The president of the Royal Society of Canada described humankind as "a wasteful killer and a despoiler of other life on the planet," a view he said was "licensed by a belief that our use of the Earth's resources is God-given, and encouraged by an economic system that emphasizes short-term profit as a benefit" (Planet Under Stress, foreword). However many people of faith recognize stewardship and accountability, that "the Earth is the Lord's," a radically different approach.

A Spiritual Declaration on Climate Change

• We hear the call of the Earth.
• We believe that caring for life on Earth is a spiritual commitment.
• People and other species have the right to life unthreatened by human greed and destructiveness.
• Pollution, particularly from the energy-intensive wealthy industrialised countries, is warming the atmosphere. A warmer atmosphere is leading to major climate changes. The poor and vulnerable in the world and future generations will suffer the most.
• We commit ourselves to help reduce the threat of climate change through actions in our own lives, pressure on governments and industries and standing in solidarity with those most affected by climate change.
• We pray for spiritual support in responding to the call of the Earth.

 
"The natural world is the larger sacred community to which we belong."
...Thomas Berry

United Church of Canada

An open letter to all Canadians from the Moderator of The United Church of Canada, January 17, 2010

Anglican Church of Canada

Members of the Anglican Church of Canada have asked their church for reflection and action on climate change and encourage members of other faith communities to do so as well. Letters and replies will be posted.

Sign the Anglican Manifesto

Letter to the House of Bishops, Anglican Church of Canada December 15, 2006

Under the Sun, a publication of the Primate's World Relief and Development Fund

Statement to Synod of the Diocese of Toronto, 3-5 May 2007

Letter to the House of Bishops, Anglican Church of Canada December 12, 2007

2007 Environment Justice Camp May 13th to the 19th, 2007 Victoria, BC, Canada

Other Resources

Here is a (beginning) list of resources from faith communities from large bodies like the World Council of Churches to local parishes. Please send further examples, from all faith groups, for posting.

World Council of Churches, Moving Beyond Kyoto: With Equity, Justice and Solidarity, study document

Ecology and Theology Working Group, Anglican Diocese of Ottawa, Renewing our Relationship with the Earth: A Guide, What You and Your Church Can Do

Kairos: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives

Sensible Creatures

Canadian Forum on Religion and Ecology

Evangelical Environmental Network & Creation Care Magazine

http://www.aip.org/history/climate/bib.htm A historical bibliography on climate change

Toolan, David S.J. At Home in the Cosmos. Maryknoll NY: Orbis, 2003.
An overview of the dialogue between religion and science on the issue of environmental degradation

Hengeveld, Henry. Creation-care and the Atmosphere.Creation Care. 30 (Fall 2005). Introduces the idea of creation capital

Simms, Andrew. Ecological debt: the health of the planet and the wealth of nations. London: Pluto Press, 2005.

Faith and the Common Good www.faith-commongood.net

Ecological Buddhism www.ecobuddhism.org

Faith leaders - tackling climate change is a "moral imperative" - statement of faith leaders October 30, 2009