There are many reasons to care about climate change, from economic prosperity to the overall health of humanity. As displayed by the organization, Health Care Without Harm, there is a foundational moral imperative to care for our neighbor that requires the guidance of faith leaders.
This ethical mandate to care for our brothers and sisters is a deeply ingrained staple of Biblical teachings, with examples such as the Apostle Paul who instructs us in his letter to Philippi: "Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others" (Philippians 2:4).
In Luke 10, Jesus is asked, "Who is my neighbor?" His response, while veiled in the verbiage of a parable, explains that our concept of a neighbor is without bounds, and extends to the farthest reaches of humanity. Caring for the climate is caring for our neighbor.
The Theological and Moral Implications of Coal Divestment
BY REV. DR. LESLIE COPELAND-TUNE for Health Care Without Harm
reasons to divest from coal, there is also a definitive theological and moral imperative for taking action. Coal divestment is consistent with the Christian faith and our beliefs in the sanctity and dignity of human life, justice, faithful stewardship of creation, serving and caring for the most vulnerable among us, and working for a more sustainable future for generations to come. Our faith supports the divestment of all coal holdings because of its devastating impacts on human beings and the harm it causes to nature itself.
