Environmental Advocacy Policy
Environmental Advocacy Policy
Adopted by National Capital Presbytery
January 28, 2003
Member churches of the National Capital Presbytery,
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Mindful of the Biblical commandments, and the witness of our Confessions, to care for all of God’s creation,*
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Concerned about the rapidly shrinking open and natural spaces in the Greater Washington D.C. area,
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Aware that trees, meadows and streams give comfort to and foster spiritual renewal in their congregations and the general population,
Resolve to:
- Prayerfully consider and carefully scrutinize proposals of the development of Presbytery-owned land in the Washington area;
- Consider enriching open spaces on church land with native and other plants appropriate to the site and consistent with its use;
- Limit use of water on church lawns, especially during periods of drought or near-drought; and
- Avoid the use of pesticides, herbicides and other hazardous materials when possible and the excessive application of fertilizer on the church grounds.
- * “Ignoring God’s commandments,” we “exploit neighbor and nature, and threaten death to the planet entrusted to our care. We deserve God’s condemnation…”
– from A Brief Statement of Faith, The Book of Confessions, PC(USA) 1994