| A national grassroots
organization of the Presbyterian Church (USA),
Presbyterians
for Restoring Creation (PRC) seeks to help Presbyterians
respond to the interconnected human and ecological
crises that desecrate God’s creation. Drawing
from the biblical and theological heritage of the
Reformed tradition, PRC calls for a faithful response
based on God’s love of creation, Christ’s
transformative healing, and the power of the Holy
Spirit at work in the world. Adopting the ethical
norms of equity, sustainability, frugality, and
community, PRC calls for a fundamental transformation
of attitude and lifestyle based on the Christian
notions of radical discipleship and supportive
fellowship. PRC’s commitment to earthkeeping
and eco-justice takes many forms. Through conferences,
resource materials, and its quarterly newsletter,
the PRC Update, PRC works to keep people informed,
connected, and inspired to carry on the weighty
task of restoring creation. PRC’s political
advocacy work includes grassroots mobilization
on specific eco-justice issues as well as direct
lobbying efforts through the Presbyterian United
Nations Office and the World Council of Churches’ Ecumenical
Team. The Presbyterian Washington Office circulates
information and alerts through its “Ecology
and Environment” list-serve. In addition
to PRC’s informative website, a variety of
resources are available through the Environmental
Justice Office of the Presbyterian Church (USA),
including materials for worship services, Earth
Day celebrations, and congregational reflection
and action groups. The Presbyterian Coffee Project
helps congregations practice eco-justice by purchasing
fairly traded coffee. PRC also organizes biennial
environmental justice conferences, the most recent
of which drew nearly 200 people to Linfield College
in Oregon in 2002. In the fall of 2003, PRC joined
with the Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center
Association to promote creation care in Presbyterian
camps and conference centers. |
| Christianity |
| United States of America |
| 1995–Present |
In 1990, the 202nd
General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA)
adopted the policy
report “Restoring
Creation for Ecology and Justice” with
a ninety-seven percent majority vote. The report
calls Presbyterians to focus on caring for creation
as a central
concern
and to incorporate this concern into the life
and mission of the church at every level. PRC
was founded
in 1995 to implement this new charge of restoring
creation through outreach, networking, and support.
Actively supported by PRC, the Presbyterian General
Assembly approved an overture on Preserving Bio-Diversity
and Halting Mass Extinction in 2001. PRC continues
to work toward fulfilling the church’s
environmental policies, creating new policies
when needed, educating
about global environmental matters from a faith
perspective, and striving to maintain the integrity
of God’s creation.
|
| “Our mission is
to gather a grassroots fellowship of Presbyterians
to seek support and
implementation of Restoring Creation through all
agencies of ministry within the church; to foster
networks of Presbyterians from all walks of life
to learn from Holy Scripture and life experiences
in order to share gifts and skills for restoring
and preserving creation for future generations;
to cooperate with others who are actively involved
in living lightly on the earth through ecumenical,
national, and community organizations, and in all,
to be faithful to the call of our Redeemer, Jesus
Christ.” |
Earth Ministry
Endangered Species Coalition
Environmental Justice Office of the Presbyterian
Church (USA)
Orion Society
Presbyterian Camp
and Conference Center Association
Presbyterian
United Nations Office
World Council of Churches (WCC) |
| None Listed |
| None Listed |
| None Listed |
Presbyterians for Restoring Creation
Linda Sonner
Membership Coordinator
P.O. Box 232
Batavia, IL 60510
|
