1. …for creation An Overture to Divest from Fossil Fuel Companies First Presbyterian Church, Oak Ridge July 12, 2015 Dan Terpstra

2. …for creation Desmond Tutu on Climate Change

3. …for creation Anthropogenic Climate Change is Happening Now Climate Change is a Moral Issue Money is a Moral Instrument We as Church are Called to Act on Moral Issues Fundamental Assumptions

4. …for creation A Recommendation: – divest from fossil fuel companies – two or more presbyteries agree A Rationale – the more the merrier – the shorter version – the longer version The Overture

5. …for creation Introduction Biblical and Theological Rationale Climate Change Rationale Denominational Rationale Divestment Rationale Jobs More Than Symbolism The Rationale

6. …for creation The creation story: – Genesis 1:1—2:4a: poetic theological declaration how many times is creation called “good”? – Genesis 1:28: Our Vocation “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth” In what ways have we exploited the earth, using power and freedom in ways that do not reflect God’s ways? Biblical and Theological Rationale

7. …for creation Matthew 25:31 - 46 – 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' How is anthropogenic climate change disproportionately impacting ‘the least of these’? Biblical and Theological Rationale

8. …for creation 2°C 565 GT CO 2 (2012) 3000 GT CO 2 $674 Billion How many years are left in our carbon budget? Climate Change Rationale ; ~400 GT CO 2 (2016)

9. …for creation MRTI: 25+ years of fossil shareholder engagement – CERES, ICCR, As You Sow, dozens of shareholder resolutions General Assembly Overtures & Resolutions – 1981, 1990, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2003, 2006, 2008… Divestment Principles and Criteria – reflect central aspect of the faith – preceded by action and engagement – clear goals and objectives – work ecumenically – pay attention to consequences – measurable – visible, transparent, pastoral Denominational and Divestment Rationale

10. …for creation a.Pray for forgiveness b.Study energy sources c.Practice energy conservation d.Purchase energy efficient appliances and vehicles e.Purchase sustainably grown food f.Reduce meat consumption g.Purchase green energy and carbon offsets h.Invest in the renewable energy industry i.Advocate for climate and energy policy change in church and government The Power to Change (ACSWP, 2008) Individuals and Families

11. …for creation a.Synods and Presbyteries: advocate energy efficiency b.Establish a Presbyterian Green Energy Fund c.Make OGA meetings carbon neutral d.Make national offices more energy efficient (Louisville, Jeffersonville, Philadelphia) e.MRTI: expand engagement on energy efficiency f.PILP: encourage efficiency and renewables g.Presbyterian colleges: sign College Climate Commitment h.Presbyterian seminaries: add env. education to curriculum i.Stated Clerk: make joint statements on energy policy The Power to Change (ACSWP, 2008) Church Hierarchy

12. …for creation Some say it is hypocritical to divest from fossil fuels while remaining dependent on them. It is equally hypocritical to gamble on the continued profitability of the fossil fuel industry while urging individuals to use less fossil fuel. Divestment and conservation go hand in hand, and both will work together to make renewable energy and energy efficiency more widely and economically available. Hypocrisy

13. …for creation The Recommendation (1) Overture 2.a. stop new direct investments 2.b. divest the rest in three years 2.b.i. work with managers 2.b.ii. Establish fossil free options Commentary don’t buy more shares in specific fossil companies the clock keeps ticking… “the rest” is defined by the Carbon Underground 200 most investing is done through fund managers; they must create the products we want Foundation has already done this; harder for the Board of Pensions

14. …for creation The Recommendation (2) Overture 2.b.iii. Seek out renewables 2.b.iv. continue shareholder engagement 2.b.v. don’t make stupid choices Commentary Many divestment actions call for reinvestment; similar to positive investment in Palestine; limited options This is BIG! MRTI constantly says we can’t “lose our seat at the table. ” It only takes $2000. Investment institutions have a legal ‘fiduciary duty’ to act in the best interest of their clients

15. …for creation The Recommendation (3) Overture 2.c. Report on your progress 3. Call upon the Stated Clerk 4. provide instructional materials Commentary We want to know how it’s going We want the fossil fuel companies to know what we’re doing. Teach everybody, from members to congregations to presbyteries. All of the above is appropriate here.

16. …for creation Social Concerns [July 13]  Session [July 15]  Presbyteries (> 2!) [Aug 22; Nov 10]  General Assembly Committee [June 2016] – decision / referral Plenary Vote The Process

17. …for creation www.fossilfreepcusa.org

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19. Who agreed on Fossil Fuel Divestment?

20. …for creation Seven Criteria for Divestment 1.The issue on which divestment is proposed should be one reflecting central aspects of the faith. 2.The issue on which divestment is proposed should be one that the church has addressed by a variety of educational and action efforts, such as: – Correspondence with companies – Discussion with company managers and directors – Statements, questions, and shareholder resolutions at stockholder meetings – Legal action against companies 3.The analysis supporting the proposed action: – Should be clearly grounded in the church's confession and unambiguously present in the social policy of the General Assembly – Should clearly define the behavior and stance of the corporate entities whose policies or practices are at issue – Should state the ends sought through divestment

21. …for creation 4.The decision should be taken after consultation with the ecumenical community, whenever possible. The implementation of a divestment action should ordinarily be in solidarity with other Christian bodies. 5.Efforts should be made to examine the probable effects and consequences of the action with affected communities, particularly Presbyterians. 6.The proposed action should be sufficiently precise that the effect of its application can be evaluated. 7.Any proposed divestment action should include provision for: – Informing appropriate church constituencies – Giving appropriate public visibility to the action – Engaging other governing bodies and members in advocacy for the ends that prompt the divestment – Giving pastoral care to those directly affected. Seven Criteria for Divestment