Resolution 2026-01
“Support for Creation Care and the Green Church Movement”
Whereas: the Earth is the Lord’s and everything in it (Psalm 24); and God desires for people to be faithful stewards of the land.
Whereas: The Social Principles of The United Methodist Church state, “We acknowledge that unsustainable human activities have placed the entirety of God’s creation in peril … Rather than treating creation as if it were placed here solely for humanity’s use and consumption, we are called to practice responsible stewardship and to live in right relationship with the Creator and with the whole of God’s creation.”
Whereas: General Conference 2024 passed a resolution stating, “That creation care and justice will be lifted up in all areas of ministry and mission, including preaching, liturgy, communications, education, outreach, and advocacy so that the church will become an increasingly effective witness of loving God and neighbor.” (Green Team Formation Resolution)
Whereas: The Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church released a letter on November 4, 2025, proclaiming, “The bishops of The United Methodist Church commit to giving continued support in this endeavor to do no harm to God’s world, to continue to advocate for creation justice, and to give voice and leadership to our commitment to care for all of God’s creation.”
Whereas: the Ohio Episcopal Area has created the Green Church Movement to equip, empower, and encourage Ohio congregations to care for God’s creation by making their properties and programs more environmentally friendly.
Therefore, Be it Resolved: that the East Ohio Conference supports and encourages local churches to join the Green Church Movement by
- signing the Green Church Pledge,
- completing the Green Church Sustainability Audit,
- attending the Green Church training, and/or
- earning Green Church certification.
Be it Further Resolved: that the East Ohio Conference urges the Connectional Ministries Team to offer resources to equip local churches to take tangible steps towards a more sustainable future; develop practical tools to assist congregations in reaching their sustainability goals; and provide information on opportunities to engage with creation care through E-News, the Conference website, district newsletters, and trainings/workshops.
Be it Further Resolved: that the East Ohio Conference encourages the Board of Missions to provide a verbal report and update on the progress of the Green Church Movement each year at its Annual Conference session.
Submitted by East Ohio Board of Missions, East Ohio Methodist Federation for Social Action, and East Ohio Board of Multicultural Ministries.
