Caretakers of God’s Good Creation

Caretakers of God’s Good Creation

Caring, serving, keeping, loving, and living by wisdom—these translate into justice in political, economic, social, and environmental relationships. Justice in these relationships means honoring the integrity of creation, and striving for fairness within the human family. It is in hope of God’s promised fulfillment that we hear the call to justice; it is in hope that we take action. When we act interdependently and in solidarity with creation, we do justice. We serve and keep the earth, trusting its bounty can be sufficient for all, and sustainable.”

Environmental justice is a huge issue — but sometimes when faced with more immediate and material problems like the housing crisis or poverty, it can be easy to set environmental advocacy on the back burner. Alternatively, sometimes considering the enormous scope of climate justice is so overwhelming and dispiriting to advocates that it can be hard to even know where to start — and we may find it much easier to turn our attention to issues that feel more manageable and closer to home, like feeding the hungry in our community.

Unfortunately, the effects of the climate crisis are becoming more and more immediate and material every year. New Jersey has been called “ground zero” for climate change in the Mid-Atlantic, due to the drastic effects that warming temperatures have on our state. Drought warnings have been lasting considerably longer in recent years, increasing temperatures could lead to more heat-related hospitalizations and deaths, and sea levels along the Jersey Shore are also expected to rise up to 1 foot by the end of the decade.

Every justice advocacy topic is and will continue to be affected by climate change and other environmental issues. It is our most vulnerable community members who are most at risk for heat-related health problems, as well as the effects on low-quality water and air. Environmental risks affect housing stability in our state, especially along the coast. The climate affects our state's agricultural production and food supply, which affects food security. Whatever your advocacy passion is, the environment is a key part of addressing that issue in the future.

This year’s Bishop’s Challenge asks all NJ congregations to engage with the care of creation by forming a team or small group and choosing at least one new action that focuses on environmental sustainability.