Climate Emergency Actions

In 2016, the Presiding Bishopric leased 47 acres of land in eastern Jackson County, Missouri to the Solar Power farm. International Headquarters (IHQ) is a major participant in the solar power program committing to 900 kilowatts of solar energy units. These 900 units represent about 50% of the annual electricity needed at the Temple complex. This arrangement also provided future rate change protection or a “freeze” on 50 % of the Temple complex’s electric rates in the future.

The World Church uses guidelines for Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance investing that are consistent with World Church Financial Policy stated in World Conference Resolution 1264 (Reference Appendix A of this policy). These screens and evaluation tools were recently enhanced to provide more qualitative and quantitative information and are now used by the Presiding Bishopric and the Investment Committee to guide investment consultants and managers selected by the church toward decisions that reflect World Conference action and our Enduring Principles.

IHQ continues to support a hybrid work schedule allowing employees to work three days without commuting to the office.

The World Church Finance Board and Investment Committee continue to conduct all meetings online to allow global participation with no travel requirements.

The World Church Leadership Council (WCLC) now meets virtually 1 or 2 times a year and in person 1 or 2 times. Similarly, the Council of Twelve Apostles and Council of Presidents of Seventy meet virtually when WCLC is meeting virtually and in person only when WCLC is in person.

Human Resources Ministries and the Presiding Bishopric recently conducted an analysis of the feasibility of shifting fleet vehicles to electric. The analysis yielded the following results:

1. The charging infrastructure is not yet adequate in many parts of the USA and other nations to move to fully electric vehicles. In some cases, the terrain is not suitable for an electric vehicle.
2. Availability of electric vehicles is a problem in some nations including the USA where long wait times are required to obtain a vehicle. In some cases, the price of electric vehicles is out of reach due to limited supply.
3. In nations where availability is not an issue and charging infrastructure is in place, some employees are driving electric vehicles. This is encouraged.
4. Human Resource Ministries and the Presiding Bishopric are only offering hybrid vehicles in the USA unless there is a specific need due to terrain.
5. We will continue to move toward more electric vehicles as availability and charging infrastructure improves in some nations.

In coordination with the World Church Earth Stewardship team, water stations at the Temple Complex (two at the Temple and one at the Auditorium) continue to encourage the use of refillable water bottles.

At the Temple Complex, blue trash bins are provided throughout the complex next to black garbage cans. Paper, cardboard, and plastics are picked up periodically by a local contractor who recycles the material.

More efficient LED bulbs are being phased in throughout the Temple Complex. Currently approximately 60% of the complex has been converted. Exterior lighting is also in the process of being converted. All Exit signs will be converted by year end.

J.E. Dunn Construction recently conducted an exhaustive analysis of the Temple Complex as we plan for capital needs in the future. This analysis included detailed thermo-imaging with recommendations for achieving greater efficiency which will be phased in over time. Outdated heating and cooling systems will be replaced with more energy efficient systems within the next 18 months.

A team has been meeting to review and develop recommendations for landscaping around the Temple Complex that conveys our enduring principles, especially Sacredness of Creation. The preliminary work of the team is being utilized to obtain funding for a Peace Park which will include solar energy usage, absorption of greenhouse gas emissions, use of native plants to reduce irrigation needs, outdoor community space for learning about environmental best practices, and a small community orchard. The project will be phased in as resources become available.

Work accomplished at International Headquarters is increasingly supported by electronic documents in place of paper. As an example, all World Church Finance Board and Leadership Council reports are developed and provided electronically. Additionally, there is intentional increase in maintaining and storing files electronically as much as possible.

Support of Other Quality Actions In addition to eight (8) hours annually of paid volunteer hours of the employee’s choice, IHQ employees can take up to an additional five (5) days (or 40 hours) of paid leave from work to support volunteerism with organizations that are aligned with Community of Christ Identity, Mission, Message, and Beliefs.

In Spring 2025, The Root Design Company created a native Missouri prairie garden on the rooftop of the Community of Christ Temple in Independence, USA. Featuring over sixty native species that support pollinators and wildlife while requiring minimal maintenance, the garden stands as a living symbol of peace, beauty, and ecological stewardship.

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