5. PUBLIC MINISTRY/ POLITICAL ACTION
We seek to change the systems of government, business, and industry that foster the degradation of creation and to rectify the injustices that result from it. We seek to alert our congregations to environmental legislation that protects creation and to encourage their active participation in the development of public policy. We encourage members to participate in civic activities and organizations that foster environmental health. We seek to let our care for creation be known to others.
Possible actions: ● Get involved as leaders in developing local sustainability in your community.
● Seek to identify ecological injustices and instances of environmental racism in the geographical area of the synod, raise awareness, and organize resistance.
● Create awareness of policies and legislative matters that call for political advocacy and provide political action opportunities for synod members, in particular, through the ELCA office of environmental advocacy.
● Draw on resources of environmental groups, and partner locally in restoring creation.
● Create ecumenical and interfaith partnerships throughout the synod to encourage creation care.
● Partner with the local energy companies. Invest in renewable energy. Seek to transfer congregational energy savings to congregations with fewer resources.
● Encourage partnerships with corporations, businesses, municipalities, and environmental organizations. Offer a sustainability fair.
● Partner with area urban gardening projects, nature centers, camps, and retreat centers.
● Seek to create a list of green service providers in the synod area.
● Promote Community Supported Agriculture, fair trade coffee and other products, and encourage the purchase of local foods.
● Encourage investments in green projects and funds.
● Be responsible to promote the greening of a “partner” synod in the ELCA.
● Establish environmental sharing and exchange programs with congregations in sister synods around the world.
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