Whereas, ¶ 70 of the Social Principles (Part III) in the 1992 Book of Discipline supports and encourages the conservation of the natural world, including water, air, soil, minerals, and plants, in addition to energy and animal life; and
Whereas, numerous resolutions have been passed at both General and annual conferences, encouraging Christian stewardship of our environment; and
Whereas, many health problems, particularly of children, have been caused by the degradation of our environment; and
Whereas, most medicines are discovered by studying the chemical properties of non-domestic plants and animals; and
Whereas, many species are being eliminated by human activities before they have been studied or even discovered; and
Whereas, the legal protection that has been afforded our environment and endangered species by the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, the Endangered Species Act, and other laws is under serious attack by those who profit from polluting industries and commercial development of currently protected ecosystems; and
Whereas, the rights of the people as a whole to a healthy environment and other benefits of nature must supersede rights of individuals to self-enrichment;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the General Conference of The United Methodist Church petition the government of the United States to strengthen those laws that protect our air, water, soil, plants, and animals, especially endangered species; and
Be it further resolved, that copies of this resolution be sent to the president and the vice-president of the United States, to all members of both Houses of Congress, to the speaker of the House of Representatives, and to all announced candidates for president of the United States.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22732-CS-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference