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NCC Earth Day Sunday 2002 theme is 'Making the World Safe for Children'
2002-056-1
3/6/2002
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[Episcopal News Service]
'Caring for God's Creation: Making the World Safe for Children' is the theme of resources offered by the National Council of Churches for congregational observances of Earth Day Sunday (April 21, 2002). The resources are available at www.webofcreation.org/ncc/earthday/2002/index.html.
'Each year, Earth Day Sunday provides an opportunity to direct our attention to God's creation, our relationship to it and the responsibility God has given to us to tend and to keep it, ' said the Rev. Richard L. Killmer, NCC Environmental Justice Director. 'This year, worship and study resources focus on children.
'Children are among God's most precious- and most vulnerable, gifts. They are the hope of the future, but theirs is a future threatened by environmental pollution. People of faith are called to work together to help safeguard children's health and their future. We can work together to help make Zechariah's dream a reality, where children play safely in their homes and schools, on their playgrounds, and even in our city streets.'
The NCC's 2002 Earth Day Resource Packet was prepared by members of the NCC Eco-Justice Working Group. Through the Working Group, representatives from 23 Protestant and Orthodox denominations carry out an extensive program helping people of faith engage in environmental issues. Formed in 1983, the Eco-Justice Group seeks to support and assist denominational and ecumenical work to protect God's Creation. It publishes resource materials for congregations, including the annual Earth Day resource, sponsors biennial conferences for environmental justice leaders, sponsors a Web site (www.webofcreation.org/ncc/Workgrp.html) and has created several programs for the historic black denominations.
The NCC has spearheaded many programs to encourage energy savings, including an 'Energy Stewardship Congregation Program,' which urges congregations to covenant to make their church buildings and grounds more energy efficient. NCC resources also help church members to write letters, call and make visits encouraging their local, state and national elected officials to endorse a 'Clean Energy Agenda.'
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