FossilFreeUMC

1. ENGAGEMENT WITH THE FOSSIL FUEL INDUSTRY DOESN’T WORK

The earth is facing the most serious environmental crisis of its history, a crisis caused by the fossil fuel industry even though it knew of the dangers 50 years ago and not only did nothing, it covered up the science. The fossil fuel industry caused the problem as it enjoyed record profits. It is not going to solve it. 

2.  THE UMC HAS ALWAYS RESPONDED IN CHRIST’S LOVE TO THE HURT, PAIN, AND SUFFERING OF GOD’S PEOPLE ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD

Fossil fuels cause untold suffering for millions of God’s people, some who are dying, some who are displaced, many of whom contributed little or nothing to the problem. In order to alleviate that suffering we have to end our addiction to fossil fuels. 

3.  1600 OTHER ORGANIZATIONS HAVE ALREADY DIVESTED, A THIRD OF THOSE ARE FAITH ORGANIZATIONS

Our sisters and brothers in the British Methodist Church have divested as a witness to their commitment to Christ. 

4.  FINANCIALLY WE DON’T NEED FOSSIL FUEL INVESTMENTS

There are fossil free funds out there that out perform fossil fuel funds. 

5.  TRANSITION TO SUSTAINABLE SOURCES OF ENERGY 

If we divest from Fossil Fuels and re-invest that money in sustainable sources of energy we will be providing capital to the sustainable energy industry which will hasten the transition away from fossil fuels. 

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Cover photo: Atouc Dut and her 8-year old daughter Atap in South Sudan struggle through persistent drought, hunger, crop loss, and the multiplying effects of climate change. Copyright (c) Paul Jeffrey / Life on Earth Pictures

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Pat Watkins, Caretakers of God’s Creation, UM Creation Justice Movement, Fossil Free UMC