Record-breaking heat waves, widespread wildfires and other extreme weather events capture our attention. While the environment affects us all, the most profound impacts are on those in poverty. “Loving the Least of These: Addressing a Changing Environment” is an updated report showing how climate change impacts the world’s most vulnerable.
As evangelicals, we believe that caring for creation is part of our calling as stewards of God’s creation. We also believe that caring for the most vulnerable is central to the way of Jesus. “Loving the Least of These” explores the biblical basis for Christian engagement, the science of climate change, how climate change affects the poor, and practical ways to move forward. We hope this report will equip the Church with a greater understanding and resolve to care for creation and love the most vulnerable around the world.
Download the Executive Summary
Read Section 1: A Biblical Basis for Christian Engagement
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About the Report
The original version of “Loving the Least of These” was published in 2011 after extensive review from scientific and evangelical advisors. This revised 2022 version was created in partnership with World Relief and the Evangelical Environmental Network, and includes updated science and examples, as well as new articles from contributing authors. Dorothy Boorse, professor of biology at Gordon College, served as lead author for both reports.
Foreword by:
Walter Kim, President, National Association of Evangelicals
Contributors include:
Bishop Timothy Clarke, Senior Pastor, First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio
Mitch Hescox, President, Evangelical Environmental Network
Jessica Moerman, Vice President of Science and Policy, Evangelical Environmental Network
Thomas Ackerman, Professor Emeritus of Atmospheric Sciences, University of Washington
Christopher Shore, Chief Development Officer of Economic Empowerment, World Vision USA
Jenny Yang, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Policy, World Relief
Lanre Williams-Ayedun, Senior Vice President for International Programs, World Relief
Galen Carey, Vice President of Government Relations, National Association of Evangelicals
Afterword by:
Myal Greene, President, World Relief
About the lead author:
Dorothy Boorse serves as professor of biology at Gordon College. Her primary research interests are in aquatic community ecology and invasive species. Boorse also spends a great deal of time studying the integration of faith and science, particularly in the realm of environmental ethics. She holds a master’s degree in entomology from Cornell University and a Ph.D. in oceanography and limnology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
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Next Steps
What Should We Do?
When people are suffering and God’s creation is groaning, Bible-believing Christians cannot sit idly by; we must respond. But how? NAE’s Galen Carey offers seven ways we can make a difference.
Take Action
Let your members of Congress know that you want them to work together to develop sensible solutions to meet the challenges of a changing climate. We have a draft letter ready for you to review and edit. Take action now.
More Resources
We can’t all be climate scientists, but we can all learn more about the beautiful world God has made and entrusted to our care. Here is a list of books, reports and other resources for further learning.
For more on creation care, check out these organizations
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testimony
“This issue of climate change is real. It is not a hoax. It is not a straw man. Changing climate is not, or at least should not be, a liberal versus conservative issue. It should not only be addressed by the scientific community or the political community; it must be addressed by the faith community as well.”
Bishop Timothy Clarke
Senior Pastor
First Church of God in Columbus, Ohio
