By Brett Hetherington*

“The adverse impacts of global climate change disproportionately affect individuals and nations least responsible for the emissions. We therefore support efforts of all governments to require mandatory reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and call on individuals, congregations, businesses, industries, and communities to reduce their emissions.” (“The Social Principles,” ¶160.D The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church)

“As we continue to call for bold leadership and advocate for policies rooted in justice and sustainability, we understand that God is calling each of us to respond and that as a denomination we cannot hope to transform the world until we change our way of being in it.” (“Climate Change and the Church’s Response,” #1035 The Book of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church)

On a rainy Earth Day – April 22, 2023 – East Ohio Conference Connectional Ministries hosted Perspectives: Caring for God’s Creation, the latest in a series of events designed to expand the perspectives of laity and clergy. Speakers at the special event hosted at the United Methodist Church of Berea (North Coast District) shared from their educational and experiential perspectives the dangers impacting our environment and challenged participants to make changes that can improve the world around them.

“God declares that all creation is good. And as Children of God, as disciples of Christ, we are called to be the responsible caregivers, to be responsible stewards. We are called to be responsible users of all of the planet’s resources,” shared East Ohio Conference Resident Bishop Tracy S. Malone in calling attendees to remember that humanity has a special call within God’s creation.

“Can we make this a moment where we figure out how to cooperate more deeply together?” asked keynote speaker Dr. Tim Van Meter, associate professor and coordinator of Ecological Initiatives at Methodist Theological School in Ohio.

A robust panel comprised of academics, activists and authors presented studies, statistical data and personal accounts of the danger creation faces and how the crisis ties into other justice issues such as racism, hunger, and the plight of refugees.

“Caring for creation means to care for both the creation God has created and for the human beings that He has created, and if we do not do that we have failed,” the Rev. Crystal Paul shared via Zoom during her presentation “Intergenerational Climate Care”.

One of the multiple threads that was woven through the day was of connection and cooperation.

Will Fenton-Jones, Connectional Ministries office Multicultural Ministries director said, “I think talking about climate and creation care is a great opportunity to connect all parts of our Conference, from rural to industrial areas, Appalachia, to our cities, in a conversation about how our communities can best flourish. And that really happens when people work together, and voices are at the table, and we hear from different perspectives, and we can respond to our community needs. There are a lot of opportunities for relationship building and collaboration.”

Speakers throughout the day presented information and suggestions for the laity and clergy in attendance to share with their congregations. Presentations included: “Wake Up World! A Curriculum on the Climate Crisis for Faith and Community Groups”; “Climate and Hunger”; “Climate and Racism”; “Climate and Refugees”; “Ecotheology 101”; “Intergenerational Climate Care”; “Climate, Poverty, and Collaborative Partnerships”; EarthKeepers Barb Dawson of UMC Berea and Claire Jencson of Ridgewood UMC sharing about the UMC Global Ministries training program that equips United States-based United Methodists to launch and grow environmental projects in their communities.

Learn more about UMC Climate Justice.
Learn about becoming a Global Ministries EarthKeeper.
View Dr. Van Meter’s presentation: Creation Care.

The Conference Communications team would like to share other stories that highlight ways that each of us is answering the call of Bishop Tracy S. Malone to reach out to our communities in creative ways. Please e-mail your ministry story to EOC Executive Director of Communications Rick Wolcott at wolcott@eocumc.com.

* Brett Hetherington is the Communications specialist for the East Ohio Conference of The United Methodist Church.