Global warming resolution debated Wednesday, June 13, 2007 - 9:41:00 AM
Messengers moments ago debated a resolution on global warming, but its possible passage will have to wait until later in the day. A recommendation from the floor asking that two paragraphs be struck from the resolution was close enough that SBC Frank Page asked for a ballot vote on the matter. However, it appeared the motion would have had the votes for passage.
One paragraph that would be deleted says, in part, that messengers "encourage continued government funding" on global warming. The other paragraph says messengers "support economically responsible government initiatives and funding to locate and implement viable energy sources to oil" in order to reduce "our dependence on foreign oil" and decrease "the amount of CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions." The messenger who made the motion to delete the paragraphs said the paragraphs weaken the resolution and rely too much on the government.
Paragraphs that would not be struck urge “Southern Baptists to proceed cautiously in the human-induced global warming debate in light of conflicting scientific research.” The resolution also “strongly request[s] that all public policy decision makers ensure an appropriate balance between care for the environment, effects on economies, and impacts on the poor when considering programs to reduce CO2 and other greenhouse gas emissions.”
But the resolution also says that “Christians are called by God to exercise caring stewardship and dominion over the earth and environment” and that messengers “continually reaffirm our God-given responsibility to care for the earth by remaining environmentally conscious and taking individual and collective efforts to reduce pollution, decrease waste, and improve the environment in tangible and effective ways."
Additionally, the resolution says the "record shows that global temperature has risen and fallen cyclically throughout geologic history" and that the "scientific community is divided regarding the extent to which humans are responsible for recent global warming."
