4 Oct 2008

Presbyterian Church calls for action on climate change

11:32 am on 4 October 2008

The Presbyterian Church of New Zealand is challenging its faithful to take practical action to combat climate change.

At the church's biennial assembly in Upper Hutt on Friday, a declaration encouraging a reduction in consumer demand was accepted.

The country's 419 Presbyterian parishes will urge people to lead simpler lives by considering their environmental footprints.

Sustainability, recycling and energy efficiency are among the hallmarks of the declaration.

The church's ecological task group has been researching the stance for the past two years.

The group convenor, Reverend John Howell, says the move encourages members not to over-exploit the Earth's resources.