A STATEMENT BY RELIGIOUS LEADERS IN IOWA
ON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE
August 16, 2005

As we face the challenge of global warming and global climate change, we are called once again to reaffirm our commitment to be responsible stewards of Gods creation, to act in love toward our neighbors around the word, and to deepen our relationship with God our Creator.

Leading scientists have warned us that, sooner or later, our continued use of fossil fuels and continued deforestation will disrupt the relatively stable climate with which we have been blessed. The resulting changes in weather would threaten our environment, our health and safety, our economy, our agriculture, and our security. As Iowans, we especially understand the blessings of good land and the relatively predictable climate that God has bestowed upon us, and our responsibility to be stewards of Gods creation.

Like Joseph in Egypt, who read Pharaohs dreams to use seven years of plenty to prepare Egypt for seven years of drought, we are now called to take responsible precautionary action to limit global warming to the extent possible and to prepare for the climatic changes that cannot be avoided. There are many actions that individuals, congregations, businesses, local communities, and the State can and should take to reduce the threat of global warming, including especially reducing our energy use through conservation, using energy efficient vehicles and products, and using renewable energy sources. We urge Iowans to take such actions.

The global nature of the climate problem however, means that effective action requires leadership by the United States. Therefore, we call on Iowans to be informed advocates with Iowas congressional delegation for national and international policies that will ensure that we protect Gods creation and Gods children from the significant threat posed by global warming. In June 2005, the U.S. Senate passed a Sense of the Senate resolution that called for binding legislation that would require mandatory steps to stop climate change. We urge Iowans to advocate for such climate change legislation that would result in real and significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

We call especially on people of faith to provide leadership on this issue. Because of our relationship with God, we have the freedom, the strength, and the hope to change lifestyles and policies that endanger our future and future generations. We recognize that there are some who believe that their livelihoods may be hurt by policies to reduce global warming, but that should not prevent us from adopting policies that are necessary to protect Gods creation. Rather, the policies selected should accommodate the economic needs of the poor and those whose livelihoods may be affected. We believe that people of faith can help bring about effective policies that protect Gods creation and all of us as Gods children.

Br. David Andrews, CSC, executive director, National Catholic Rural Life Conference
Rev. Philip Barrett, General Presbyter, Presbytery of Des Moines, Presbyterian Church (USA)
Sister Roberta Brich, CHM, president, Congregation of the Humility of Mary
Rev. Connie R. Burkholder, district executive, Northern Plains District, Church of the Brethren
Most Rev. Joseph L. Charron, CPPS, bishop, Catholic Diocese of Des Moines
Rev. Lark J. Hapke, interim conference minister, Iowa Conference, United Church of Christ
Rev. Forrest Harms, Reformed Church in America; executive director, Des Moines Area Religious Council.
Bishop Philip L. Hougen, Southeastern Iowa Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Joellen McCarthy, BVM, leadership, Sisters of Charity, BVM, Dubuque
Rev. Gregory Palmer, bishop, Iowa Conference, United Methodist Church
Sister Joy Peterson, PBVM, for the Leadership Team of the Sisters of the Presentation
Rt. Rev. Alan Scarfe, bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
Kathy Thornton, RSM, president Sisters of Mercy, Regional Community of Cedar Rapids
Marlene Weisenbeck, FSPA, president, Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration