Note: The post below and headline above have been edited since the original publication to correct inaccuracies. The Declaration listed below was not a document approved by the Southern Baptist Convention, as I originally wrote. The inaccuracy was a result of my misreading of the New York Times article listed below. I apologize for this error.

A group of Southern Baptist leaders has issued a document entitled “A Southern Baptist Declaration on the Environment and Climate Change.” Signers of the new declaration include the current president of the Southern Baptist Convention, as well as two former presidents. The declaration was organized by the Southern Baptist Environment and Climate Initiative, which is distinct from the Southern Baptist Convention.

The group’s declaration differs strongly from a June 2007 Southern Baptist Convention resolution on global warming that is skeptical about whether global warming is caused by humans and whether significant reductions in carbon dioxide emissions are warranted. The smaller group’s declaration, in contrast, states, “current denominational engagement with these issues [has] often been too timid, failing to produce a unified moral voice. Our cautious response to these issues in the face of mounting evidence may be seen by the world as uncaring, reckless and ill-informed. We can do better.”

See a New York Times article on the new declaration and the Southern Baptist Convention press release written in response to it.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 10th, 2008 at 11:10 am and is filed under Climate Change, Religion.