wfn.org | Clinton encouraged to sign global warming protocol

["Cliff Willis"<wshuffit@oc.disciples.org>]

Date: August 28, 1998
Disciples News Service
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Contact: Clifford L. Willis
Email: CWillis@oc.disciples.org
on the Web: http://www.disciples.org

98b-52

	INDIANAPOLIS (DNS) -- General Minister and President Richard L. Hamm 
is among the signers of an Aug. 10 letter urging President Clinton to 
support a Kyoto, Japan-based global warming initiative. 

	Hamm and other National Council of Churches-related leaders 
encouraged Clinton to sign the Kyoto Protocol to the Climate 
Convention and submit it to the Senate for action. "We pledge to you 
our active support," the letter read.

	"We have been encouraged by your administration's public commitment 
to address climate change responsibly," church leaders said. "We are 
convinced that leadership from the United States is crucial for 
global efforts on climate change to be successful."

	The Kyoto Protocol represents the first step toward reducing gas 
emissions that cause global warming, according to the group. "It is 
an important move toward protecting God's children and God's 
creation."

	If emissions causing climate changes were traced to 1800, the U.S. 
would be responsible for more than 30 percent, said the leaders. The 
least developed nations, however, are feeling the effects and will be 
most severely affected. "For this reason alone, the United States has 
a special responsibility to address the problem of climate change 
without delay.

	"We have committed ourselves to working for the passage of the 
protocol in the Senate," the letter continued. "Perhaps we can work 
together broadly on greater environmental education through America's 
religious communities."

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