WHEREAS our vastly increased use of fossil fuels is substantially increasing the atmospheric concentrations of the greenhouse gases, thereby enhancing the strong possibility of catastrophic warming of the earth's surface, and

WHEREAS the negative consequences of the greenhouse effect are likely to intensify human suffering especially in the developing countries, and

WHEREAS the Annual Conference statement "Creation: Called to Care" challenges us to take seriously our role as stewards of the earth, and to work for the renewal of creation, and

WHEREAS the General Board is committed to study and action on issues of justice, peace, and integrity of creation

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Church of the Brethren General Board, meeting in Elgin, Illinois on October 19-22, 1991 commits itself and urges Brethren congregations, institutions and members to:

Reaffirm our belief

· That we are called by God to live in harmony with all of creation, and that our covenantal relationship to care for the creation requires us to be aware of present and impending threats to our environment and to take action to preserve the integrity of creation.

Join together

· In the search for ways to live together in harmony with God's creation;

· In addressing the causes and dealing with the consequences of atmospheric destruction locally and globally; and

· In praying for the strength to reduce consumption and reject the myths of unlimited resources and economic growth.

Work together through global, local, and personal efforts to safeguard the world's reliance on fossil fuels, and by

· Increasing awareness of the negative ecological consequences of continuing reliance on fossil fuels, and by expanding ongoing educational efforts that lead to action;

· Encouraging the building and renovating of our homes and church facilities and camp buildings to be energy efficient and initiating new programs of energy conservation and awareness, including alternatives to fossil fuels;

· Striving to eliminate the use of products that contain ozone-depleting Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs);

· Using public transportation, carpooling, and telephone conferencing in order to reduce fossil fuel consumption;

· Becoming ecologically aware consumers by using diets and products that consume less energy in production, transportation, packaging, and use;

· Devoting maximum effort to the separation and recycling of household goods, while also reducing waste and toxic materials;

· Encouraging office energy audits and recycling programs (particularly paper and paper products).

Pledge ourselves to address the causes and reverse the consequences of global warming by

· advocating the passage of legislation, at all appropriate levels, that reduce carbon dioxide output and set reduction targets for other greenhouse gases;

· supporting research and development of energy alternatives to fossil fuels. And supporting the passage of mandatory higher fuel efficiency for new vehicles and the phasing out of older, less efficient vehicles;

· supporting the expansion and promotion of rail transportation and other systems of mass transit, including subsidies for public transportation;

· combating forest destruction domestically and internationally through programs of preservation and reforestation and through responsible consumption of wood and wood products;

· engaging with corporations in dialogue and shareholder resolutions on such issues as reduction of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, phasing out of CFCs increased energy efficiency and fuel conservation, environmental cost accounting and other issues affecting global warming;

· calling for the adoption to limit the production of greenhouse gases worldwide;

· working to implement fair trade and economic relationships so that forms of development that minimize global warming are available to all nations.

FURTHER the General Board commits itself to;

· support and participate in national and international networks of religious bodies and other non-governmental organizations addressing the greenhouse effect; and

· continue through its program staff, within the context of a theology based on caring for the earth, and educational effort to acquaint the members of the Church of the Brethren with the nature, causes, and consequences of the greenhouse effect, including suggestions for individual and collective action to help address the problem. This will include the promotion of the use of the General Board's study resource, Creation in Crisis: Responding to God's Covenant, in all congregations. We will elicit the cooperation of District Executive as agents within each district to work directly with pastors to reach the membership of the church.

This resolution was adopted by the Church of the Brethren General Board at its meetings in Elgin, Illinois on October 21, 1991. For further information contact Shantilal P. Bhagat, 1451 Dundee Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120, 1-800-323-8039.