Environment
The Confession of Faith in a Mennonite Perspective states, “Human beings have been made for relationship with God, to live in peace with each other, and to take care of the rest of creation.” In 1989, the Mennonite Church and the General Conference Mennonite Church (which existed as separate denominations until they transformed into Mennonite Church USA and Mennonite Church Canada in 2002) adopted a resolution titled, “Stewardship of the Earth: Resolution on Environment and Faith Issues.” The resolution notes the degradation of the earth’s resources, and calls for a new awareness and diligence in caring for the environment:
In 2005, the Creation Care Action Network was formed. Its vision statement reads: “Christ, who created the world in peace and sustains all things, calls us to be stewards of the earth and to bring rest and renewal to the land and everything that lives on it. In response to this call, we will equip lay people and leaders with tools, resources and models that will educate, encourage, and inspire the church to care for creation, which is an expression of God’s love.”
The movement towards “green” living has been growing in Mennonite communities for a long time. Dedication varies by individuals, but there has been a definite trend towards more awareness and more deliberately caring for the earth.