In churches and sanctuaries across Washington state, faithful voices are singing about the beauty of creation in these Sundays of autumn: Giving thanks for the harvest, praising God for nature’s glory, and committing ourselves to care for the Earth.
We, the three Lutheran bishops of Washington state, join this anthem as we cast our ballots in this election. We urge voters to vote “No” on Initiative 2117, which attempts to repeal our state’s Climate Commitment Act.
The Bible calls us to love our neighbor and to take action to protect God’s creation for future generations. As the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s 2023 policy message “Earth’s Climate Crisis” states, this is a critical time when “God is leading us into decisive action” to protect the Earth and its climate.
We believe this is a moment for great hope. Our best scientists assure us that it is not too late: there is still time to avert the worst health consequences of global warming pollution, if we act now to reduce fossil fuel burning and transition to a clean energy economy. As Christians and followers of the teachings of Jesus, we must ensure that the poor and those on the margins are not disproportionately affected.
Washington state’s Climate Commitment Act sets a national example for decisive action to respond to dangerous global warming pollution. In its first year, the law has raised $2 billion, with funds directed toward transportation, clean air, renewable energy, conservation, and emissions reductions efforts, in every county across Washington State. It also sets aside money to help the poorest and most vulnerable.
For these reasons, we ask voters of faith and all who support a cleaner environment to vote “no” on Initiative 2117. Repealing Washington’s landmark Climate Commitment Act would be a mistake. Going backwards on protecting the planet has steep, even deadly, costs for everyone—plants, animals, and people. While the Climate Commitment Act may not be perfect, we believe it should be modified rather than repealed.
Rev. Richard Jaech, Bishop, Southwestern Washington Synod
Rev. Meggan Manlove, Bishop, Northwest Intermountain Synod
Rev. Shelley Bryan Wee, Bishop, Northwest Washington Synod
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