The Christian Environmental Council Resolution on Forest Ecosystems

WE AFFIRM that Scripture declares, "The earth is the LORD's and everything in it," (Psalm 24:1) AND

WE AFFIRM that "the LORD God had made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground - trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food," (Genesis 2:9) AND

WE AFFIRM that God created and intended that "all the trees of the forest will sing for joy," (Psalm 96:13) AND "all the trees of the field will clap their hands." (Isaiah 55:12)

FURTHERMORE, we affirm that forest ecosystems are an integral component of God's good creation, wholly having intrinsic value because they were created by and for Jesus Christ, and have been reconciled through Him (Colossians 1:15-20, Ephesians 4:6)

WHEREAS old growth forest ecosystems are a declining remnant of the earth as God created it, AND

WHEREAS large and integrated forest ecosystems provide a critical habitat for many of God's threatened and endangered species, AND

WHEREAS forest ecosystems play an ecologically crucial role in mitigating the increasing levels of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions, AND

WHEREAS the purposes of National Forests to provide quality water supplies and recreation opportunities have been largely overlooked in recent years 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 as Christians affirm simple living, the virtue of frugality, and living as good stewards of God's provision in creation; and affirm that our biblical responsibility to love our neighbors as ourselves extends not only to our neighbors living today, but to our neighbors throughout time, because Christ's redemption extends throughout time (Matthew 22:39, Psalm 15:3, Proverbs 13:22, & Romans 8:21).

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.

THEREFORE, let it be resolved that we encourage, support, and advocate the end of all old-growth logging of God's forest ecosystems in the United States to ensure protection of this ancient remnant of God's creation.

THEREFORE, let it be further resolved that we encourage, support, and advocate the end of all commercial logging on U.S. National Forests, as carried out under the U.S. Forest Service's timber commodity program and the redirection or appropriation of monies to benefit communities dependent on timber harvesting and to fund forest restoration.

Passed on this 4th day of October, 1998 by the Christian Environmental Council.

Ann Alexander, Chair

Stan LeQuire, Secretary

Fred Kruger

World Stewardship Institute

409 Mendacino Ave., #A • Santa Rosa, CA 95401 • (707) 573-3162

fred@ecostewards.org

Copyright © 1996. The Light Party.