Climate justice

April 22 is Earth Day, and the message of care for the planet is more important now than ever before. We are already seeing catastrophic changes in weather patterns and other effects of climate change, which disproportionately affect communities of color and poor communities across the globe.

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

As Christians, we are called by Scripture and through our baptismal promises to seek justice, especially for the vulnerable and oppressed. Climate justice is inseparable from racial justice, gender justice, and so many other critical issues present in our world today.

When we hear about climate change, often the emphasis is on our individual actions, such as our consumption of resources or choices about recycling. While these actions are important, we cannot lose sight of the larger, systemic changes that must take place. Large corporations have a much greater impact on the climate than any one individual's or family's choices, and broader policy changes go much farther than one person's decision to bike to work instead of drive.

So, what can we do to create systemic change? One way is to engage in advocacy work at the state and federal level. Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Pennsylvania, or LAMPa, has lots of wonderful resources and partners on the journey. In 2021 LAMPa is focused on two priorities: Addressing climate change and working to secure clean air, land, and water for all. Action items are shared on their website and on social media throughout the year, which often includes drafts to use when contacting representatives in Harrisburg and Washington, DC by phone, letter, or email. 

The scale of change that needs to take place in order to save our planet can be overwhelming and leave us with a sense of despair. In those moments, we give thanks that we do not do this work alone, and rejoice in the Holy Spirit who strengthens and empowers us on the path to justice. 

Bonus resources: 

• Here's ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton's pastoral message on the verdict of the trial of Derek Chauvin.
• A musical version of Psalm 23 (the psalm for this coming Sunday) from Richard Bruxvoort Colligan, called "On the Path of Justice".
• Bethlehem Lutheran in Glenshaw produces a podcast, and Bishop Kusserow was the featured guest in the most recent episode, giving an overview of what it means to be church together as a synod. Take a listen here.