Religious Leaders Are Silent About Their Beliefs
PNAS Study; Eureka Blog on Study
We are living in a climate changed world which is impacting everything we care about, from people and places devastated by climate disasters, to our health, food, economy, and more. Holy Scriptures remind us that the earth is sacred, (Psalm 24, Colossians 1.15-20, Genesis 1) and we are called by God to care for it. ecoAmerica’s research shows that 72% of Americans are concerned about climate change, (1) and yet, among those who attend religious services at least monthly, U.S. Catholics indicate that climate change is not discussed frequently from the pulpit and 41% say there is no discussion of climate change. (2)
While at the same time, almost 90% of Christian religious leaders at the head of a congregation believe in anthropogenic (human caused) climate change. A study published in March 2025 titled Most Christian American religious leaders silently believe in climate change, and informing their congregation can help open dialogue (3) showed only about half ever discuss climate change with their congregations, a quarter speak publicly about climate change once or twice, and only 5% discuss it more than once a month.
Katharine Hayhoe says that the most important thing we can do about climate change is to talk about it. (4) Congregational religious leaders are uniquely positioned to make a positive climate impact as 2 out of 3 Americans believe they have a high ethical standard and are directly impacted by their local church leadership. When faith leaders silence themselves on climate change, it contributes to member’s hesitancy around discussing climate change with each other:
“We find that Christians underestimated the degree to which Christian religious leaders believed in climate change by roughly half. Conversely, Christians who are aware that their religious leader believes in climate change, and whose religious leaders discuss climate change, are more likely to view their fellow church goers as believing in climate change and are more comfortable having conversations about climate change with them….Further, it led Christians to feel taking action to mitigate climate change- including voting based on which candidates will take climate actions- was in line with their church’s values”
Faith leaders are able to make a marked difference in climate discussions in their congregations by simply preaching and teaching about climate change from the pulpit, in small group discussions, and everywhere within the life of the church.
Blessed Tomorrow is here to support clergy and faith leaders to begin talking about climate change through the climate ambassador training for clergy (and lay leaders), resources and ongoing support. Additionally, One Home, One Future offers a plethora of resources to start the conversation and take action around climate change and creation care. There has never been a more important time to lead on climate, and we faith leaders are perfectly situated to do just that.
References:
- Speiser, M., Ishaq, M. (November, 2024). American Climate Perspectives Survey 2024. Vol IV.Trump’s Victory Sparks Growing Climate Concern — Even Among His Supporters. ecoAmerica. Washington, DC.
- Diamant, J. (September, 2023). The pope is concerned about climate change. How do U.S. Catholics feel about it?
- S. Syropoulos, G. Sparkman (March, 2025) Most Christian American religious leaders silently believe in climate change, and informing their congregation can help open dialogue. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 122 (13) e2419705122, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2419705122.
- Katharine Hayhoe: The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about it
Resources:
That’ll Preach! – Blessed Tomorrow
5 Steps To Effective Climate Communication
Blessed Tomorrow Climate Ambassador Training
About the Authors:
Rev. Carol Devine and Kate Summers, Executive Director of Blessed Tomorrow and Faith + Climate Associate
Additional Resources:
Register to Watch: American Climate Leadership Awards 2025
Join the Campaign: One Home One Future
Mental Health and Our Changing Climate: Children and Youth Report 2023