| The following is our orginal letter of intent. Purpose of the Campaign Our initial purpose when founded in 1998 was to articulate a right relationship to forests. No policy plans or understanding of where this would lead were anticipated. It was understood that forests were an issue filled with contention and not well informed by theology or religious organizations. We initially wrote: A coalition of religious groups will explore, identify and extend religious values to the preservation and restoration of public forests, and the rural communities which are dependent upon them. Our intent is to bring religious leadership, members of religious congregations, and eventually government leaders into moral and ethical understanding surrounding the issues of forests. As a result of our explorations, a series of advisory statements emerged from which a national declaration emerged. (See RCFC Declaration). The advisory statements covered a breadth of issues and views. One offered an apology to society for neglecting to articulate a theology of forests. Another emphasized a generic theology that would shape an understanding of forests. A crucial advisory statement emphasized action. As a result of our study and forest exploration, a series of policy positions emerged. They include the following four calls based upon religious principles: (1) the immediate end to all cutting of ancient and old growth forests, (2) the end of commercial logging on public land, (3) the redirection of taxpayer industry subsidies into forest restoration and restoration jobs, and (4) prayer and a search for wisdom by churches and synagogues on the spiritual value of forests. From these four initial elements to our religious position, a series of implications derive which give us our programs and initiatives (See "Programs"). Our concerns throughout the development of these positions have been obedience to God, care for our neighbors, especially loggers, healthy rural communities, concern for the future, and inclusion of the many non-economic values of the forests. Since the first initiatives by our coalition, many other religious groups have developed policy positions and declarations around forests. All of these are included on this website as well as many other considerations which blend to form a comprehensive view of forests. We invite you take some time, brouse through the many facets and faces of our site, and consider becoming part of our work. Fred Krueger Campaign coordinator |
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