Most US Religious Groups Have Made Climate Change a Top Priority

Originally posted in The Washington Post, October 15, 2023

The Oct. 7 Washington Post article “Faith groups don’t see climate change as crisis, poll finds” reported on a Public Religion Research Institute study that found somewhere between 20 to 30 percent of religiously affiliated Americans say climate change is a “crisis.” The headline and tone of the article were inconsistent with the findings of the survey. “Crisis” is the highest level of concern in such surveys and there was likely another 40 percent who are concerned or very concerned.

Comparable surveys indicate Americans are very concerned about climate change, including more than 70 percent who are concerned or very concerned, with religiously active respondents expressing greater concern than the general public. Eighty-five percent of us believe it is our moral responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy climate for ourselves and future generations.Most religious groups and denominations in the United States have made climate change a top priority. As the article pointed out, more than 30 of them have banded together on the One Home One Future campaign to support local congregations in climate action.

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