Gordon Biology Professor Joins Evangelical Scientists In Urging Congress to Act On Climate Change

For Immediate Release:
July 12, 2013

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Jo Kadlecek, Senior Writer
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Wenham, MA—Dorothy Boorse, professor and chair of Gordon's biology department, joined Gordon associate biology professor Craig Story and over 200 other leading evangelical scientists on Wednesday, July 10, 2013, for a national press call to announce the release of a letter calling on Congress to address the issue of climate change.

In light of President Obama’s recent announcement of his administration’s plan, the group organized the press call and the letter urging Congress to pass meaningful legislation during this congressional session and to reduce carbon emissions while protecting the environment for future generations. It also included a focus on strengthening the country’s outlook for the economy.

“Three basic principles in the Bible should underlie our concern about climate change: care for the poor, pursuit of justice, and stewardship of creation,” said Boorse during the call. Boorse, who lives in Beverly, MA, has written extensively on the subject as well as partnering with the National Association of Evangelicals for publications. “Care for the poor, who are disproportionately affected by any disaster, droughts, floods, and sea level rise, is part of loving our neighbor, one of the great commandments. Justice is owed to people alive today and to future generations. And as stewards of the created world, we should be concerned about the loss of other species, which is happening at a pace that is not at all natural.”

Signers of the letter felt compelled to speak out on this issue not only because they understand the science of climate change, but also because of the biblical mandate to protect God’s creation. The letter highlights the fact that those whom Jesus called “the least of these”—the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed—feel the greatest impact from the effects of climate change, with worsening droughts, wildfires, floods, and severe storms.

The group of evangelical scientists—which included Tom Ackerman, director of the Joint Institute for the Study of the Atmosphere and Ocean at the University of Washington; Katharine Hayhoe, director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University; and Calvin DeWitt, Professor Emeritus of Environmental Studies at University of Wisconsin-Madison—also offered Congress their expertise as scientists and their prayerful witness on the issue of climate change.

“The issue of climate change is critical right now, but it can also be confusing,” Boorse said. “We wanted to present clear and accessible information, as scientists and people of faith, and urge Congress to act.”

For more information on Boorse’s work with the NAE, please click HERE.

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