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Care of God's Creation  

(Proposal approved by consensus at an Association of Christian Church of South Dakota Board of Director's Meeting)

         BECAUSE:  All Christians affirm that God calls us to be caretakers of Creation and because of the increase in knowledge as to how our actions affect the health of the planet, and, in turn, how that affects our health, and, more importantly, the health of our children, grandchildren, and generations to come, it is clear the time has come to make public pronouncement to that effect.
 
THEREFORE: It is proposed that the Association of Christian Churches of South Dakota reaffirm its commitment to care for God's Creation and urge local congregations to do the same, especially in the areas of conservation, the use of renewable energies, and, where possible, support legislation to that effect.  In addition, congregations are encouraged to connect with the person in charge of their denomination's social/environmental justice departments in order to educate the pastors and laity; to cooperate with other churches in the denomination and other denominations' churches, especially in areas where population is declining; and to keep God's Creation close to our hearts through prayer, sermons, and other means as they present themselves.
 
Respectfully submitted,
 
SHIRLEY PERKINS
Volunteer Ecojustice Worker
ABC Task Force on Environment