The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has never taken a stance when it comes to the environment, until now. Earlier this week, the LDS Church launched a webpage on its Newsroom website called “Environmental Stewardship and Conservation.”
The webpage has a statement encouraging not only its members but everyone to take care of the Earth saying, “All humankind are stewards over the earth and should gratefully use what God has given, avoid wasting life and resources and use the bounty of the earth to care for the poor and the needy.”
Susan Soleil, of Utah Interfaith Power and Light, said the webpage has links regarding other environmental news for the LDS church.
“I think it also sends a really clear message about how strongly the LDS Church cares about this Earth," said Soleil. "It admonishes not only its members but everyone, all humankind to care for creation because we need to answer to God about how we care for what we have been given to us.”
Until now, Soleil said many people were unsure of the church’s stance when it came to the environment.
“I think it’s a really powerful website," said Soleil. "It is very exciting within the interfaith community. I think there are a lot of faiths that have been unclear where the LDS Church stands on and caring for creation. And I think this website does this beautifully.”
Soleil said she is excited about the webpage.
“I had tears in my eyes as I read the beautiful words on this website and I encourage every member of the LDS Church to go to this link read the words that are there, practice what the LDS church encourages all of its members and join with all the other faiths in caring for this beautiful earth and caring for each other," said Soleil.
Morgan Pratt is a sophomore at Utah State University seeking a degree in Journalism and Communications.
