The members of the National Council of Churches vary greatly in their theologies, styles of worship, organizational structures, and approaches to social issues. They include “mainline” Protestant denominations as well as churches in Anglican (Episcopalian), Eastern Orthodox, African American, and other traditions.

Yet within and enriched by this diversity is a strong commitment to service and advocacy on behalf of the earth and its people. The response of these churches to our environmental challenges has been religiously creative and morally powerful.

• Mainline Protestants — as individuals, churches, religious leaders and theologians, denominational and ecumenical bodies — have strongly and consistently supported environmental concern and action as an extension of their active witness to the biblical values of peace, justice, and service.
• Eastern Orthodox Christians have illuminated the spiritual and moral dimensions of environmental issues with their rich theological, liturgical and spiritual traditions in which creation and redemption, humanity and nature, are profoundly integrated.
• For many African American churches, the point of entry has been the issue of environmental racism and injustice raised by the impact of environmental degradation, especially toxic wastes, on their communities.

From the beginning, these churches have insisted that social justice and environmental concern must be held together — a concept for which the term “Eco-Justice” has been coined. These churches have sought to incorporate this integral vision into every facet of their religious life:

• They have made clear the religious and moral foundations for environmental concern and action in their official statements.
• Through their advocacy work, they have brought the principles of eco-justice to bear on issues of environmental policy.
• They have incorporated environmental teachings into their educational programs and worship.
• They have put them into practice in service and stewardship projects, and in the design and operations of their church buildings and grounds.
• Scholars of theology and ethics have explored the implications of a thoroughgoing ecological perspective for faith, action and the life of the church.

Engaging Christians on behalf of a just and sustainable world is the common task of a number of ecumenical, denominational, and faith-based environmental organizations. Among these, a key role is played by the NCCC’s Eco-Justice Program, which educates and mobilizes Christians to promote justice for creation and the whole human family, and the Eco-Justice Working group, which brings together representatives from the NCCC’s member communions to share resources, ideas, and coordinate strategies.

This congregation celebrated God's creation one Earth Day -- all week long.