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As a pastor and person of faith I, along with the Lutheran church on a national and local level, view global warming as an unprecedented threat to God’s good creation. Government, corporations, churches and community groups, as well private citizens, need to partner together to face this challenge and significantly reduce our carbon emissions for the sake of all living things on this planet.

In keeping with this conviction, our Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State mobilized Lutherans across the state to support the Clean Air-Clean Fuels legislation in 2007. We partner closely with Earth Ministry and Priorities for a Healthy Washington in this public policy focused work.

Churches also have other significant roles to play in relationship to reversing global warming. We can and are educating our members about the issues and supporting them in making wise choices as consumers and as business owners and managers. Our congregation’s members have changed to CFLs, reduced average weekly driving times, and taken many other steps to reduce consumption that contributes to global warming. We have also replaced most of the lights in our building to increase energy efficiency and have planted an organic, community garden on our property.

We must continue with these personal and community actions, while at the same time working to foster change at the state and national level. Immediate action to reverse climate change is a moral imperative and we in the church community cheer and support serious efforts.

Carol Jensen is the pastor of St. John United Lutheran Church, board chair of the Lutheran Public Policy Office of Washington State, and an active member of Earth Ministry.