For the first time the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand is to take action on climate change and the environment at a national level.

The Church has urged its 419 parishes nationwide to take practical action, to audit their environmental footprints, and to study the issues of climate change and the environment. The Church also endorsed a declaration on climate change, developed by the Churchs ecological task group.

The recommendations and declaration were accepted today by Presbyterians at the Churchs biennial General Assembly.

The Churchs new Moderator, the Right Rev Dr Graham Redding said, Our Church is deeply committed to caring for Creation at a local and national level. As Christians we can offer valuable theological perspectives that will enable people to respond with hope to pressing environmental concerns.

Our Churchs national commitment to climate change has been part of an ongoing process of finding the best ways for us to be stewards for the Earth. Our General Assembly 2004 saw caring for Creation adopted as part of the Churchs mission statement. General Assembly 2006 urged congregations to be conscientious in ordering congregational life on sound principles of sustainability, and to be pro-active in their local communities in challenging and educating people about sustainable living.

The Presbyterian Church biennial General Assembly is being held at St Patricks College, Silverstream, Upper Hutt, Wellington, from 2 to 6 October 2008.
/ENDS

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