Statement on climate change:
The United Church of Canada affirms that “we are called by God to live in harmony with all of creation; and that a Stewardship commitment to care for the earth requires us to be aware of the present and impending threats to our environment and to take action to preserve the integrity of creation” (1990 General Council social policy position on global warming).
Climate Action:
- 2016: The United Church of Canada encouraged members to support the People’s Climate Plan during Federal Climate Consultations this summer.
- 2015: The “Church in Mission unit” and PC-PMM (Permanent Committee for Programs for Mission and Ministry) is looking at ways “An Economy of Life for All” can be sustained by changing tax laws and global financial architecture. They are working with the Canadian Council for International Cooperation, whose focus in the “We Can do Better” campaign are women’s rights, inequality, and climate change.
- 2015: A United Church of Canada delegation attended international climate negotiations in Paris.
- 2015: General Council voted to sell investment holdings in the 200 largest fossil fuel companies.
- 2014: signed the 2014 Global Investor Statement on Climate Change.
- The United Church of Canada has signed on to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment and has made a Montreal carbon pledge to measure and publicly disclose the carbon footprint of their investment portfolios on an annual basis.
- 2012” General Council adopted a policy to publicly support the native Ministries Council of the BC Conference in “categorically rejecting construction of the proposed Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline.” “We are united in our belief that this project and others like it will do a disproportionate amount of direct harm to the life-sustaining air, food, and water that we all share on Earth.”
- 2009: Moderator of the United Church attended international climate negotiations in Copenhagen.
- 2000: General Council adopted “Energy in the One Earth Community”—concrete recommendations to live in a much more ecologically integrated manner, “drawing on energy sources in ways that do not damage ecosystems.”
- 1992: General Council adopts policy statement: “One Earth Community,” which affirms 12 key ethical principles that guide work on ecological issues.
- 1990: General Council adopted a social policy position on Global Warming coming out of the World Council of Churches World Convocation on Justice, Peace, and the Integrity of Creation in Seoul. Commits to the church to:
- search for ways to live in harmony with God’s creation
- resist the global causes, and deal with the consequence of, atmospheric destruction
- work for “the indispensable reversal of thinking of unlimited energy consumption and economic growth”
- support/participate in networks of NGOs addressing climate change
- educate United Churches members re: climate change causes, consequences, and action.
Interfaith Statements:
- 2015: Signed on to the Canadian Council of Churches’ statement: On Promoting Climate Justice and Ending Poverty in Canada.
- 2011: Signed the Canadian Interfaith Call for Leadership and Action on Climate Change.
Resources Available:
- Find the latest UCC news and resources (including blogs, worship resources, actions, and reflections) on climate change here.
- Find ecumenical sermons, small group studies, songs, prayers, and opportunities for action at cpj.ca/climate.
Please note: CPJ has compiled this resource using publicly available information to help people of faith join the action already being taken by their national church. It is not meant as a comprehensive history, but if we’ve missed something important please let us know by emailing climate@cpj.ca.