Covenant Affirming

Congregational United Church of Christ of Punta Gorda as a

Creation Justice Church

We, the congregation of Congregational United Church of Christ of Punta Gorda, believe that all beings are ecologically interconnected and interdependent, and that we should care for and live in balance with the rest of Creation. We acknowledge that the abuses to Creation inevitably cause environmental and human exploitation and suffering. We also realize that race, class, and global inequality cause some to suffer disproportionately.

Our Social Justice Ministry’s mission is to “recognize the interconnectedness of all Creation, seeking and acting for God’s justice, and encouraging our congregation to participate in justice ministries.” Our goal is not only to cherish Creation, the land, and the earth itself, but also to restore living in balance with all of Creation.

To work toward healing and protection of the environment for a better quality of life for all Creation, Congregational United Church of Christ of Punta Gorda covenants to:

 ● Communicate through our actions and ministry to all who encounter our congregation that we cherish the restoration and renewal of Creation

● Educate ourselves and others on critical issues related to healing and preserving the environment and the impact on all Creation

● Support public policies, regulations, laws, and funding that benefit the environment and protect socio-economically vulnerable communities

● Participate through advocacy and action in initiatives to address local and global threats to our environment including partnering with environmental justice allies in the wider community

● Seek and celebrate improvement of the changing environment and climate by focusing on decreasing our use of fossil fuels and lowering our carbon footprint

● Encourage individuals in the congregation and beyond to implement this covenant in their personal lives

 We will apply this covenant to all aspects of the life of the church, including the buildings and grounds. We commit to doing an annual review of our progress in fulfilling this covenant.

Therefore Be It Resolved: That Congregational United Church of Christ of Punta Gorda declares itself to be a Creation Justice Church and continues to commit to working for peace and justice in support of God’s Creation.

-Approved by the congregation of the Congregational UCC, Punta Gorda, January 23, 2022