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What's holding US pastors back from preaching on climate
- Despite widespread concern among US faith leaders, about half have discussed climate change with their congregations, underscoring a persistent gap between belief and preaching.
- Reverend Bradley Mattson in Pennsylvania models stewardship by introducing planet-friendly practices in small, respectful steps rather than pushing a full climate agenda.
- Pushback in Maryland shows that environmental topics can polarize pews, with some members framing sermons as overly political.
- Congregations participate in tangible climate action, from planting native species to installing water dispensers and recycling bins, protecting local water quality.
- Mattson advocates a constructive frame—focusing on pollinators and stewardship rather than guilt about changing routines.
- Starting small with respect helps make climate ministry approachable, expanding later to land and watershed protection.
- Conversations frame climate stewardship as a faith-based responsibility, not merely a political controversy.
- Church climate work spans advocacy, reforestation, and protecting the Chesapeake Bay Watershed across six states.
- Pastors invite external experts or trusted laypeople to speak, boosting climate literacy within congregations.
- The new reference emphasizes political polarization as a major barrier to climate discourse in US churches.
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