Creation Care
“We affirm that all creation belongs to God and is a manifestation of God’s goodness and providential care. Human beings, nonhuman animals, plants, and other sentient and non-sentient beings participate in the community of creation, and their flourishing depends on the care of all God’s creation.”
“Social Principles: Community of All Creation,” The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church 2020/2024
Rooted in our Wesleyan tradition and the United Methodist Social Principles, the Horizon Texas Conference recognizes our responsibility to steward the earth with reverence, justice and love. We are committed to practices that honor the interconnectedness of all life and seek to heal the harm caused by environmental degradation.
Through education, advocacy and faithful action, we join with others in protecting God’s creation for generations to come.
Learn more about The United Methodist Church’s commitment to caring for all of creation.
Green Teams
The General Conference that convened in 2024 passed legislation urging every local church, charge, cluster or district to “create a ‘green team’ or strengthen an existing one for action in four areas each year—Worship, Education, Practice, and Advocacy—providing children, youth, and adults of all ages with inspiration, knowledge, encouragement, and practical means for caring for creation and justice.”
This call to action reflects a growing awareness that environmental stewardship is central to our witness as disciples of Jesus Christ. By lifting up creation care and justice across all areas of ministry and mission—including preaching, liturgy, communications, education, outreach, and advocacy—the church becomes a living testimony to what it means to love both God and neighbor.
Church Land Use
In keeping with our call to steward the earth and its resources well, local churches and conference facilities are encouraged to take tangible steps that restore their land and practices to greater harmony with God’s design. These faithful actions may include replacing traditional lawns with native plant species, removing invasive non-native vegetation, transitioning to renewable energy sources or avoiding purchases that contribute to deforestation and environmental harm. Each of these choices reflects a deeper commitment to creation care and justice—honoring the interconnectedness of all life and our responsibility to protect it for future generations.
UMC Commitment to Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions
In a bold step toward environmental stewardship, twelve boards and agencies of The United Methodist Church—alongside the Council of Bishops—have pledged to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 across all ministries, facilities, operations and investments. At the General Conference that convened in 2024, United Methodists affirmed this pledge by officially adding it to the Book of Resolutions, signaling support across the connection for meaningful climate action rooted in faith.
External Contacts
- Mel Caraway, HTC Caretaker of God’s Creation
Resources
