No Climate Consensus For Christian Leaders

Even outside of churches, Christian leaders are tremendously powerful, given their respected standing in the community, their persuasive oratory and the increasingly influential political muscle they can flex. So when Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori told the Senate that energy and climate policy is a moral and geopolitical issue of utmost importance, we should listen. And when the Southern Baptist Convention's statement on global warming rejects the idea of mandated limits on carbon emissions out of fear of exacerbating poverty, we should listen. Clearly, when it comes to global warming policy there isn't consensus among the many denominations, their leaders and their flocks. But increasingly outspoken leaders and groups of leaders are -- at a minimum -- acknowledging the moral implications of runaway climate change, and the secular power they wield will play an increasingly influential role in the halls of government.