California Religious Leaders Applaud Governor Newsom's Executive Order to Protect 30 percent of California's Land and Ocean by 2030

Creation Justice Ministries applauds Governor Newsom's newly announced executive order on climate resilience and biodiversity, which establishes a goal of conserving at least 30 percent of California's state lands and ocean by 2030. California is the first U.S. state to join with more than 38 nations around the world who are participating in this global effort. Creation Justice Ministries has been encouraging people of faith across the US to write to their members of Congress in support of the 30 by 30 Resolution to Save Nature at a national level.

Here are some California religious community leaders' reactions to today's news.

(courtesy photo)

"Wildfires, not just in California, but around the world, are causing us to literally feel the heat that is mobilizing more of us to act on our ecological crisis in the spirit of what Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King called 'the fierce urgency of now.' As people of faith, we are instructed by our Creator to ensure those who come after us have a sustainable, nurturing Earth. Governor Newsom's executive order will equip our communities for timely, faithful conservation action -- before it is too late." 
The Rt. Rev. Staccato Powell, immediate past President of the Board of Bishops for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME Zion) denomination; Creation Justice Ministries Board Member
Granite Bay, CA

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photo credit: Janet Kuzawa photos

"California Lutherans have been closely tracking imminent dangers to safe, affordable drinking water, as well as the environmental racism at play in who does, and does not, have water security. As the climate crisis, pollution, and irresponsible corporate practices have made water stewardship increasingly difficult, we welcome the opportunity to leverage the Governor's executive order, which sets clear guidelines for conservation, to protect and redeem California's watersheds. The God-given life-sustaining gift of water requires our careful stewardship, so all people and creation can endure for generations to come." 
Regina Q. Banks, Director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy
Sacramento, CA

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photo credit: Emma Marie Chiang

"As Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California, I am deeply encouraged by Governor Newsom's executive order to protect 30 percent of the land and water under California stewardship by 2030. The Episcopal Church considers action to protect God's creation to be part of fulfilling a sacred trust from God. For us, climate action and conservation mean commitment to personal and local community transformation, advocacy for the best climate and environmental justice policies, and standing with those who are already experiencing the deep pain of climate-related displacement and loss. As Californians seek to implement these conservation goals, may we do so attentive to our moral responsibilities to each other today, an to future generations." 
The Rt. Rev. Marc Andrus, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of California and
San Francisco, CA

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photo credit: Rev. Dan Paul

"I celebrate this major milestone in our state's conservation ambition, as my ministry strives to foster deeper spiritual connections to, and protections for, God's ocean. We see first-hand what has profoundly made the protected Monterey Bay a place of resurrection, as well as the care California's coastal communities desperately need. As Californians, we now have a clear goal and timeline to protect God's ocean, and our Blue Theology ministry will pursue conservation with not only love, but also renewed urgency." 
Rev. Dan Paul, Executive Minister, Blue Theology Mission Station
Pacific Grove, CA

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photo credit: Jaime Alonso

"Creation Justice Ministries has been working at the national level to pursue the goal outlined in Governor Newsom's executive order today: to justly and equitably conserve more than 30 percent of nature by 2030. As a resident of a California desert area, I can attest to the need to protect this unique, magical ecosystem, from iconic Joshua trees to the beloved desert tortoises. Like Jesus, I feel closer to my Creator in this wild desert, a place to retreat and pray.
Consistent with California's newly stated commitment to engage in truth-telling and healing with tribes, this accelerated conservation pursuit must unfold differently than US government land and water protections of the past: Conservation must be done with guidance and consent of tribes whenever decisions impact their traditional territories. This conservation effort is also a pivotal opportunity to counteract environmental racism, as new conservation areas can help all people access the healing power of nature, rather than a privileged few." 
Shantha Ready Alonso Creation Justice Ministries Executive Director
Indio, CA

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