For the first time, General Assembly had an entire committee devoted to Environmental Issues. This committee learned about, discussed, and gave advise to the plenary around topics such as:
- environmental racism,
- preaching and teaching about climate change and other environmental concerns,
- the Precautionary Principle,
- carbon pricing (fee and dividend), and
- the most debated and crucial decision on whether Presbyterians should stay engaged at corporate tables to put pressure on fossil fuel industries or whether Presbyterians should divest from the fossil fuel industry.
For articles on fossil fuel divestment and corporate engagement, see:
- Both sides look ahead (June 26)
- Fossil Free PCUSA Seeks Forward Movement (June 22)
- Assembly directs MRTI to continue corporate engagement (June 22)
- Committee votes for fossil fuel divestment (June 19)
- Compelled to respond to climate change (June 14)
- Presbyterians walk 200 miles to encourage divestment (June 1)
As we settle back in after the Assembly, PHP will be working to do interpretation and resourcing around these policies. In the meantime, to find out what was approved by committee and by Assembly, search for the 2018 Assembly and the environment committee at pc-biz.org
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