wfn.org | NCC: protect most vulnerable from climate change impact

["Philip Jenks" <pjenks@ncccusa.org>]

>NCC: U.S. must protect most vulnerable
>from the impacts of climate change

Washington, June 9, 2009 - A church public policy advocate today urged a  House committee to increase funding for international adaptation  assistance in the recently introduced American Clean Energy and Security  Act.  

Speaking on behalf of the National Council of Churches, the Rev. Mari  Castellanos, Minister of Policy Advocacy for the United Church of  Christ, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee. 
"Climate change is no longer something that may happen, but rather it is  already happening and we must act decisively to prevent the worst  impacts while protecting the most vulnerable," Castellanos said.

"This committee's inclusion of equitable international adaptation  assistance is a compassionate, just and appropriate first step forward  to meet the severe needs of those who are already suffering and at  risk."  

In recent testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives on behalf of  the NCC, Bishop Callon W. Hollaway, Evangelical Lutheran Church in  America, said the Council has recommended that any climate legislation  provide a minimum of $7 billion a year to the most vulnerable developing  nations to help those who are suffering and will suffer from the impacts  of climate change. 
 
"The church is called to address the issue of climate change and its  impacts on God's Creation and the most vulnerable in order to remain  faithful to our teachings about justice and stewardship," said Cassandra  Carmichael, director of the NCC Washington Office and the Council's  Eco-Justice Programs. 

The NCC is the ecumenical voice of America's Orthodox, Protestant,  Anglican, historic African American and traditional peace churches.  These 35 communions have 45 million faithful members in 100,000  congregations in all 50 states.

NCC News contact:  Philip E. Jenks, 212-870-2228 (office),  646-853-4212 (cell) , pjenks@ncccusa.org