In a statement that says, “We cannot help the world until we change our way of being in it,” the bishops of The United Methodist Church announced a significant call to all United Methodists, ecumenical and inter-religious partners and people of goodwill around the world.
“As bishops, we know that critical issues of the day have left people feeling fearful, cynical, hopeless and overwhelmed,” said Bishop Gregory Palmer, president of the Council of Bishops.”God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action contains our pledges to work in hopeful and robust ways for transforming change as God’s stewards of creation. We invite the church and our partners around the world to join us.”
The document called “God’s Renewed Creation: Call to Hope and Action”, is the evolution of action taken 20 years ago when the bishops issued a pastoral letter called, “In Defense of Creation: The Nuclear Crisis and a Just Peace.” The 1986 letter reminded all people that this world is God’s creation, a sacred gift to be received and nurtured with respect, declaring an unconditional NO to the policy of deterrence and any use of nuclear weapons.
“We are all called by God to be faithful stewards of our planet and its people", said Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, "At some time during the Advent Season, I hope the pastoral letter will be read aloud during worship in every United Methodist Church. For your study and prayerful consideration, I recommend to you the foundation document and the website, www.hopeandaction.org, which will be updated with downloadable resources, lenten study materials, and video clips."
God’s Renewed Creation is also available in a liturgical form offering response elements for congregational participation.
The Pastoral Letter
The Pastoral Letter in liturgy form
God’s Renewed Creation: Foundation Document |
