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- Subscribe - Contact Us - Rate Card - Place an Ad Valley&State Backpage O&E Sports Archives Classifieds Faith&Beliefs Obituaries Revels July 17, 2004 Local churches support bill to limit global warming By Vickie Aldous Ashland Daily Tidings Local religious leaders have joined 95 of their peers from across the state in delivering a letter to Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., asking them to support an anti-global warming bill. Sponsored by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., and Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., the Climate Stewardship Act would set limits on greenhouse gas emissions through what the sponsoring senators call a market-friendly "cap and trade" system. "At a time when the U.S. Senate must show leadership on the issue of global climate change, we are asking you to demonstrate your commitment to protecting all of God's creation, increasing our national security, promoting our economy, and promising a better future for our children," read the letter delivered earlier this month. "Together, we can achieve solutions that embody and promote justice, stewardship, and intergenerational responsibility." Local signatories included Ashland First Congregational United Church of Christ Moderator Jim Martin, Ashland's First Presbyterian Church Elder and Chair of Mission and Social Justice Paula Sohl and Medford's St. Mark's Episcopal Church Outreach Chair Dr. Christian Mathisen, D.C. "We think it's part of our mission and ministry to take care of the planet we were given," Martin said. The religious leaders, representing Catholic, Protestant, Unitarian and Jewish congregations, quoted from the Bible in their letter, saying that God asks humans to be good stewards of creation, to act justly toward each other and to protect the future well-being of all life on Earth. The leaders said America needs to reduce its dependence on oil by encouraging clean and renewable energy sources and technologies. The Oregon spiritual leaders joined others from 45 states who sent similar letters to their senators, according to organizers of the action. While congregations are hoping for action on the bill, many are taking steps to reduce their own energy consumption. In an effort to practice what they preach, the Ashland First Congregational Church has embarked on a major remodel of its church at Siskiyou Boulevard. The building's uninsulated windows are being replaced with thermal pane windows, an efficient heating system that can heat the upstairs and downstairs separately is being installed and energy-efficient lighting will replace old lights, according to Martin. The congregation also launched its 1-2-3 Program, which encourages members to turn their heating systems down by 1 degree and their air conditioners up by 1 degree, drive two miles per hour slower and replace at least three light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs, he said. Other actions by members include delivering household hazardous waste to delivery sites and biking or walking to church, according to Martin. "I think it's important to be good stewards of the environment and to conserve resources," he said. "It's part of what we see Christians to be - good stewards." DailyTidings.com Home Page Valley&State | Backpage | O&E | Sports | Archives | Weather | Classifieds Columnists | Faith&Beliefs | Obituaries | Revels | Subscribe | Contact Us Copyright 2004 Ashland Daily Tidings and Ottaway Newspapers All Rights Reserved Click Here Site Search: .:Advertisements:. RESOURCES - Mail Tribune News - ODOT Road Cams