In the year 2010, we saw with devastating clarity the close relationship between healthy natural ecosystems and human well being. This has been magnified by the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, the deadly floods in Pakistan, drought and dust storms in southwestern China, landslides in Mexico and Uganda, cholera in Haiti, and the summer heat wave in the northern hemisphere. These crises and others like them have had vast economic, social, cultural, familial, and spiritual consequences.

As Christians, we are reminded that Scripture tells us “the earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Ps. 24:1), and that God’s creative hand is seen in the creatures, both small and great, as well as in the work of his people (Ps. 104:24-25). The Scripture also teaches love of neighbors who are suffering and our responsibility to serve others (Matthew 25:31-46). We call on churches, communities, corporations and our government to take actions to sustain the world’s natural resources, for the common good and in honor of the Creator. The opportunities for better outcomes are vast, and our sense of compassion and generosity motivate us to take prudent steps now.