Joint Statement on the U.S. Withdrawal from the UNFCCC

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Dear Members of US Senate:

We, the undersigned faith organizations representing diverse religious traditions across the United States, write to express our deep concern regarding the administration’s decision to withdraw from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a 1992 treaty ratified by the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and signed by President George H.W. Bush.

Together, our religious teachings call us to protect the Earth, which sustains all life, and to act in solidarity with our siblings across the world—especially those in vulnerable communities already suffering the floods, droughts, wildfires and storms intensified by climate change. While we recognize there are sincere differences of opinion about the best approach to climate policy, we believe the United States must remain engaged in international climate discussions. Withdrawing from the UNFCCC, where all other sovereign nations participate, removes America’s voice from the global conversation at precisely the moment when it is most needed.

Withdrawing from the UNFCCC also represents a profound strategic setback to the United States’ national interest. Retreating from these conversations, while competitors accelerate clean energy investments and leadership, the U.S. risks forfeiting its economic edge. Isolationism leaves American households exposed to rising costs from fossil fuel volatility and the escalating financial toll of climate-driven disasters. Crucially, this move also threatens public health. Increased air pollution from fossil fuels and more frequent heatwaves are projected to cause thousands of premature deaths and billions in annual healthcare costs. Altogether this decision renders our nation less secure, less healthy, and less prosperous.

The UNFCCC, despite its imperfections, represents the global community’s commitment to address this challenge together. U.S. participation in it is a covenant of global accompaniment, a pledge to walk together in hope, responsibility, and just stewardship. The United States must not turn away from this duty. We may have honest disagreements about policy approaches, but we should unite around the principle that America belongs at the table, shaping solutions rather than sitting on the sidelines. We call on Congress to act with courage and ensure that our nation remains engaged in addressing one of the most significant challenges of our time.

We stand ready to work with you toward policies that reflect sound judgment, moral responsibility, and concern for the common good.

Respectfully,

National organizations
American Friends Service Committee
Bread for the World
Catholic Climate Covenant
Church of the Brethren, Office of Peacebuilding and Policy
Daughters of Mary Immaculate – Marianists Daughters of Mary Immaculate – Marianists
Daughters of the Holy Spirit
Dayenu: A Jewish Call to Climate Action
Dominican Sisters of Hope
Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa
Dominican Sisters of Sparkill
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Franciscan Action Network
Franciscan Sisters of the Sacred Heart
Holy Spirit Missionary Sisters
Interfaith Public Health Network
Laudato Si Movement
Marianist Environmental Education Center
Maryknoll Office for Global Concerns
Medical Mission Sisters
Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate
National Religious Partnership for the Environment
NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice
Office of Justice Promotion, Sisters of Providence
Passionist Solidarity Network
Presbyterian Church (USA) Office of Public Witness
School Sisters of Notre Dame Central Pacific Province, Provincial Council
Sisters of Christian Charity
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas Justice Team
The United Methodist Church – General Board of Church and Society
Union for Reform Judaism
United Church of Christ
Wheaton Franciscan Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Office

Regional organizations
Audubon Park Covenant Church
Church Women United in New York State
Creation Care ministry, Diocese of San Diego
Creation Care team Paulist Center
Laudato Si’ Circle of South SF Bay
Laudato Si’ Movement, NH Chapter
Mount Alverno Fraternity O.F.S
NC Catholics Caring for our Common Home
Office of Advocacy & Justice Passionist Community Birmingham Al
Our Lady Star of the Sea, Marblehead, MA
Sacred Heart Catholic – Prescott, AZ
Saint Francis Joseph Singapore
Saints Joseph and Francis Parish, Wilmette, IL
Sisters of Charity of New York
Sisters of IHM EarthCARE Committee
Sisters of Saint Francis Rochester Minnesota
Sisters of St. Benedict
Sisters of the Presentation San Francisco
St Patrick Creation Care Team
St. Elizabeth Seton – Creation Care Ministry
Texas Impact

Photo: Tree with moss, available in public domain via Unsplash.