a Just Transition?
We are grateful for the work of Faith Action Team with Citizens’ Climate Lobby and eager to share that a growing number of synods are lifting up policies endorsed by Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL). (See live spreadsheet here of those local efforts.) These efforts are all within our toolbox to urgently move to a just […]
Certificate in Climate Justice & Faith at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary
Lutherans Restoring Creation is proud to co-sponsor the Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary’s Certificate in Climate Justice and Faith Program. Join a cohort of global, faith-fueled learners who are ready to bring eco-theology to life at home! Follow the Center for Climate Justice & Faith via their Facebook page to follow their work.
Connections Call: What is Our Response?
As part of our Connections Calls, we get to hear feedback from representatives who work in various expressions of the ELCA. (Click here to listen.) During the January 2020 call, after a group devotional, Katrina Martich shared what she took away from the 2019 Lutheran Disaster Response Convening. Listen here to the whole call (she […]
Creation Care Ambassador Program
Since 2020 ELCA and ecoAmerica’s Blessed Tomorrow have trained over 300 members to reach out to their faith community in order to activate congregations to work towards climate solutions in their areas. There are dozens of certified Ambassadors ready to share their new skills and resources with your church and community. All “Certified Ambassadors” who […]
Light for Madrid – A Devotional
Thanks to the work of Green Shepherd, Lisa Brenskelle, there is a way for your congregation to hold a gathering many miles away in prayer. As the U.N. Climate Conference met in Madrid (Dec. 2-13, 2019) prayers were sent to support their efforts by bringing the conversation into churches in a prayerful way. Consider bringing […]
Tools for Talking and Acting on Climate with Faith-based Language
Blessed Tomorrow’s Moving Forward Guide ecoAmerica helps leaders from the local government, the public health sector, and faith-based cohorts figure out how to usher people into urgent action on climate change. This brief guide provides you with information and resources to reduce energy use, to build resilient houses of worship as refuges from a changing […]
This is Church and You Are Needed Inside & Out
Watch this message from our churchwide leaders and fellow members across the country who recognize the tough, uncomfortable work of being “called out” into the world. It is an empowering 7 minutes – worth the watch for all of us, not just the voting members who will be sitting in the conference rooms. For those […]
Reflections from The Bible to the Frontlines – Stony Point Retreat Center, August 2019
Lutherans Restoring Creation partnered with Presbyterians for Earth Care for their bi-annual conference at Stony Point Retreat Center in NY August 6-9, 2019 where over a hundred earth-keepers gathered. Below are some of the remarkable reflections during our time together processing how to take some of the Bible’s directives to bring us to the frontline. […]
What does church have to do with it?
As many faith-based organizations are struggling with their place in relation to people’s daily lives, so does the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America look for ways the world can use what we offer. As part of an appeal for our churches to take on the uncomfortable challenge of being engaged in the public sphere, let’s […]
Consider Caring for Creation Coaching
What is ELCA Coaching? Click here for a Ministry Description Why would you need a Creation Care Coach for your Synod or Congregation? To help transform the action plans, resolutions, pledges, etc. into active progress by having a trained individual accompany you/your team as you ensure goals are clear and attainable. How can you find a […]
Water: “Living Water” Bible Study
•Opening Prayer: Gracious God, we thank you for your many gifts, and especially for the gift of water that sustains all of life. Bless us as we hear your word, like a spring to our lives of faith. Amen. •Reading: Psalm 104:10-15. Read aloud three times, hearing from different voices. •Discussion: -How are God, water, and life interrelated? […]