Overture 99-70. On Climate Change and the Persistence of Its Causes-From the Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley.6681999
[The assembly approved Overture 99-70 with amendment. See pp. 50.] 6681999
The Presbytery of Susquehanna Valley respectfully overtures the 211th General Assembly (1999) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to take the following actions:6681999
1. Call again upon the United States Senate to ratify the Kyoto Protocol, and to remind the president and the Congress of the special moral responsibility of the U.S., as the leading emitter of greenhouse gases, to lead the world in reducing emissions and to assist poor countries to achieve energy sufficiency in ecologically responsible ways.6691999
2. Urge the U.S. Administration and Congress to devise, fund, and implement plans that aim well beyond the still very inadequate targets of the Kyoto Protocol, including research and development, standards and timetables, incentives and disincentives to achieve major improvements in energy efficiency and conservation, together with widespread introduction and expansion of solar alternatives to fossil fuels.6691999
3. Direct the Presbyterian Center in Louisville and all other properties of the General Assembly to minimize their use of fossil fuel energy, and to urge all middle governing bodies and local congregations to do the same, making use of energy audits to determine practical steps that can be taken.6691999
4. Direct the Office of Evangelism and Church Development in the National Ministries Division to review and perfect, as necessary, its implementation of the 202nd General Assembly (1990) recommendation: “In guidelines for construction and renovation of church buildings and in the criteria for grants or loans for such purposes, set specific standards for fuel conservation and energy efficiency . . .” 6691999
5. [Direct the Offices of Curriculum Development, Stewardship, and Evangelism, and the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program, in their respective Ministries Divisions,Direct the General Assembly Council, through the Environmental Justice Staff Team and other program areas as appropriate,] to identify, prepare as necessary, and promote educational and program materials to help Presbyterians to examine the basic spiritual and systemic causes of the nation’s failure to respond to global warming and other critical human and environmental concerns in ways commensurate with the urgency of the need, the danger, and the opportunity that these concerns represent. These materials must be solidly grounded in the biblical story and sensitive to God’s continuing activity in creation and human history. The materials, in their educational, programmatic, and evangelistic uses, will seek to help people of faith in the following ways:6691999
a. Regarding ecology: To understand the effects of mounting human numbers, affluent lifestyles, and excessive, unsustainable development upon the protective atmospheric mantle, other natural systems, and vulnerable people.6691999
b. Regarding lifestyles: To appreciate and accept the imperative, the practicalities, and the satisfactions of lifestyles characterized by sufficiency and responsible frugality within communities of mutual support and sharing.6691999
c. Regarding idolatries: To resist the ancient yet distinctively contemporary idolatries, such as those of power and wealth, that contradict the call of Christ to self-giving service and an ultimately loyalty to him alone.6691999
d. Regarding economics: To participate in the conceptualization of, and movement toward, economic arrangements—local and regional, as well as national and international—whereby all persons may participate as able and gifted in work needing to be done and the sufficient sustenance made available, without degrading the atmosphere or otherwise undermining the integrity of God’s creation.6691999
e. Regarding politics: To participate in the political arena for the revitalization of our democratic institutions to make them effective instruments for protecting against excessive concentrations of power and equitably redistributing access to the sustenance of earth intended by the Creator for all.6691999
[Financial Implications: $11,000 (1999), Mission Budget (Unrestricted)]6691999