My appologies in advance for any duplicate postings.
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CHRISTIAN ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
PO Box 7536; Boulder, CO 80306-7536
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 13, 1998
CONTACT: ANN ALEXANDER (973) 353-5695
AMY HANSON (626) 793-0754
CHRISTIAN LEADERS URGE END TO
FEDERAL LOGGING PROGRAM
The Christian Environmental Council (C.E.C.), a broad national
inter-denominational coalition of Christian leaders which firmly adheres to
a
Biblical approach to creation care, released a resolution today calling for
the "end of all commercial logging on U.S. National Forests," and an end to
all logging of old-growth forests in the U.S. The resolution also calls for
redirecting the monies currently going to the U.S. Forest Service's timber
commodity program and using them to benefit logging communities and to fund
forest restoration. During a C.E.C. annual meeting held in Paradise Valley,
Arizona on October 2nd-4th the Council voted unanimously for this
resolution.
"Our Scriptures clearly teach that forests are a place where God is present,
and cares and provides for his creatures who inhabit them," said Ann
Alexander, Chair of the Christian Environmental Council. "Paying timber
companies nearly a billion dollars every year to needlessly decimate these
irreplaceable forests, which God created and loves, is to commit a sin of
greed and waste." She added.
The C.E.C.'s purpose is to provide support to leaders in the Christian
community who address environmental issues. It also serves as a forum for
joint action and expression of the leaders' common views concerning these
issues. The Council meets once a year to address threats to the integrity
of
creation, and to people who are harmed by environmental degradation. This
year the members chose the Forest Ecosystems of the United States upon which
to focus their concern with prayer and action. Through their Resolution,
the
Council members 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." (Colossians 1:15-20. Ephesians 4:6). The forest
protection measures called for by C.E.C. are necessary to retain forest
ecosystem remnants and restore the forests as God made them.
Gordon Aeschilman, President of Target Earth, stated, "The resolution by the
Christian Environmental Council calling for an end to all old-growth logging
and the commercial logging of National Forests in the USA is a completely
right-headed decision for our country and future generations. Christians
shouldn't aim for anything less in their commitment to serve God's creation
and protect the people of the next century." Amy Hanson, Co-Director of
Christians Caring for Creation, observed, "This strong resolution on forest
protection is the latest example of a growing movement within the religious
community. Christians of all denominations are now speaking out against the
appalling timber sales program on our National Forests."
She also referred to the U.S. Forest Service's annual report which stated
that
they logged nearly one half of a million acres on our National Forests in
1997
alone. In addition, according to the Congressional Research Service, the
timber sales program operated at a net loss of $791 million to taxpayers in
1996, while providing only 3.9% of this nation's total annual wood supply.
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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
END
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