National Council of Churches
National Policy Statement
on Forest Ecosystems
[Representing 34 Christian denominations]
WE AFFIRM that Scriptures declares, "The earth is the LORD's and everything in it." (Psalm 24:1) AND
WE AFFIRM that "the LORD has made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground, trees that were pleasing to eye and good for food" (Gen. 2:9), AND
WE AFFIRM that God treated and intended that "all the trees of the forest will sing for joy," (Psalm 96:13) AND...
WHEREAS forest ecosystems play a crucial role in mitigating the increasing levels of humaninduced greenhouse gas emissions, AND...
WHEREAS the purposes of National Forests to provide quality water supplies and recreation... have been largely overlooked... in favor of maximizing commercial timber harvest, AND
WHEREAS the livelihoods of people in certain communities have historically depended on government subsidized logging, AND
WHEREAS we... affirm simple living, ... frugality, and ...good stewardship of God's provision in creation; and affirm that our biblical responsibility to love our neighbors... extends not only to neighbors living today, but to our neighbors throughout time...
WE ENCOURAGE All Christians to support and advocate the conservation of remaining forest ecosystems as natural communities, created by and pleasing to God, rather than using forest ecosystems solely for their potential as economic capital and to prayerfully evaluate and diminish their personal consumption of... forest products, such as using recycled paper and recycled wood.
WE EXTEND A CHRISTIAN CALL FOR
(1) the immediate end to all cutting of ancient and old growth forests, and the phaseout of international trade in old growth lumber... and related products,
(2) a phaseout of commercial logging on public land,
(3) the redirection of taxpayer subsidies into forest restoration and... jobs, and
(4) prayer and a search for wisdom by churches on the spiritual value of forests.
