wfn.org | New Land Stewardship Resource Available for Churches

["NCC news" <pjenks@ncccusa.org>]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leslie Tune, 202/544-2350, ext. 11

New Land Stewardship Resource Available for Churches

Washington, D.C., August 5, 2005--A new resource for study, worship, and
action on land stewardship is now available to churches and others interested
in protecting and redeeming God's lands. Developed by the National Council of
Churches' Public Land Stewardship Initiative, a project of NCC's Eco-Justice
Programs, "Rooted in God's Word and Lands" contains background information on
land issues, sermon starters, a bulletin insert for a themed worship service,
suggestions for adult and youth study activities, and ideas for personal and
congregational action.

According to the new guide, "Humans use God's gift of land and open space for
a range of activities, including recreation, farming and ranching, extracting
resources like minerals and water, building our communities, and experiencing
solitude." 

However, in many instances, these activities are conducted in ways that lead
to abuse and overuse of the land, degradation of the soil and destruction of
the communities and ecosystems that depend on it. "Rooted in God's Word and
Lands" was created to help counter this negative impact on the land and to
demonstrate how churches can make a difference by practicing good land
stewardship. 

"This new guide provides congregations with practical, useful information
about protecting God's lands," said Cassandra Carmichael, NCC's Eco-Justice
Programs Director. "We must begin to be much more diligent about leaving
lands healthy and viable for future generations."

NCC launched the Public Lands Stewardship Initiative earlier this year to
raise awareness about public lands and mobilize people of faith to take
actions that protect God's gift of land. In particular, the initiative is
focusing on curtailing irresponsible energy development practices such as
opening natural treasures and ecologically sensitive areas to drilling,
weakening permit processes for drilling projects, and making energy
development the top priority on public lands to the detriment of communities
and wildlife.

Copies of "Rooted in God's Word and Lands" can be obtained on NCC's
Eco-Justice Programs' website, www.nccecojustice.org or by contacting
Christine Hoekenga, the Public Lands Initiative Coordinator, at 110 Maryland
Ave., NE, Suite 108, Washington, D.C. 20002, 202/544-2350 or
choekenga@ncccusa.org.

The National Council of Churches USA represents mainline Protestant,
Orthodox, and Anglican communions, historically African American
denominations and traditional peace churches. NCC fosters Christian unity
through advocating for peace, protecting God's creation, and eliminating
poverty in the world.
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