The UNYAC Creation Justice Team is part of a global movement among people of faith, devoted to responsible stewardship of God’s Earth, our home. Creation Care promotes caring for this incredible planet through personal lifestyle choices, church operations, and activism and advocacy among corporations and governments, across UNY.

Recognizing that creation care is God’s first expectation for humans (Genesis 1:26), and the first of the UMC’s Social Principles, UNY's Creation Justice Team laments the devastating realities of environmental degradation, and seek the healing of humans’ relationship to Earth. They have modeled their purpose and mission on that of the UMC’s creation care ministry.

The team holds in mind a range of Scriptural principles, among which are:

• Creation is good apart from what it does for humans (Genesis 1:9-25)

• God covenants with all living things (Genesis 9:8-16)

• God accords the right to a sabbath to domestic animals (Exodus 20:10) and the land (Leviticus 25:2); justice requires it (2 Chron 36:21)

• God regards the hippo, not humans, as the “first” among God’s works (Just kidding. Well, maybe not.)

As part of fulfilling our mission, the team promotes such attitudes and practices as

• viewing Earth as God’s, and—in God’s image—loving it as God loves it

• composting food waste

• Earth-friendly transportation

• recycling, and recycling correctly

• supporting a just transition to clean energy

• reducing contributions to landfills

• supporting environmentally responsible policies in local, state, and federal governments

• starting, enhancing, and equipping “Green Teams” at districts and local congregations across the UNY Conference

The team believes the United Methodist mission of “making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world” includes raising up Christians across our annual conference who will promote God’s shalom—wholeness—for all people and the Earth they depend on. The team therefore encourages clergy and laypersons to connect with them, sending your concerns and ideas, and partnering with them. This includes inviting the teams' members to deliver presentations to UNY congregations and districts. Potential presentation topics include environmentally responsible lifestyles, Green Team management, environmental missions as a bridge from congregations to their communities, and more.

Fundraising Goal: $1,000

Contact info: 

Andrew Hartley

Team Chair 215 Hilltop Drive Elma, NY 14059

Phone: (716) 225-2272

Email: khahstats@yahoo.com